Cover Image: What Planet Can I Blame This On?

What Planet Can I Blame This On?

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Member Reviews

I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

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Loved this book! I read it in a sitting and really wanted to carry on with Krystal's journey!

The writing is so good! I hope the author writes more!

If you love reading your horoscope every day, this book is for you!

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As soon as I heard about this book I knew I needed to have it. At the time I was going through a break up myself, so needed to leave it until that wasn't so fresh anymore. I'm glad I did as I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much back then.

It's a fun book, and with some lovely characters. I enjoyed Ryan and thought he was written well and not too stereotype. Granddad was a firm favourite,

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When I saw this, I just new I needed to read this, as a twenty something year old recently going through a break up I was just like PLEASE GIVE ME THIS.

I think it's just something that I needed to be honest, it was fun in so many parts, and I haven't really read anything to do with astrology so that was an added bonus.

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I was drawn to this book by the synopsis and the cover - it appeared fun and quirky, it was just that! I read the book in a day in the summer, and is the perfect summer read!

Late twenties Krystal has her life turned upside down following her relationship breakdown, loss of job and loss of flat. In a change of mindset Krystal uses the signs for advice and guidance!

I didn't warm to the main character well however the supporting characters are lots of fun!

A nice, quick summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

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I’m a long-time subscriber to Ellie Pilcher’s newsletter so, when she announced that her debut novel had been bought for publication, I was sure I’d enjoy it.

On many levels, What Planet Can I Blame This On? is a really fun book – Krystal navigates her way through her new life circumstances with plenty of pratfalls and a supporting cast of hilarious characters like the ladies from her astrology class. In many other ways, though it has a serious point to make about our mental health as we age, and the way obsessive behaviours can overwhelm our daily life and relationships. But please don’t let me make it sound heavy – it really is a fun book to read!

Overall, Krystal is a likeable character and, even as you can see her getting pulled deeper into astrological mumbo-jumbo (disclosure: I am a confirmed cynic about all that stuff), it’s still really easy to sympathise with her and support her.

There are some lovely romantic touches to the book and who can argue with a book where a pivotal scene takes place in Waterstones Piccadilly?

Overall, this is a great debut – I don’t know HOW Ellie found time to write it among all her other jobs – and I’m excited to read more from her.

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When I started this book I was really looking forward to getting stuck in but unfortunately I found it very slow to begin and it didn't grab me. I did continue with it and the second half I found dis grab me, it got better and I enjoyed it. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion

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I liked the premise of this book. Kris (Krystal) loses her fiance, her flat and her job and is forced to contemplate her life. She decides to explore the world of astrology and enrols in a class at the local community centre. Sge uses horoscopes. crystals and star charts help inform her life choices.

There was an interesting cast of characters, Paige and Tina- the best friends, Ryan- the Irish love interest and I especially liked Grandad with his wise words.

It was an enjoyable read, though a bit predictable. Ellie Pilcher has a nice, upbeat writing style and I will look out for more of her work.

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A really fun read, with touching moments too. I became quite fascinated with the whole horoscope thing and I followed the main character Krystal who is having a 20-something-life crisis. Her two friends are great supporting characters and add another dimension to the story. Very enjoyable.

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Thank you for providing access to this book. I'll be reviewing/featuring this book separately from NetGalley as I have a physical copy.

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<p>Ellie Pilcher stand up and take a bow! This is an absolutely fantastic read!!! I don’t know how a written review will do this book justice at all. </p>
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<p>Krystal is a fantastic character who has felt real and authentic. I love Paige and Tina- the three have really provided me with a lot of laughs. I have snorted from the laughter more than once. </p>
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<p>This has been completely engaging and impossible to put down. I have devoured this book in just one sitting. I have been captivated by this from the very beginning and definitely haven’t been disappointed. </p>
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<p>This is wacky and fun, a novel which has completely exceeded my expectations. I knew I was going to love this one, but I had no idea how much I’d love this one. I’ve even googled my own mix of signs whilst reading this one. </p>
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<p>This is a unique novel and unlike anything I’ve read previously which has made me crave more and more from this novel. There is nothing negative I can say about this one. It really is a completely fantastic novel. </p>
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<p>This is definitely the lighthearted and escapist read I have needed. I have definitely been left smiling by this debut novel and I cannot wait for more from Ellie. A most definite five star read which I 100% recommend. </p>
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Overview
After finding out her fiancée of less than 24 hours has been living a less than monogamous life, Krystal (Kris) is unexpectedly single. They say bad things come in 3’s and if being cheated on wasn’t harsh enough, in less than a week she is made redundant from her job and flat less.

