Being a huge fan of Dawn O'Porter's previous work, I was over the moon to receive an ARC copy of 'So Lucky'

So Lucky, is told from 3 POV; Beth & Ruby predominantly, with snippets of Lauren told via her Instagram feed. The alternative viewpoints make this an enjoyable read, as it keeps the pace of the book going.

Ruby & Beth are both loveable characters; Beth is a full time working Mum, returning to work when her son was just 4 Months old, due to planning a celebrity wedding. She appears to have it all on the outside, but problems with her husband lead Beth to take action in ways you wouldn't expect. Ruby is also a working Mum, to 3 1/2 Year old Bonnie. Ruby suffers from a condition, which we learn about throughout the book, and this was prevalent to her character throughout. I initially found Ruby very difficult to warm too, she's presented as quite a cold character, depicted through her relationship with her daughter. However, as more of the story unfolded she became my favourite character.

There were parts of the story that I feel could have been improved slightly. Mainly the character of Bonnie. Despite being 3 1/2 she's almost presented like an adult. The language, personality of the character were beyond her years which was a shame as the other characters were so well formed. My only other drawback to the book was the culmination of the book. I feel the ending may have been a little rushed, as i'm left with a few unanswered questions. I'm secretly hoping that it's due to a follow up book!!

Overall a brilliant read, which I very much enjoyed! Thank you so much Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC of So Lucky.

Great book, devoured it in one day. Enjoyed Ruby and Beth and Lauren too. Loved Risky and Tommy, so many fab characters and enjoyed how they all knitted together come the wedding. Story was great and I was sorry when it ended!

I loved The Cows, so I was thrilled to be invited to read Dawn O’Porter’s new book, and it was indeed a fantastic read.

Ruby struggles both with her three-year-old daughter Bonnie, who she finds difficult to manage, and with a physical condition which she finds deeply shaming and isolating. New mother Beth - in a reversal of stereotype - can’t deal with her husband’s lack of interest in sex (though their problems clearly run deeper). And “social media influencer” Lauren, about to be married to celebrity entrepreneur Gavin, shows off her Instagram-perfect life and body to adoring fans, but the rumours about her fiancé just won’t go away.

All are involved in different ways in selling images of perfection. Ruby earns her living - well aware of the ironies and dodgy ethics - by digitally altering photographs to make women appear flawless; Lauren portrays a carefully curated image of her perfect life and gorgeous self on social media; Beth and her young assistant, the strangely named Risky, plan perfect weddings for the rich and famous (and Beth has an apparently enviable marriage of her own).

This book is spot on in so many ways, from swipes at celebrities who express “fashionable” mental health issues and “keeping it real” in terms of body image while constantly portraying unrealistically perfect lives and bodies, to Beth’s assistant’s well meant and sincerely held but sometimes naive conceptions of feminism.

Ultimately it’s about accepting and making visible - literally, in some cases - what lies beneath the surface, and ends with the deceptively simple question: “Who are you?”.

I really enjoyed this book, although it wasn’t quite what I was expecting – in a good way. It is funny, and warmly written, as you would expect, but there’s a lot more to it. The two main female characters are complicated and engaging, and throughout the book both women struggle to understand themselves. At first glance it could seem a frivolous book - it’s about wedding planners and instagram stars and photo retouchers - but the underlying theme that really impressed me is that no matter who they are, time and time again, women are reduced to and treated as bodies, by society, by men, by each other and by themselves. It gave the book a cohesion and core that I think worked really well.

And it had some pretty hilarious bits too.

Wow. This book made me laugh out loud so many times, it also left me with a lump in my throat at the end.

As a working mum of 2 I appreciated this book so bloody much. I loved everything about it.

I am sure this will be just as successful as the authors previous book Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opertunity to read and review this ARC.

I was really excited for this release having read the Cows, and I wasn’t disappointed. Read it in about 5 hours, so relatable and engaging, and there was some decent laugh out loud moments. Best summer read so far this year and can’t wait to see what else Dawn O’Porter has in her!

This is Dawn O’Porter’s third fiction novel after her debut Paper Aeroplanes in 2013 and The Cows in 2016. She’s really active on social media, especially Instagram, and has contributed/edited/written about loads of things, usually around women/feminism/image etc.

The novel is told in a sort of mainly first person/third person style, with either Ruby or Beth taking a chapter, pretty much alternately. Ruby is a single mother struggling to deal with her toddler, Bonnie, and her debilitating condition which sees her dressed head to toe in velvet outfits she makes herself. Beth is juggling new motherhood and her career as a wedding planner, managing the event of the year in the form of an exclusive, expensive celebrity wedding.

