If I was putting together a course for people wanting to write chick lit, female-led fiction or whatever you’re comfortable calling it, Mhairi McFarlane’s latest book would be required reading.
Don’t You Forget About Me is an exemplar of the genre; it fizzes with energy, it’s hilariously funny and offers some swoon-worthy romance but at the same time is balanced by a poignancy that genuinely made me tearful.
The heroine, Georgina, is feisty yet vulnerable, relatable and likeable and the hero, Lucas, is everyone’s next book boyfriend.
All in all, even without the Simple Minds earworm of the title, it is an unforgettable book.

Believable characters, realistic humour and poignant moments are all to be found in this likeable story set in Sheffield. Georgina’s life has not followed her teenage plan, but then whose does?

However, there’s more to her story than is first apparent, and although I did find this book, dragged a little in parts, I enjoyed it and appreciated the important issues it raises. Particularly, how a young person’s life can be irreparably damaged, by a single action or event.

The story is romantic and humorous, but it goes deeper than a romcom usually does. The humour is often dark or double-edged, and the romance is there, but not in the voluminous quantities the reader would expect from romantic comedy fiction.

Georgina’s family seem to treat her as the ‘joke’, the one who never grew up, but this is her perception and not necessarily their intention. Families are made up of individuals, drawn together by birth and blood, there is always likely to be a generational difference of opinion, which comes across well in this story, as does Georgina’s reactions and thoughts about their opinions on her life choices.

The romance of the story hinges on whether Lucas remembers Georgina, I think he does. His actions are not blameless, but they are understandable, given what he believes, how he feels about her, and what has subsequently occurred in his life.

The sibling relationship in this story is one of its strengths; competitiveness, bossiness and a hierarchy are evident, but the sister bond is unbreakable when threatened by outside forces.

The last quarter of this story has the most impact. Especially, when Georgina finally faces up to and shares what changed her young life. It is heartbreaking to read, but there will probably be parts of it that you can relate to, from your teenage life. The difficulty Georgina has in verbalising her painful experience is relatable and makes her character memorable.

Well- written, topical and varied this is worth reading, but it’s not a quick, easy read.

Great read. Well written and characters are strong.
It’s a book will make you laugh and cry in equal measure.
Thank you to both NetGalley and Harper Collins uk 🇬🇧 for my eARC in exchange for my honest unbiased review

I absolutely loved this book! I'm a big fan of Mhairi McFarlane's books and as her latest offering, this one is 5/5!

Our main character is Georgina, she's hit 30 and we join her just as she's working in an amazingly comical Italian restaurant and in a relationship which doesn't seem too good. She is a witty, genuine character and there are parts of her story where you have those 'oh I remember that feeling" moments!

Her friends are diverse and hilarious, and whilst there are serious storylines relating to her family, there are some great one liners that come through which left me laughing on the train.

The love story was my favourite part by far, I didn't see the story unfolding like it did and...I don't want to give anything away so won't say anymore on that!

One thing I thought as I was reading it, was how well it could be turned into a film. The writing had a cinematic quality, each chapter was a scene which I could so vividly see playing out as I was reading it.

Loved it, can't wait for her next one, definitely a favourite author!

Thank you to @netgalley and @harpercollinsuk for the opportunity to review

Out on Kindle now and in paperback on March 7th 2019 in the UK.

#libraryatsevern #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #igreads #bookshelf #bookstagram #goodreads #dontyouforgetaboutme #mhairimcfarlane #netgalley #bookreviewer #lovereading

I loved this. In fact it was hard for Him Indoors to persuade me to go sightseeing with him one morning because I was 100 pages from the end and needed to know what happened to everyone. This is just delightful. Georgina is such an engaging heroine, Lucas is brilliant, I wanted to punch Georgina’s family at times – especially her stepdad -and I spent some considerable time thinking of extravagant punishments for Robin the Bad Boyfriend (but his actual comeuppance is very satisfying). And on top of that the book is so, so funny. It was in fact exactly what I have been looking for and what I have been finding so hard to find at the moment. It’s a romantic comedy but it has a serious side as well. There are Reasons why Georgina is still working jobs her family consider pointless and dead end. And there’s a reason why she picked such a terrible boyfriend. And they’re proper, life changing reasons, but there’s such a light touch about it that it all works beautifully together.

