One Ordinary Day at a time is an ultimately uplifting story and I loved it. It’s not all plain sailing though.

Jodie has been in numerous foster placements as a child and a disastrous adult relationship. The only good things to have come out of it are her son Zak, and her drive to succeed and get into Cambridge University. But Jodie is living in one room with Zak and working at Prince Burger whilst she finishes her college course - and life is hard.

She meets Simon Sparks at Prince Burger and once she finds out that he has been to Cambridge, she’s determined to convince him to tutor her for her entrance interview. But Simon has a lot of secrets and has endured hardships and abuse of his own.

The narrators on the audiobook really brought this to life for me. Jodie’s narrator (Ayesha Kala) was spot on, but I did struggle a little with Simon’s narrator (Victor Oshin), and found that I had to speed the narration up more on his chapters. I do realise that he was probably trying to show how disconnected from real life Simon was, but it did annoy me 🤷🏼‍♀️. I liked that the narrative swapped between Jodie and Simon, so I often saw the same things from both of their viewpoints.

This is a really heartwarming story of overcoming adversity and working hard to get what you want out of life. A story of what being a good friend is all about.

Heart-warming, emotional and absolutely wonderful, Sarah J Harris’ One Ordinary Day at a Time is a book guaranteed to lift your spirits that is difficult to resist.

Simon Sparks is a man who would much rather hide in the shadows and watch the world go by. Perfectly happy standing behind the bar of the local Prince Burger, Simon never believed that he was the kind of man to set the world on fire. Shelf-stacking and fry shovelling is what Simon knows and what he believes he will be doing for the rest of his life – until one ordinary day when single mum Jodie Brook unexpectedly comes into his life and ends up turning both of their worlds upside down.

Being a single mum is one constant challenge after another – and nobody knows this better than Jodie. With her son Zak to bring up, Jodie barely has time for herself and she has grown used to one disappointment after another. Always chasing a dream that never quite comes true, Jodie wonders when she will ever catch a lucky break – but could a chance meeting with Simon Sparks end up changing her life and provide her with the happiness that has long been denied to her?

As Simon and Jodie find the world around them changing, will they realise that they can become the masters of their own destiny and prove their doubters wrong – but only if they first find the courage to believe in themselves.

One Ordinary Day at a Time is a hopeful and inspirational tale about courage, believing in yourself and taking a leap in the dark that will leave you with a great big smile on your face. Sarah J Harris has written a sensational novel that sparkles with warmth and heart and which will have you cheering on the book’s protagonists and keeping everything crossed for them.

Quirky, intelligent and hugely enjoyable, Sarah J Harris’ One Ordinary Day a Time is sure to capture your heart.

I adored this book! Simon and Jodie are incredible main characters and I absolutely ate this book up, finishing it in a couple of days.

I couldn’t get enough of either character. Both were so special in their own way. The difficult subjects that were handled throughout were dealt with so well and I loved the dynamics and interactions between everyone. This book really hammers home that it’s so important for everyone to have a support network and shines a light on domestic violence and child abuse so well.

The ending really pulled at my heart and I had tears in my eyes as I finished reading. I honestly could have read so much more about these characters, but the ending was the perfect conclusion to their story.

This book would make such a good adaptation, I hope it is picked up and I get to watch this on screen at some point!

5 easy stars!

An absorbing story of two troubled people who begin a tentative friendship and in return move on from the traumatic scars of their past. I loved the well written characters, an ideal read for a rainy afternoon.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The way in which the writer creates a narrative that is duel perspective is engaging and keeps the reader intrigued. As the story develops you become invested in each character, the uplifting message that the story purveys is perfect for those wanting that lighter read, whilst not having to compromise on a well written novel.

This book is really about healing from the traumatic scars that we have been left behind. Don't get me wrong there are times the story was hard to process but it really was lovely at showing the human spirit and what friends can do when you don't feel like you have much hope.

Even though both these characters grew up in two very different ways, it is nice to see how they overcome obstacles of varying sizes and they learn to accept the character flaws of the other person. This seems to be prominent in the theme as Jodie for example has to accept the mannerisms of Simon and vice versa as they both heal together from their own pasts.

