Funny, insightful and satisfying. Three things I like a book. Very enjoyable read. Great characters with plenty of giggly moments. Ludo is one to look out for! Easy to read and not overly predictable.

Thank you Netgalley

Oh I so enjoyed this book. I don't often relate so well to characters with a big age difference to me but in this case I feel fro Viv hook line and sinker, I was on her side and rooting fro her right from the word go. I love that Fiona Gibson has written a book about a menopausal woman and shown what life is like just going through all those hormonal changes warts and all. I value the honesty and rawness of the writing and the humour of the situations that she managed to uncover.



Yes Viv is a great character because she has come to a stage in life when she knows what she wants and she is fed up with having to wait for it. She doesn't take things too seriously and realises that she doesn't know it all but she really is fed up with her husband and rightly so and that is where I found her so relatable. I was with her in the middle of the night when the person next to her is just being so annoying and even though I listened to this book on audio, I laughed out loud a number of times, something i normally reserve for books I am holding in my hand.



The other characters in this book are definitively all secondary characters Viv is the star here but they are all fully developed and have lives of their own and I loved their interactions with Viv and the way they moved the story forward and posed interesting problems for Viv to have to deal with. Some of the things that she does face in this book are very true to life and very relatable and as I've already mentioned Fiona Gibson is making headway in uncovering some fo the issues that face women of Viv's age in this lifetime and yet doing so with that wonderful Scottish sense of humour. I appreciated the west of Scotland setting here too.



I did literally laugh my way through this book and I so enjoyed the time I spent with Viv and her life troubles. I really recommend this one and I can safely say that this is another hit for Fiona Gibson-bravo!

At first infuriating, but ultimately uplifting, this story about Viv moving forward in the midst of menopause and marriage falling apart will be great for anyone looking for a change of pace from the typical young and looking-into-the-future romances.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for a gifted copy of this book.

Unfortunately, I DNF at 35%. This is very character driven and it's way too slow for me. It's like reading diary entries. I was hoping to push through but it just really isn't for me.

This is my first book by Fiona Gibson and I was not disappointed! She portrayed the main character is such a real and compelling way. From the menopause symptoms to trying to navigate life alone for the first time in 25 years, you find your self rooting for her to succeed. I love the bond between Viv and Penny, her older friend who has her own vivacious past, and between Viv and her daughter, Izzy, who inherited her mother's determination and sense of humor. When dealt the worst of hands, she chooses to make lemonade, proving that sometimes the worst thing you think can happen ends up being the best for you.

Firstly, I would like to thank Avon Books UK for the copy they sent through the post for my review and to be apart of the blog tour.
If you are looking for a lighthearted and funny read (which I am sure we can all do with at the moment) then look no further. I was chuckling from the first page.
Viv is one of those women that you could imagine yourself sitting with over a glass or two of wine having a good chat about the days events and trading gossip. Her life is not at all how she wants it to be and just as her marriage ends, is the same time she decides to give it another go herself. Aided by her good friend Penny, a very eccentric lady I might add, she knows she needs to create a new life for herself. Strong and determined Viv gets to it and is in for some laughs along the way. What I like about Fiona's characters are that they become friends, you can imagine them actually doing everything that is described.
When Life Gives You Lemons is just as good as Fiona's past books. Her writing style is so easy to read and hooks you in, having you laughing out loud, so beware where you read this.

To tell the truth, I was a little daunted when I discovered that the protagonist is a fifty-something woman in the throes of menopause. I mean, how could I relate to that? Answer: with difficulty. But that didn’t stop me from really enjoying this gem of a read from Gibson.

Oh, did Viv make me laugh. Gibson expertly creates a very entertaining monologue and hearing Viv’s inner thoughts on everything around her. Viv’s one-liners are hilarious and they had me chuckling. I actually wanted more comedy from this character but I could see why Gibson reined it in. This story was more about a woman’s growth and establishing her true identity after being stuck in a marriage that lost its spark a long time ago.

The supporting cast of characters are all very colourful. This helps lighten the atmosphere of what could potentially be seen as a rather bleak narrative: menopausal woman who is dissatisfied with her job, and her husband has had an affair. Instead, Viv’s friends provide a range of diversions and help bring out Viv’s true personality. Rose’s interpretation of providing Viv with a new title at work was comical and patronising at the same time; Penny is inspirational; and Nick seemed to be the fresh air that Viv needs. All in all, I think the story would have taken a very different turn if these supporting characters had not been so vivid.