While I definitely enjoyed this, there were a few things that rankled a bit. The biggest thing for me was that it felt like the pacing of the narrative was a bit off – the first 2/3 seemed to be hopping back and forth between Ruby and Beth as they dealt with their respective struggles, without really going anywhere, or at least, with quite a lot of repetition. That meant, then, that the action packed chapters all seemed to be at the end, as the writing accelerated towards the climax(es). A bit like watching any episode of Lost, it felt like it ticked along nicely and then was really exciting, and having the majority of the action at the end then felt like it was really exciting for the whole book.

The split narrators were quite difficult to differentiate, sometimes, and I found myself checking the name at the top of the page on a few different occasions. It was strange as the characters themselves have quite different lives, but their voices weren’t quite distinct enough sometimes. I think maybe adding a third voice would have been really helpful – that does sound counter intuitive, I know, but it could have encouraged something different in the mix. That said, I did like the characters, and their stories were reasonably interesting.

Part of the narrative thread was focussed on Instagram posts, where the photos were described and a selection of comments printed underneath. I thought that was quite interesting, a little bit quirky. On the 10th time though, where the comments are all the same – one positive, one slightly psychopathic fan, one negative and one slightly psychopathic hater, it got a bit samey. I’ve never had to live with the kind of scrutiny I think O’Porter does, so I can’t relate to that, which might be why it didn’t connect.

Similarly, I didn’t really connect to one of the central themes – of motherhood – because I’m not one. I’m an Auntie to five brilliant nieces and nephews, but the pages around how it feels to be a mother and how hard it is to juggle – I can empathise, but I don’t really connect.

Ultimately, this is a great late beach read where you don’t have to think too much, and the underlying message of sisterhood and celebrating our bodies/differences is a good one.

Thanks to HarperCollins for the copy of ‘So Lucky’, and to Netgalley for the access!

What’s it About? Two women, primarily: Beth, and Ruby, whose stories told in alternating chapters make up a social commentary of parenthood, love, feminism and social media.

What I liked: I liked it more than I liked The Cows, for starters which I was super disappointed in. It had a lot of valid things to say and it made those points for the most part, pretty well. I was interested in Beth and Ruby - Ruby a little more so I think, her story having a tenderness to it that surprised me. I loved how one of the stories was told via a character's instagram posts, that was clever and worked well, really cleverly demonstrating the whole issue of instagram versus reality. Overall, I liked it, this is a pretty good - and fast - read.

What I liked Less: I felt like the male characters needed more depth - I'm all for books about feminism featuring strong female characters, but they lose something for me if the men are two dimensional. So frustrating. Also, I don't know what the deal is with O'Porter and the sex stuff - I'm not a prude; I read about sex, I have sex, I'm pretty sex positive, I think, but, like in The Cows I felt like O'Porter is trying to shock and that just bugs me; she's a good writer, she doesn't need to try this hard for a reaction. There's also one scene that really reminded me of a scene from The Cows and the repetition made me roll my eyes. Also also, the blurb doesn't match the book. So annoying.

Thank you to Netgalley , the author and publisher for a copy of this book.

Brilliant and so relateable - I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. There are many laugh out loud moments and, at a couple of points, the tears trickled. I absolutely loved it.

Go read this one - 5 stars!

As someone who prefers to read thrillers, I was surprised how much I enjoyed So Lucky. My first book by Dawn, I agree with other readers that the blurb didn't really match that of the plot itself but this didn't bother me too much. The book felt like a really easy read and I completely flew through it. I struggled with Ruby from time to time but I think this is a credit to how well Dawn has written to her as I don't think she's supposed to be particularly likeable to begin with but we learn to understand her as the story progresses. Beth I really liked and I really felt for her and the situation she was in although I do feel her ending was rushed which was really disappointing. I wanted there to be more about why her husband was the way he was and felt this could have been explored a bit more. While Risky was a nice addition, I do think her character was quite over the top. As someone who is the same age as her, I don't know many like her so it seemed a little unrealistic. While I thought the additions of Lauren's Instagram posts were a good idea, I wouldn't have minded Lauren having her own chapters and thought this would have given us a really good insight into the reality of her life. Overall, a really easy read with some very relevant topics and messages we could all do with being reminded with.

First of all let me start by saying this review was always going to be slightly biased. I am a massive Dawn O'Porter fan. I've followed her on Instagram for ages and she is so funny. I watched her stories whilst she was writing this book and as soon as she started promoting it ahead of its release in October I knew I had to have a copy!

I wanted to love this book, I had such high expectations for it.

I wasn't disappointed!

The book follows 3 female main characters, Ruby, Beth and Lauren. There is also a fourth character, Beth's assistant Risky.

The tagline for the book is "don't judge a woman by its cover" and the whole premise is that we think everyone else is living the perfect life, has the perfect marriage based on our assumptions or what we see on social media.