I have to be honest and say it wasn't the best book in the world, but it was nice to see what people do when they truly care about people in the face of adversity. It is heartwarming in this sense, as it is the belief that there is someone out there with similar scars who understand what you are going through and what they would do to help if the situation needs it.

Personally, I have been going through a lot myself at home, so for me, this brought tears to my eyes at what the human race can do when we need someone most. I wish I had a friendship as understanding as Jodie and Simon.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

One Ordinary Day at a Time is an uplifting and equally heart-breaking read that takes you on a journey through Simon's and Jodie's pasts while they work towards securing brighter futures for themselves.

Simon is a true genius who initially comes off as an annoying know-it-all. I didn't click with his character immediately, but as his tragic and abusive past was uncovered it made sense why he was that way. He had such a traumatic childhood that as he's grown he's not learned the proper methods to protect his mental health. This has led to his current predicament of desperation to solve a seemingly impossible maths theory for a huge sum of money and fame beyond his wildest dreams. I truly felt so heartbroken for him the more about his story that was revealed. His father was a cruel man that only cared about his son being 'top of the class' and nothing else. I really despised his character for how he treated his own son. It felt like a situation where there could be no forgiveness for it.

Jodie is smart and driven, but she's a single mother struggling to make ends meet. Her dream is to go to Cambridge to study English Literature. I really resonated with her drive and steely determination to make her dreams come true. From a substance-abusing mother to being thrown between care homes and foster homes, and ending up in an abusive relationship herself, Jodie also had a terrible childhood. She was always fearing her ex would get out of prison and return to finish the abuse he started. I rooted for her all the way as she worked so hard and never gave up. She did it all so she and her son, Zak, could have a better future and that's admirable.

I feel that One Ordinary Day at a Time deserves 4.5/5 stars. The reason I have knocked half a star off is due to the fact I found it really difficult to see past Simon's 'know-it-all' tendencies. I get why he was that way, but it was still annoying. Overall, this is a beautiful and uplifting story that shows you that finding the right person at the right time can change your life forever.

Simon is a true genius who initially comes off as an annoying know-it-all. I didn’t click with his character immediately, but as his tragic and abusive past was uncovered it made sense why he was that way. He had such a traumatic childhood that as he’s grown he’s not learned the proper methods to protect his mental health. This has led to his current predicament of desperation to solve a seemingly impossible maths theory for a huge sum of money and fame beyond his wildest dreams. I truly felt so heartbroken for him the more about his story that was revealed. His father was a cruel man that only cared about his son being ‘top of the class’ and nothing else. I really despised his character for how he treated his own son. It felt like a situation where there could be no forgiveness for it.

Jodie is smart and driven, but she’s a single mother struggling to make ends meet. Her dream is to go to Cambridge to study English Literature. I really resonated with her drive and steely determination to make her dreams come true. From a substance-abusing mother to being thrown between care homes and foster homes, and ending up in an abusive relationship herself, Jodie also had a terrible childhood. She was always fearing her ex would get out of prison and return to finish the abuse he started. I rooted for her all the way as she worked so hard and never gave up. She did it all so she and her son, Zak, could have a better future and that’s admirable.

It was inspiring to read as Simon and Jodie came together as unlikely friends. I was pleased that the book focused more on this than trying to force them into a relationship. They had so much to do to help themselves first that a relationship would not have worked. I loved how they brought out the best in each other and pushed each other to their limits. By the end, I felt they both deserved the world. Their character development was so entwined with their blossoming friendship that it was heart-warming to read.

I feel that One Ordinary Day at a Time deserves 4.5/5 stars. The reason I have knocked half a star off is due to the fact I found it really difficult to see past Simon’s ‘know-it-all’ tendencies. I get why he was that way, but it was still annoying. Overall, this is a beautiful and uplifting story that shows you that finding the right person at the right time can change your life forever.

Gosh, I absolutely LOVED this book. I was enamoured with Harris' previous book, and this one is just as delightful. A really gripping read, thank you!