This also captured some of my memories of my sixth form experience so perfectly that it nearly took my breath away. I’m a couple of years older than Georgina is meant to be but Mhairi McFarlane has captured that feeling of not being able to do the right thing no matter what you do when faced with the popular kids, that everything is life and death and that the path of your life can be changed by one wrong decision. I always mistrust people who say that their schooldays were the best of their lives, because mine were terrifying and scary and I wouldn’t go back there for all the tea in china – especially not now social media is a thing.

I know that chick lit is a problematic term – and I have as many issues with it as everyone else. But if you read “chick lit” back in the early 00s and find it hard to capture that same feeling from books now – then try this. I read a lot of books (as you know) but I really struggle to find funny, romantic books with happy endings that aren’t all humour through humiliation (not my thing) or finding happiness again (or in the end) after dead husbands or life threatening illnesses (or terminal diagnoses). Something with something more to it than *just* a romance but where you’re not going to have your heart broken before you get to a sort of happy ending. But This Is It. It is fun and funny and it all works out in the end – but not because A Perfect Man has made it better – but because Georgina has figured out who she is and how to start fixing her life herself.

I know that sounds gushy and a bit OTT, but I can’t tell you how relieved I was to start reading this and just sink into it and enjoy letting it all happen. I’ve read so many books recently where I either can’t see how it can all possibly work out all right in the end (or even satisfactorily) or been braced for something bad to happen, that it was a joy to realise that I was in safe hands and could just relax and read. And my tears at the end were happy ones.

*I requested a copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review*

Rating: 3.5 stars

This is my first Mhairi McFarlane book, and I liked it. There was history between the two characters and their relationship just doesn’t immediately jumpstart - it took a lot of time building up to it. The book really dove on Georgina’s notions about relationships as evidenced by the romantic relations of the people around her, particularly her family.

With that said I feel like there were a lot of cop-out situations. I did like that the secret didn’t really go where I expected it to go, but with everything getting rushed after the reveal, there were arcs that were hastily ended without giving it the proper time of day, considering everything that has happened. Even the reveal seems like a cop-out.

Still, if you’re up for a light read, or looking for a women’s lit read (or a fan of the author), give this one a go.

I think Mhairi is an absolute talent - her novels feel like distilled rom com movies and I always end up gulping them down.

Her latest was no exception. Georgina is the perfect everyday girl we can all relate to - prettier than she thinks she is, disorganised, probably not achieving as much as she should be, generally bumbling through life and carrying more baggage than she should.

What I liked about this novel particularly and that I felt showed how much Mhairi has grown as a writer is that darker topics were handled with finesse and sensitivity, including abusive relationships of varying levels, toxic masculinity and the dangers of wanting to please people too much. Therapy was discussed naturally without any level of derogatory approach, and our heroine suffered episodes of panic and depression that were dealt with as part of the story and not the entirety.

So, this is easily Mhairi’s best work to date and well worth your time.

If I could give this 10 stars I totally would. What a great way to start the year, I love Mhairi McFarlane books because they always make me properly laugh I was snorting at Kitty and the muppets line. Georgina (our hero) always had great potential at school and was going to be a writer flash forward 12 years and she’s in an awful waitressing job (not the first). She has to face her past however painful to have a future. Can Lucas a blast from her past make her face the truth. A fantastic, funny read that is a pleasure to recommend.

I heard that Mhairi McFarlane was the contemporary romcom writer to read and so I made Don’t You Forget About Me my last book of the year (2018 needed extra fuzziness). Continue reading the review over on Pretty Books: https://prettybooks.co.uk/2019/01/13/mini-reviews-the-rumour-the-flatshare-dont-you-forget-about-me/

Mhairi McFarlane you have reduced me to a crying mess on public transport and I will never forgive you but I love you for it.
"I didn't know yet that small moments can be incredibly large."