This was a well-written story and I enjoyed how the narrative progressed to a natural finish. There was a key event, which I find typical in similar “growth” stories. It was pleasing to see this “deadline” drive the narrative forwards; as such, it did not make the story feel stagnant. Indeed, within chapters there are time periods and it helped to see the passage of time with regards to Viv’s reinvention.

Once again I have had the pleasure of discovering a new author. Consequence? The rest of Gibson’s back catalogue on my reading list! This was a lovely read and one that I completely enjoyed. I think Viv is a woman who many readers out there can relate to, whatever the age, given her humour and gradual approach to life. I loved the vivacity of the protagonist and it felt like I was watching a friend over the course of a year.

With thanks to Netgalley and Avon books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Despite being over 20 years younger than lead character Viv I absolutely loved this book.
I instantly felt a need to want to protect Viv who is suffering from menopause - hot flushes, night sweats etc to find that her husband Andy has been having an affair with fellow medical professional Dr Estelle Lang.
What ensues is Viv’s journey of single parenthood, rediscovering her own identity and a blossoming independence!

Fiona Gibson writes in such witty humour that you can’t help but laugh out loud, while also feeling the emotions of Viv. A special mention needs to go out to Penny who I would love to be friends with, a no nonsense attitude to life we should all adopt.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

When life gives you lemons by Fiona Gibson.

Viv is in her mid fifties and is extremely menopausal. Andy is her disagreeable grumpy husband, who is a doctor. Andy is also extremely disagreeable, uninterested and Discompassionate about Viv’s menopausal life. Furthermore Viv is quite unsettled in her life at present whilst she doesn’t really know which way is up,

The bones of the story are very good however the book is long winded before it gets to the point of the narrative. It all comes together in the last 2 chapters.
The middle portion of the book you kept expecting the story to go further but it didn’t and just fell flat. However it all drew together in the last few chapters which were amazingly well written. This is what you expected from the rest of the book but it wasn’t produced.

I really enjoyed this book. When Viv enters the menopause, the change of life couldn't be more appropriate. She finds out her husband is having an affair and her life literally changes.
She needs a change and unexpected meetings and circumstances lead to a new challenge which changes the focus of her life. We meet Viv's friends and neighbours and fall in love with all the twists and turns they bring.
A really enjoyable read for women of a certain age....whatever age that is!

Viv is a lovely realistic character, so easy to like. When she finds out her husband is having an affair, it forces her to look at her life. Heartbroken, struggling to cope with her understandable anger, her dissatisfaction with life, and the menopause, she turns to her friends. Gradually Viv finds the courage to rediscover, the woman she is, and the life she wants.

Full of authentic family life moments, humour, poignancy and an unexpected dash of romance, this book is an easy, engaging read that makes you alternatively, empathise, and laugh out loud. The characters are vibrant and realistic, and the situations relatable. The well-paced plot keeps you entertained and the ending is hopeful.

I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK in return for an honest review.

Full disclosure, the title was what first caught my interest and made me want to read this book. I mean who doesn't love a gin and tonic, right? Once I was introduced to Viv and her sweet daughter Izzy I was hooked. Viv had me rooting for her from the beginning and wishing I could be one of her Mom friends. This book was laugh out loud funny - seriously I was LOLing on the couch while I read it. It was also very sweet, and memorable. One of my favorite things was Viv's sassy internal dialogue - you go girl!! What can I say, I loved this book. Get this book on your must-read list and you won't be disappointed. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I feel a little bit conflicted writing this review. I really like Fiona Gibson books and she has a very easy quality about her writing but in all honesty this wasn’t one of my favourites of hers.

Viv is our lead character and is of a ‘certain age’ shall we say. There were numerous mentions of menopausal symptoms which at times were funny but at others a little too much. Her husband is an absolute idiot and she ends up newly single while her husband moves in with his new girlfriend.