Nice little book to read over coffee on a Sunday morning! Really enjoyed it, not my usual bag but I really liked it and would defo read more from the author 😃

I loved this book from the beginning. The characters were believable,flawed and human.
Jodie is a single mum with a difficult past in care and hiding from a violent ex, Simon was once a child genius with a horrendous pushy parent.
They both work at a burger joint and when Jodie finds out that Simon went to Cambridge University she asks him to help her attain her lifelong dream of going there.
There are so many twists and turns to the story but it never descends into the usual boy meets girl trope.

Such a good book, start of thinking it’s going to be a light story but ends up dealing with some tough subjects, also how looks can deceiving and first impressions can be wrong. Really good read.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read it.

I'm honestly astounded that there's a low number of Amazon and Goodreads review for this book. A story as wholesome and layered as this deserves more attention.

Uber geek Simon meets single mum Jodie who seem to be at odds with each other - seems pretty benign and understated so far. Both of them are dealing with the demons of their past.

Simon, however, seems to be an oddity with almost offensive communication skills. But there is far more lurking beneath the surface. After a false start, it takes the presence and persistence of Jodie to help him face his issue. Jodie, too, has problems with her ex yet she seems to be stronger than Simon who is clearly struggling with deep-seated abuse from his father.

I loved that her son has his own storyline in the background that's directly linked to her dire circumstances. And her circumstances are certainly dire. I felt a certain pain reading about her living situation and the financial difficulties she experiences. Still, she remains determined to improve her life because the strength of her love for her son is what seems to drive through her defence and retaliation to fight against her ex.
Jodie is written as a breath of fresh air filled with ambition that's awe-inspiring.

I loved the detail in the book. Sarah J Harris wrote about Simon's memory palace with an interesting intricacy and reading about how his brain worked added profundity to his lost opportunities.

Meanwhile, Jodie's exploration of literature especially of the classics is a pleasure to read and inspired me to ensure I read Great Expectations at some point in my reading journey. The story is a celebration of books and I can't say it didn't pain me immensely to read the book burning scene. Thank God this is fiction.

With a twist that would give the Sixth Sense a run for its money, the book also shows how mental health issues can be easily masked. It becomes quite clear that Simon's Victorian upbringing was disturbing and his father was looking to maintain his power through subjugation of his mother. It also has a wonderful balance of plot and character development where one complements the other.

One Ordinary Day At A Time is a wholesome and heartwarming book touching on many dark themes but with a lot of hope for its characters. This is contemporary fiction at its finest that left me in tears at the end.

Oh my goodness!

I loved The Colour of Bee Larkham’s Murder and this is equally wonderful.

Jodie and Simon are such brilliant drawn characters that I was fully invested in their story from page one and could not put this book down.

Jodie is so resilient – overcoming the tragedies of childhood and domestic violence, she is determined to do whatever it takes to make life better for her son. She is witty and sarcastic, intelligent and empathetic.

The Jon job at her local burger bar may not be glamorous but it fits in around her college course and her child care. She can also use the free food vouchers when money is tight.

There she meets Simon. He is gifted and mathematical- a tortured genius. Who, despite his education, is also scarred by his childhood and super competitive father who pushed him to be brilliant from a young age.

As the friendship between Jodie and Simon begins to develop they find that each of them is revealing more of their true self to the other with unexpected consequences. Learning to trust people again and make friends does not come naturally to either of them and some of the secrets are still incredibly painful.

I loved this book.

It’s so poignant and heart-warming. And it’s so positive. Harris’s characters, while remaining true to themselves and the integrity of the story, get their second chances. But they work hard for them.

Thank you Netgalley for my gifted copy of this wonderful story.

I enjoyed Sarah J. Harris’ previous story, The Colour of Bee Larkham’s Murder, but I absolutely LOVED this one!

We follow Simon – socially stunted by his upbringing and unusual thought patterns – and Jodie, who has been fighting against neglect and abuse all her life, as they slowly get to know one another and find that they can affect each other’s lives, both in positive and in negative ways.

This is a story all about finding a balance in life, the give and take of friendship, and the dangers of repressing feelings and not communicating and/or keeping secrets. The plot does go to some very dark places, but the final impression is one of light, warmth and hope, and Sarah J. Harris avoids the obvious, romantic finale by keeping the focus firmly on friendship and family.

I was completely hooked and totally immersed!

I lived and breathed this book. I cried; I smiled; I gasped and, more than once, I hissed audibly with rage.