Georgina Horspool is 30, recently sacked from a waitressing job, and just caught her boyfriend cheating with his PA. If there ever was rock bottom, Georgina had definitely hit it. Fortunately for her, her sweet brother in law hooks her up with a job at a pub called The Wicker, where Georgina realises she will be working for Lucas McCarthy, ultimate heartthrob, oh, and quite possibly the love of her life.

This is the exact uplifting novel I needed in my life right now. This fresh take on love and relationships needs to be our new, updated Bridget Jones, (sorry, Bridget!) Georgina is a wonderfully cryptic main character to be reckoned with.
"Being 'in love' is a contented kind of bored with each other. You're not going to find someone who sets you on fire and is also a good idea and you know why? Because being on fire isn't a good idea. It's destructive. When anyone describes love nowadays they usually mean lust."

Do you know when you find a book that feels like it was written solely for you? This is it for me.

Don't You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane is an uplifting, moving, modern romance that explores emotional abuse, physical abuse, even abuse by errant customers. I realise that sounds quite contradictory, how can it be so uplifting if it sweeps through such dark topics, right? Well, it just does. Georgina uses humour as a defence mechanism - also an attack mechanism, but let's not go there right now - and it comes through in the writing and the dialogue really well whilst capturing the true nature of the aforementioned abuse.
"Here's what life has taught me so far: don't worry about that thing you're worrying about. Chances are, it'll be obliterated by something you didn't anticipate that's a million times worse."

Don't You Forget About Me is an amazing piece of work that sticks up for any woman who's ever been looked down upon, and any woman who wants to look up.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher HarperCollins for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have loved all of Mhairi McFarlane's previous novels so when I had the chance to read this new one, it wooshed straight to the top of my reading list. And it most certainly didn't disappoint! The author has a chatty, easy to read style and creates lead characters you take to just as soon as you start reading.

We meet Georgina first at sixth form college, twelve years ago. She's not one of the most popular girls in the school but well enough liked. Her English teacher sees her potential and encourages her by matching her with quiet student Lucas. As they study Wuthering Heights together, friendship and more grows between them. Twelve years on and Georgina has just been fired from a dire restaurant. With her brother-in-law's assistance she gets another job at a pub and is taken aback to realise that Lucas is her boss and rather surprisingly, doesn't seem to remember her at all.

By now being totally invested in Georgina's character, I wondered what had happened to all the promise Georgina had shown at school? Not that there's anything wrong with waitressing or working in a pub of course. But Georgina was very clever at school - voted most likely to go far and get a first - yet she dropped out of uni in first term. And what had happened to that budding romance with Lucas? Having recently lost my own dad, I found the portrayal of how Georgina's dad's death had affected her very moving and could really relate to her emotions and thoughts. Throughout the book, you are very aware that something has happened back in school which has had a huge impact Georgina's life from that point on and affected her attitude to work and relationships.

For much of the book, Lucas is a rather taciturn though broodingly handsome character in the background. As Georgina discovers though, there are many reasons for his closed off facade. I wonder if any reader will not be completely in love with Lucas after THAT epic speech? You'll know which one I mean when you get to it. It's the most romantic scene I've read in a novel for ages. It's well worthy of any romcom film, where it would be the scene making you well up with happy tears. In fact, I think I may start a campaign for this book to be made into a film. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to spend some quality time thinking about who to cast...

I absolutely loved this book which as well as being funny and wise, also has some serious messages about dealing with difficult relationships, growing in self-confidence and having the courage to stand-up for what you believe in. Could this be Mhairi McFarlane's best book yet? Well, I'm not sure I could pick one book as they are all just brilliant and I urge you to find that out for yourself if you haven't already.