I didn’t particularly warm to any of the characters and although the storyline was perfectly readable it just all felt a little contrived. I finished the book and there were certainly moments I found the book amusing, but overall it just wasn’t memorable enough and I ended up feeling a little disappointed

I do love Fiona Gibson and her writing. I needed a book that would pick me up make me smile and give me all the feels and this book literally did that. It got me out of my reading funk. I loved the feel good factor about the book and it made me think that there are good people still in this world.

So the story, we follow Viv an older lady who has had her rolled knocked by her cheating husband leaving for another woman, having the start of menopause and well her job isn’t exactly doing it for her anymore.

Throw in some fabulous friends, a brilliant idea, a hunky male and maybe a gin or two and you literally have a book that makes you smile, laugh and want to shout at the male counterpart! The characters made the book enjoyable, I loved the side characters, Viv’s daughter Izzy and her cooking, which I found really cute!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I said it had everything in it to get me out of a reading funk. I loved Viv as a character, she had a knock but she got back up stronger and ready to fight for what she wants and a side project as well that she gave everything to.

After Viv found an interest in her friends old work Girl Friday, a fashion brand she made it her mission to bring it back to life and have a fashion show. This book is definitely celebrating women and the friendships and love that we have for one another.

I liked how the characters came together, that it was a feel good book. That they supported one another and that it was relatable and definitely made me think about the support I have around me. The writing flowed and I was literally glued to this book from start to finish.

Took me ages to get into this and finish it. It was ok but it didn't grip me. I liked Viv the main character and her struggles .and triumphs...but instead of being compelled to read I found this novel a bit of a chore. Funny in places.

This is my first time reading a Fiona Gibson book and I am not sorry that I picked this up.

Viv is married, has a son in his 20's and a daughter that is 9. Take on a job that is sub-par and the fact that she is in the throws of menopause. She expects her husband, Andy, to be more understanding when he snipes at her for hormones that are out of her control. The icing on the cake is finding out that her husband is actually having an affair.

This story takes us through the trials and tribulations of divorce, trying to figure out who you really are, be a good mom, friend, and no longer settling. Throw in her friend Penny, and you have the makings of a wonderful story.

Definitely one-click this now to check it out.

I liked the sound of this book as this woman was a similar age to myself and I thought it would be relatable. It was, to a certain extent.

Viv is married to Andy, who decides that someone else's bed is more comfy than his own. This throws all sorts of spanners in the works of a life that is a fairly normal one when you have been married for 25 years. Through the processing of Andy's affair, Viv discovers that she has very good friends around her and there IS more to her, than dutiful wife and mother.

I like that Viv starts to explore what she wants a little more, she certainly has her eyes opened. I found some of the parts of the book dragged a bit for me - yes, what happened was awful but she went on and on about it a bit much. I appreciated that the author made this book about Viv, and didn't send her on a quest to find a new man in her life or something, as some of these books tend to do. The characters were well written, I even started to like Ludo a little bit by the end!

This book was an easy read.

4 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books.

This was an okay read. I liked it but I didn't find myself head over heels for Viv and I really struggled to relate to her character. But I think it was a decent quick read.

This book is a great for a super cute and light read with the added bonus of giving you a healthy dose of female empowerment.

Viv is a 50+ mother to a young daughter and older son with an unpleasant husband. And I absolutely hate to admit it, but I struggled with the first few chapters – probably the first 15% of the book. Viv was a doormat. And I was horribly worried that she was going to want him back after his affair.

But!

I kept reading and trusted in Fiona Gibson to steer us in the right direction and she did. Viv took strength in friendships, protected her daughter and son and even found a spark with someone else. She had the strength to start again. She was no longer putting everyone else above herself.

It was an uplifting read.

The book reminds you how amazing women of all ages can be and how we all need to stand on a table sometimes and shout about our brilliance – One of my favourite moments from the book.

When life gives you lemons was a fun, entertaining and easy read and I very much enjoyed spending time with Viv, Penny, Nick and the very lovely Izzy.

Fiona Gibson is a great writer, but it is her characters more than her stories that always stand out for me. Within the women’s fiction/Rom Com (I HATE the term chick lit) genre, a lot of the story arcs can be similar. It really is the characters that make a novel special. I have been pre-ordering Fiona Gibson’s books for years and I have no intention of stopping anytime soon.

A fun, uplifting and entertaining read with some amazing characters.