If you enjoy incredibly emotional and uplifting stories about accepting each other’s differences, overcoming our inner and outer struggles in life, and the creating of a family from love and understanding instead of blood, then you will adore Simon, Jodie, Zak, and the Prince Burger crew!

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog

Jodie and Simon are twenty-something people who meet at a fast-food restaurant in London as they take on minimum wage soul-destroying jobs. Jodie is a single mother, devoted to her son but trying to escape the vicious circle of poverty that has dogged her through a childhood in care and an abusive relationship, she has ambitions to study at Cambridge. Simon is a mathematical genius whose life work is to solve complex hypotheses, a former child prodigy he has spiralled into obsessive behaviour following a difficult upbringing. These two unlikely characters form a strange friendship which helps both of them confront their demons.
I absolutely loved this book which surprised me as it is a genre that I find to glib in most cases. In common with Harris' first novel, society and mental illness are to the fore and handled extremely well. The descriptions of the life led by the two main characters is realistic - mouldy bedsits, payday loans, minimum wage jobs - and the supporting cast are well-rounded. The 'twists' at the end for both characters were totally expected but that didn't stop this being a really good read which hit home emotionally.

Excellent read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my feedback.

One Ordinary Day is a heartwarming read, very well written that brings you the kind of characters you will fall in love with.
Simon and Jodie, our two main characters, are living with heartbreak, they are a bit cautious around each other and both feel vulnerable because of their pasts.
I enjoyed how a friendship soon develops between them, I felt the more I read the more I understood them. I was rooting for both of them, I’d taken them to heart and wanted a happy ending of course.
You will be swept away by this book from the start, I didn’t want to put it down. There are ups and downs, nothing does ever go smoothly does it?! You aren’t given the predictable and that’s something I enjoyed. A lovely ending and a wonderful story. Thank you.

One Ordinary Day At A Time is the beautiful and memorable new novel by Sarah J. Harris. I really enjoyed it and I read it in two days. At times, it is fun, at times emotional and heart-breaking, and there is also a bit of suspense that kept me on edge. What I loved most about this incredible story is the two – and a half – protagonists: Simon, Jodie, and her seven-year-old son Zak.

I loved the friendship between Simon and Jodie. They couldn’t be more different and yet, very similar. Simon is genius. At work, his colleagues call him “Prof”, his IQ is higher than Einstein and Stephen Hawkins, he went to Cambridge when he was 15 years old, his social skills often offend people, and he loves math, pub quizzes, and his goal in life is to solve the Riemann Hypothesis, but his day-job it to make fries at Prince Burger. Here he meets Jodie. A single young mother with a seven-year-old son, Jodie needs the job at Prince Burger to support her and her son Zak, but she dreams to get into Cambridge to study English Literature and assure her son a better life. Jodie asks Simon to tutor her for the entrance exam at Cambridge, while she will help him with his social skill and slowly but steady they form a beautiful friendship, but they keep from each other secrets and a troubled and difficult childhood. Simon’s childhood was spent with his nose into a book under the close and hard scrutiny of his father and the only person who showed him love was his mother. Jodie was raised in the foster system, going from home to home, neglected by everyone except Lizzie, the librarian who introduced her to literature and Charles Dickens.

One Ordinary Day At A Time is an incredible story and I am still thinking about it days later after finishing reading it. The characters are authentic and relatable. I felt for them, for their dreams, their hopes, their regrets, their guilt, and I rooted for them to have their happy ending. The story is brilliantly-written and it captured me from the very beginning. I couldn’t recommend it more!

I loved this book which brings together two people who form a very unlikely friendship. Simon is a former twin child genius who has ended up working in the local burger joint where he struggles to find his way among normal social cues and interaction. Jodie is a single mum of Zak. She was brought up in the care system, trusts no one and is focused on gaining a place at Cambridge to read English Literature. Both Simon and Jodie have secrets in their past that are re-emerging for them to deal with. Jodiie is being helped to apply for uni by Simon in exchange for her trying to teach him to be more sociable and empathetic. This book deftly explores this unlikely friendship, it is humorous, amusing but also heart wrenching. It is a lovely book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the chance to read and review an advance copy.