Georgina is working in probably the worst Italian restaurant in Sheffield, has a narcissistic boyfriend, a patronising family that doesn't understand her life choices, a housemate from hell, and then she's not only unfairly sacked from her job but also finds her boyfriend in a very unambiguous situation with his PA. And this is when she's thought things couldn't get possibly any worse... But at last luck seems to be on her side when she gets an unexpected job offer at a newly refurbished pub, run by the brilliant Dev. However, then she meets Dev's brother, and business partner, Lucas - her first ever love. She immediately recognizes him, but he doesn't remember her. Or maybe he doesn't WANT to remember her?

I think Georgina, as a main character, may trigger mixed feelings but I liked her. She was funny and sharp and relatable and her life was so full of problems: she loved being a waitress, even if she was working at the worst place possible so when she's fired, in front of the full restaurant, she's truly shocked. She feels comfortable with her boyfriend but then she discovers something and even though she's so right about her decision he doesn't want to let her go. Her flatmate seems to hate her, leaving her passive - aggressive notes and her step - father also seems to hate her, and for sure he doesn't appreciate her, and so on, and so on. So really, to be honest, nothing comes easy to her. But I loved the fact that she never gave up, that she tried to process her dramas and, despite all of the troubles, she's happy with her life. - even though she sometimes felt like a failure, sometimes didn't know what to do with herself and her life. The continuous reminders of her being thirty and that perhaps it's really time to slow down and do something useful (ie. get married and start to produce children) also didn't help. But she was strong, she had great friends and she never gave up, and this is why I liked her so much. Of course, there is still some self - doubt but on the whole she was more or less happy with this what she had and she felt comfortable in her own skin.

The romance aspect was, in fact, the background story - it was Georgina's tale, and I loved it that way, though, I must admit, Lucas was absolutely, totally delicious. Yes, let's swoon a little about Lucas. Sigh. I simply adored him, even with him blowing hot and cold. The younger Lucas, the one that was Georgina's boyfriend, came across as absolutely brilliant, responsible and honest teenager while the older one seemed much more moodier but there is a reason to this, oh yes, there is. But let's put the moods aside, guys, he was simply perfect. And had a dog Keith - what more would you need, right?
Those were actually the characters that made the book so outstanding, I think. They were all so brilliantly developed and full of personality and even if they were absolutely unlikeable - yes, I'm looking at you, Geoffrey, you little toad - you had to appreciate how much work went into all of them, how realistic they all felt. They were strong, not too meh, complex and complicated, just like they should be.

The family dynamics in the story were so well captured! My heart broken at Georgina's attempts to hide the truth from her mother and sister and, as it turned out, they wanted to do the same. Also, at the fact that she still couldn't process her dad's death, at the guilty feeling she was still having - she really had a heart in the right place. The descriptions of the dysfunctional family from Georgina's childhood were so realistic and plausible, as well as the family from her present days - the meetings at her sister's were hilarious, especially when we think about the grandmother Nana Hogg, and also full of hurt, pain and bad feelings.

Sure, there were also some things that felt undone or ended abruptly, or too conventionally, like with the short drama with the diary, I'd love a little more depth and development in the Georgina and Lucas's relationship but they were only small bumps on the otherwise smooth journey but on the whole the book was written in a very easy to read, flowing style that I enjoyed very much. The plot was relatively simple but Mhairi McFarlane's take on it simply brilliant. There were moments that it felt predictable, the will they/won't they were there but it was written in such a refreshing, engaging way that it truly didn't bother me. The events felt so natural, the pace was just spot on, the romance was well developed and I literally raced through this book. The humour there was just my kind of humour, I loved Georgina's sharp tongue and her one - liners and the banter was witty and warm. It was a perfect mix of laugh, tears, heartbreak and hope. There was much more to this book that you could initially think. It's about not allowing others to put you down, about raising above, about getting over your old demons. A hilarious novel with an unexpected depth to it, story about second chances, coming to terms with your past and growing to value yourself. There are some very strong messages in this book, wrapped up amongst the laughs so if you're looking for a light, heart - warming story that will make you think as well, don't hesitate and treat yourself to "Don't You Forget About Me" - highly recommended!

As ever, I read this way too quickly and now is the longest point until NEW Mhairi and that makes me very sad.