Laurens part in the book for the first 3 quarters is written in the form of Instagram posts. She is an influencer about to marry a rich business man. She appears to have the perfect figure, perfect man and perfect life.

Beth has the perfect marriage and a beautiful 5 month old son. Her assistant Risky thinks she is so lucky to be living the dream with the perfect husband at home looking after the baby while Beth goes back to work full time.

And then there's Ruby. Ruby was probably my favourite character in the book. From the opening page she comes across as blunt, hard faced and a bit cold if I'm honest, especially towards her 3 year old Bonnie. But she has a condition and a past that affects her ability to form relationships and makes her want to keep herself hidden away from others.

I loved all the female characters but the male characters seemed to be sort of there as an after thought. One character in particular seemed like he was purely used to tie the women together and I thought that was quite obvious throughout.

None of the male characters really come across as very likeable in this book, apart from Ruby's ex husband Liam, and we don't really learn much about them despite them being at the centre of many of the women's issues. In particular I'd like to have learnt more about Beth's husband Michael and why he behaved the way he did.

I also felt like there was more to explore between Ruby and her mother, without saying too much I thought their part felt quite rushed and also not that realistic.

All in all this was a good book. It was an easy enjoyable read and the lead characters were interesting enough to keep you reading. I liked the whole sisterhood vibe towards the end and would love to read a second book featuring these characters and what they get up to in the future.

This tells the story of Ruby and Beth. Ruby is struggling with a failed marriage, a recalcitrant three year old and her own self-loathing. Beth is trying to juggle new motherhood, a successful career as a wedding planner and a husband who just doesn't seem interested in her. We follow their journeys to independence and the ability to nurture themselves in a romp through the complexities of how to find yourself again after motherhood and marriage. Sexually frank with moments of tenderness and despair, this will delight fans of The Cows.

Now I usually love Dawn O'Porters style of writing. She is naturally witty and her social media stories are hilarious but this just didnt shine through in this book.

I was expecting lots of laugh out loud moments but they just didnt come., it was just.... lacking.

I didnt click with any of the characters and the one character that was quirky and a bit risque (funnily enough her name is Risky) just didnt pull through with the hilarity i was expecting.

The Male characters were flat, one dimensional and their places within the storyline were very predictable.

BUT even though I may have not overly enjoyed the book it does have its positives by covering such issues of body image, marriage issues, 'the grass is always greener' belief and self esteem.

2.5* from me.

Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

This was an unexpectedly funny and enjoyable novel. The author has perfectly captured the complexities of women and how their outward persona fails to reflect the person within. Brilliantly written characters and a contemporary story-line which I thoroughly enjoyed .
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyable book from the author of The Cows, I was initially unsure about the characters but found myself growing to like them and empathise with their perspectives/.struggles as the book continued, WIll definitely be sharing this recommendation with my friends.

A book which will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to juggle kids, family, work and finding a moment to be themselves. So many moments when you find yourself nodding along and thinking 'yes, this!'. Insightful and clever.

I thoroughly enjoyed Dawn O'Porter's last book, The Cows, so was really looking forward to trying this new offering.
The story is told through 2 central characters: Firstly, Ruby, who is struggling to raise her young daughter whilst confronting issues with both her own body and her mum's acerbic tongue. Then there's Beth, who is finding it difficult to care for a newborn alongside running a successful business. In the background, there's also Lauren, a very famous and seemingly very confident Instagrammer, who is about to get married and seems to have it all.
The beauty of O'Porter's writing is that these characters are presented to us fully formed. They are three-dimensional, modern women who have complexities in their lives which they just have to get on with. Although the cards they have been dealt are sometimes harsh, there is little time for moping, and their vibrant spirits are their best qualities. They are easy to relate to, and also easy to root for.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and although it was slightly more 'frothy' than The Cows, O'Porter has a real gift for telling stories which wouldn't ordinarily be picked up by other people.
I wholeheartedly recommend this lovely, uplifting book and I hope there's a film on the way.

Having enjoyed reading Cows by Dawn O’Porter I hoped this new book would live up to my expectations, I’m glad to report that it did. It followed the lives of 3 women, all insecure in their own way. An influencer, Lauren, who was about to be married. A wedding planner, Beth, with a young baby Tommy, married to Michael. Ruby, who retouched photos for the famous, with a daughter Bonnie and ex husband Liam. It was funny, poignant, well observed and clever the way it drew all 3 stories together for a satisfying conclusion.

3 women who on the outside appear to have it all but as we all know, it’s not always the case. Brilliantly honest & laugh out loud funny, this is another fantastic read from Dawn O’Porter. I read it in one sitting! 5*****

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher & Dawn O’Porter for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

À difficult but necessary read... I found it hard to get into the head of Ruby but I flew through the book.