As always, Mhairi is ON POINT with romcom perfection - modern, non-cheesy, literally-laugh-and-cry romcom. She writes books you just want to live in. The romance has individualism, the comedy has light and shade. To quote me from all the reviews I've given for this author before, if you haven't yet had the pleasure, INDULGE, you'll thank me (and I'll be so jealous you're getting to read them all for the first time...).

I said before that Delia from It’s Not Me, It’s You was *so me*, but I think it might be Georgina. I am that girl who mental things happen to, who has all the stories - completely hit on the nose and I loved it!

Thank you to Harper Collins UK for an ebook edition via NetGalley of this novel. It is out now as an ebook and will be released in March as a paperback.

My interest in this book came after seeing an amusing tweet by the author about her cat. Then looking at her account I saw that she was a writer with an upcoming novel. It looked like it would be fun and so I requested a copy.

I found it amazing and I could hardly bear to put it down once begun. Georgina is an appealing narrator and I quickly became invested in her ‘second chance’.

Throughout I was smiling with pleasure and often laughing out loud. Yet I also found myself deeply moved and having a cry. I hadn’t quite expected that from a romantic comedy but appreciated McFarlane’s skill in being able to create such a compelling narrative, memorable characters, and to address social issues so effortlessly.

I am highly recommending this novel. Even for someone like myself who doesn’t read much romantic comedy it was an outstanding experience. It is the first novel by Mhairi McFarlane that I have read but I certainly plan to read more of her work.

I’m a huge fan of Mhairi’s other books so was definitely looking forward to reading her new one. If, like me, you are also a fan then you certainly won’t be disappointed. Laugh out loud funny and one of Mhairi’s best. Keep them coming!

Looking for a fabulous book to start of the new year? Looking for a book that will have you laughing one minute and then close to tears the next? Looking for a book with a fantastic leading lady, a hot man, and a cute dog? If yes to any of those questions, then this book is definitely for you.

Confession time. I’ve read one other book by this author, but I can’t remember it. Awful of me, I know. But this book definitely makes up for it.i devoured it in a day (whilst I was supposed to be working) and do not regret one moment of lapsed concentration on the real world.

The characters. Georgina. Oh my god, I loved her. Foul mouthed, chaotic, pink furry coat, and absolutely wild friends. I think she was fantastic. I thought I had her backstory sort of sussed out in the prologue but I was completely wrong with it, and it made my heart break for her when we find out what actually happened. I loved her little anecdotes about working in restaurants and pubs/clubs, and her way with words is fabulous. She’s definitely a firm favourite character. I mentioned Georgina’s wild friends for a reason. It’s refreshing to have foul mouthed characters like this and I loved every minute of them.

Lucas is worth mentioning here. His brooding appearance is welcoming against the crazy life of Georgina. We get glimpses of his sly sense of humour, his caring side and his sexiness but he comes out in full bloom towards the end of the book. He’s definitely a pub landlord I would either work for, or be a customer of.

Other characters? Robin the ex, one simple word for him. Dick. I didn’t like him. Georgina’s mum, I felt sorry for her. Stuck with a bad husband who dies, then stuck with manipulative man who controls everything. Esther, Georgina’s sister. I liked her in the end, she stuck up for what was what right and backed off Georgina in the end.

I loved the way this story flowed, and the way Georgina came across in each of the chapters. Everything came across as though it was just a general chat, across a cup of tea and bit of cake.

I enjoyed this book, but I don't feel it's the author's best work. I can't help feeling we were led to believe that more happened to Georgina in school than it actually did. I can't believe that what happened meant she lived in shadows for the next decade or so.

It wasn't that romantic. More time should have been spent on interactions between Lucas and Georgina. Robin was given more time.!

Georgina's family weren't very nice, although they were kind of redeemed in the end. There's just something not quite right with this story, although it's still a good read, but nowhere near as good as 'You had me at hello' for example.

** ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review **

After what feels like foreevvvveeeerrrr (ok, I know it’s only just over two and a half years, but honestly, it’s felt like a lifetime!) we FINALLY have a new Mhairi McFarlane book to devour!!! During the long months and years since I read her last book, Who’s That Girl? back in April 2016, I’ve been desperately trying to find other similar books to read to fill the void, but honestly, it is my opinion that there is no one out there that can write rom com like Ms McFarlane. She is the queen of warm, witty banter, super likeable heroines and swoonsome heroes. So, I hear you cry, has she continued her brilliant run with another cracker in the shape of new book Don’t You Forget About Me? Well of course she bloody has, and then some!

The story begins in Sheffield, 2007 with our girl Georgina in sixth form, and rapidly approaching the end of her schooldays. A surprise seat reshuffle during an English class, pairs her with the quiet and somewhat mysterious Lucas, a relative newcomer after recently moving schools from Dublin, and not someone Georgina has previously paid much attention to. All that changes as they get to know each other better against a backdrop of Wuthering Heights discussions, love notes and make out sessions in the local Botanical Gardens. The sixth form prom is meant to be the night they take their secret relationship to the next level, but a mixture of lies, miscommunications and hurt pride instead meant it was the night they parted forever. Or so we thought...

Forward to the present day, and Georgina is in a going-nowhere-fast job at an abomination of an Italian restaurant, has a flakey, self obsessed boyfriend, a patronising, disappointed family and a housemate from hell. Just when she thinks things can’t possibly get any worse, she’s unfairly sacked from the worst restaurant in town and then promptly finds her fella in bed with his PA! When you’re that low, the only way has to be up, and it appears Georgina’s luck could possibly be changing when she gets an unexpected job offer in a beautifully refurbished bar in town, working for the delightful new owner Delvin, who is everything you could want in the perfect boss. That is of course, until she meets his brother and partner in the business, in the familiar shape of tall, dark and handsome Lucas....

Oh this book was a joy! The perfect mixture of laughs, heartbreak and slow burn romance. As always with Mhairi’s female leads, I loved Georgina’s character from the off. I recognised the smart, likeable girl who desperately wanted to get the approval of the ‘cool kids’ in her class, and in doing so, suppressed her own potential in a bid to fit in and be accepted -

“You play down your intelligence to enhance your standing with your peers. There’s a big wide world outside these walls, Georgina Horspool, and exam grades will get you further than their laughter. Pretty faces grow old too, you know.”

Sixth form Lucas too, was adorable from his first introduction. His “I love your laugh. X” note made me pull a silly grin as I thought back to how thrilled I would have been at that age to get that note from a boy I was falling for. I read the whole of the prologue wanting to shout at the screen “Don’t hide him away Georgina!! He’s a good ‘un! Be proud to be with him!” But of course, we all know that some things - not making yourself a target, fitting in with everyone else, doing nothing that could possibly be mocked or ridiculed by classmates - seem so vitally important whilst still a pupil, that you’ll do whatever is necessary, however misguided, to avoid the sniggering and mickey taking. I’m sure we’ve all known a version of Richard Hardy. The supposed cool kid, with an underlying nastiness to many of his ‘witty’ quips. His approval would have felt so necessary if for no other reason than to avoid being the butt of his joke. For the self doubters of the world, acceptance by the ‘in crowd’ is sometimes the validation you feel you need to get by at school. And for all her intellect and natural wit, Georgina certainly falls into that category of not quite believing herself good enough.

When we pick up again with 30 year old Georgina, that self doubt is still bubbling under her surface. ‘Why am I still doing this shitty job? Am I too old to be still pull off this look? Am I too boring in my relationship? All these negative questions are not helped, her close friends aside, by the people around her, who could hardly be accused of being uplifting or supportive! This little gem of wisdom from Tony, the terrible chef at That’s Amore!, was a typically cutting example -

“Be careful with that heavy make-up as a blonde. One minute you’re punk like Daryl Hannah in Blade Runner, the next you’re Julie Goodyear.”

That said, so much of the That’s Amore! description was hilarious! I could totally picture this hellhole of a restaurant with its disgusting kitchen and equally grubby chef! I cringed along with Georgina at the simpering lengths she had to go to in order to try to balance keeping both kitchen and customer happy -

“It turns out my role is less a waitress, more an apologist for gastronomic terrorism. I’m a mule, shuttling the criminal goods from kitchen to table and acting innocent when questioned.”

“They told me that a free lunch was a perk of my meagre wage, and I soon discovered that’s an up-side like getting a ride on an inflatable slide if your plane crashes”

I swear I could totally picture the congealed muck on the plates she was forced to serve up! As always with a McFarlane book, even the smallest character is perfectly drawn. Tony, fag hanging out of his mouth and wispy mullet sticking out of his chef’s hat, is such a clear image for me, I’m sure I could pick him out of a police line up. It’s always one of the joys in reading this authors work, the total realism of all her characters.

I found the family dynamic particularly rang true. The dysfunctional family unit she grew up in, with unhappy parents constantly fighting and drawing Georgina and her sister into taking sides, I’m sure feels familiar to many of us who grew up with parents at war with each other -

“It was mine and my sister’s responsibility to act as buffer zones and brake pads, and simply to be someone living in their house that they liked”

I found her description of Saturdays out with her Dad and the relationship they had, particularly touching and at times, quite heartbreaking. Now I seem to be painting this book as quite sad and downbeat, but trust me, it’s totally not! However, I think all the best comedy has light and shade, it gives way more depth and becomes a far superior book because of it. But at its heart, this book is a brilliant rom com, and there is plenty of comedy and romance to keep every McFarlane fan happy.

I LOVED Georgina’s friends! What a fab bunch they all were. I was particularly fond of her loveable young workmate Kitty. Her naive innocence made me smile on so many occasions. Her sheer horror at the suggestion she may like to keep a diary in the future was priceless! -

“Oh my God, no one does that, what am I, some sort of Victorian person!’ Kitty says. ‘Yeah, like, I wrote my diary in my big death nightie and, like, ate mutton pie and that. Wrote it with one of those pens that are feathers.’
‘What the hell is a big death nightie?!’ I say, putting aside the fact Kitty called me ancient.
‘Those nighties that ghosts wear and they put old people in. You know. Like in a Muppet’s Christmas Carol.’
‘Hahahhaa. The Muppets’ Christmas Carol. RIP Charles Dickens.’ Devlin says.
‘I know who Charles Dickens is!’
‘Do you? My bad,’ Devlin says.
‘He’s the bear, he tells the story.’
Devlin and I look at each other and hoot and Kitty says, ‘Oh piss off!”

Special mentions must also go to the fabulous Nana Hogg, the gorgeously warm Dev, kind and lovely Mark, narcissist Robin and, although I loathed him, the perfectly drawn, odious little toad Geoffrey. His put downs and sly digs made me furious on Georgina’s behalf, but it’s the mark of brilliant writing that his words can cause such a reaction in the reader -

“Oh for goodness’ sake, your indispensability to some grotty boozer! Yes, I am sure they’ll be scouring Yorkshire trying to find another person with opposable thumbs, capable of placing a glass on a counter top and counting coins. It’ll be like that hunt for a pop star programme. Soda Pop Idol hahaha.”

But back to Lucas *sigh* The older Lucas we met in the book, came across as a darker, moodier version to the affectionate teen we were originally introduced to, but of course, that was for several very good reasons. I found the romance in this book a slightly slower burn than in the authors previous work, but no less glorious because of that. I’d like to assure fans of You Had Me At Hello and It’s Not Me It’s You, that the ‘I wondered if’ speech in this book is right up there with Ben’s declaration in chapter 69 and Adam’s love letter respectively ❤️

There were heartbreaking parts to this story as well as the heartwarming. When discussions were finally had about the disastrous prom night, I could have cried I was so sad for all the hurt and pain that was caused, but I’m glad that Georgina finally had clarity about what happened and just who should have carried the blame for that night. As with most situations, talking and being honest is the only way answers can be found, and closure can be achieved.

You may think when reading the books blurb that Don’t You Forget About Me is just a classic second chance romance, but actually for me, it’s much more than that. It’s really a tale about learning to be kinder to yourself. Of not putting yourself down, and not allowing others to do that to you either. It’s a reminder that secrets and lies can fester and eat away at you if you let them and that being honest with yourself and others can prevent so much hurt and confusion. So maybe this new year, we should all try to give ourselves a break. To acknowledge that we are good enough and we are all trying to do our best, and really, that should be good enough, for ourselves and for all those people who claim to care about us.

In Don’t You Forget About Me, Mhairi McFarlane has written another cracker of a story. It’s warm and witty, heartbreaking and uplifting and I loved every word of it. I just have one final request for Ms McFarlane - please, please, PLEASE, don’t leave it so long for the next book!!!

This was the first book I have read by Mhari McFarlane and I was pleasantly surprised. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

I found this book a little slow to start but it soon picked up and I loved it. I loved Georgina ... I loved her friends and I loved Devin and Lucas.

The story begins with a prologue from years gone by when Georgina was in sixth form. It then moves swiftly to the present day when she is a waitress in a local restaurant where the food is less than edible!!! On the evening in question she is serving a difficult customer who is not enjoying his dinner and wants her to tell the Chef. She does so and after some to-big and fro-ing gets fired for her troubles!!! She decides to call on her boyfriend but when she gets there she she finds him in situ with another woman!!!

On top of this she has a mum, sister and stepdad who all seem to be down on her and her life seems to be standing still. She has some lovely friends though and after working at short notice for a client of her brother in law she lands a job serving in a new bar. She enjoys her new job and then discovers her new boss is a face from her past....does he remember?

This book is funny and sad and so good. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I have one problem with Mhairi McFarlane’s books; I inhale them. Every single time I sit down to read one I think to myself, ‘savour it Beverley, because once it’s finished, that’s it’, and every single time I devour it in a matter of hours. Don’t You Forget About Me is no exception, I couldn’t put it down and was fully absorbed in the world of Georgina.

If you haven’t read a Mhairi McFarlane book before then you really should remedy that pretty quickly. Her books are witty, sharp, precise and feel like you are falling head first into a really excellent romcom, like the ones Matthew McConaughey used to make before he became boring a serious actor.

Georgina is working at a quite dire Italian restaurant in Sheffield when she is unceremoniously and publicly sacked. To rub salt in the wound she then finds her boyfriend in bed with another woman. He didn’t think they were exclusive you see, even though they had been in a relationship for the previous 6 months. Her brother in law wangles her a job at a newly refurbished pub owned by one of his clients. Under strict instructions from her sister not to mess it up like she does everything else in her life she is stunned to discover that the owner is Lucas, her first love. The problem? He doesn’t remember her. Awkward.

Georgina is a wonderful protagonist who is faced with adversity in the form of a family who love her but don’t seem to like her very much at times. She feels like a failure, is unsure what to do with her life and is regularly reminded that now she is thirty that she should be married and putting her womb to good use. Add to that an ex who is a gaslighting cheater and a flatmate who communicates in passive aggressive notes accusing Georgina of teabag theft, and things are a bit rubbish for lovely Georgina. She keeps her head up though and surrounds herself with family in the form of friends who really get her and she shows how it is possible to rise to the top, even when others want to pull you down.

Mhairi McFarlane manages to write sparky, strong characters and romance without it being the least bit schmaltzy. In fact, if you think this is a book about boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy tries very hard to get girl back then you’d be wrong. Yes it’s about romance, but it is also about not ignoring those red flags in a relationship, complicated families, turning thirty and not knowing what on earth you want to do with your life and the joy of really, really excellent friendships.

It is a thoroughly modern book which fizzes with anger at toxic relationships and the treatment of women at the hands of men. Wrapped up amongst the laughs and the love is a serious tale of insidious behaviour and cruelty and yes I laughed, but I also did big snotty, ugly crying too.

Now, what on earth do I do until Mhairi McFarlane’s book? You see, I knew I shouldn’t have gobbled it up. 🙈