As legend suggests the stars are definitely against her! Or could it be that at 29 her Saturn Return has all the answers regarding the next stage of her life? Feeling lost, Kris embarks on finding out more and enrols in an astrology course to discover what the planets have in store.

My Thoughts
This book definitely wasn’t what I expected - although from the title I should have realised that astrology would have been at the heart of it. I found the story engaging, funny and the right amount of reference to pop culture.

As a lead character Kris is relatable and I enjoyed following her journey as she deals with the aftermath of a break up and finding herself. After being dealt with negative situations one after the other, it is understandable that she looks for answers in the stars. With the new hobby quickly becoming an obsession, it was interesting to see the effect this had on her friendships and decision making.

I really liked the way the author intertwined plot lines that were obvious to the reader but had gone amiss to Kris who was so wrapped up in herself. I also liked that the friendships felt real, Paige and Tina were such good friends that they were unafraid to call out her BS. Also a special mention to the Grandad who knew how to help Kris when she hit rock bottom and Ryan who was definitely a keeper!

I’d recommend this book to anyone with an interest in astrology. This is hilarious, wise and a great book from a debut author. I look forward to more!

4/5

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Probably a nice book for most, but this story is not my cup of tea. Lots of references (probably to TV shows?) that I didn't get and then there is all that booze. I couldn't persuade myself to get on with it. No worries.

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Rated 3 1/2 stars - This is surprisingly very funny. It starts with Krystal's birthday and her bemoaning her playlist, of which I may have furrowed my brow at Stay Shakespear's Sister, but each taste is different. Moving on... It's her birthday and her playlist dislike is the absolute least of her worries. Her boyfriend and his behaviour is her biggest problem. Luckily she has friends, Tina and Paige to turn to. The conversation that ensues is seriously funny and the humour in the descriptions and dialogue continue throughout as they decide what they want to do with the bad boyfriend. There's also a funny description and reference to Villanelle in Killing Eve and Harry Potter and other references to things such as pop culture and more, carefully placed, and in a witty way
Life just tumbles for her as she then loses her job and finds herself which planet or star she can blame it all on. It's a book that lives and breaths in grown-up millienials in some ways and in another, in the most funniest ways, that the planets and stars have a lot to play in her life. As much as throughout, it is fun to laugh with Krystal and her friends and at her, it is easy to cheer her on and hope that things pick up in her life again, from all the freefalling catastrophes that life can throw at people. She then relies on horoscopes and planet alignments to help her re-evaluate her life and to try to change it and her friends are there too, full of kindness.
Whatever stage you are in life, there will be something relatable and it is ultimately a laugh-out-loud book, that's as good as some sitcoms in some of the humour.

The humour makes this a wonderful book to sit with a glass of wine or something, out in the sun.

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This review has been made possible thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.

The novel is about 29 year-old Kris, a young woman living her best life, working her dream job, living in her dream apartment with her fiancé. Within a week, she finds that he's been cheating on her for 5 1/2 out of their 6 years together, her apartment (and almost all of her belongings) floods due to an issue with the pipes and she gets made redundant from her job. She relies on her friends and leans heavily on astrology to guide her through her Saturn's Return in the hope that it would fix all of her problems. With many meet-cutes, fate intervening, and exploring spirituality, this book takes Kris through a journey of self-discovery and development to becoming a better person. 💃🏼

I found the tone of the novel really positive, with a good sense of humour and moments for reflection. You can feel the pain Kris feels by being abandoned by her ex, her despair due to not having a clear plan and the support of her family and friends through this difficult time in her life. While sometimes the dialogue felt a little too telling, trope-y and stilted, the characters were pretty well fleshed out and their relationships with each other, and the plot flows well from one notable event to another. 📖

I'd recommend this to anyone feeling a little lost in life, interested in spirituality or who has a set of tarot cards, a pile of rose quartz in the corner or a wish to understand what planet you can blame. 🔮

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This was such a light and fun read! I positively laughed out loud a couple of times, and I had a delightful time diving into this story! I loved how goofy Krystal was and her obsession with horoscopes. I can definitely recommend this.

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Krystal Baker is having just the worst week when she discovers it may be down to astrology and what is set in the stars. Following her horoscope leads her on a journey of coping with what has been thrown her way, and rebuilding her life. No spoilers!
This book is just brilliant!! I loved it!! Laugh out loud hilariously funny, but also makes you stop and think.
A joy to read about Krystal and her friends and the people in her life.
Great story, well written, well thought out, can't wait for the next Ellie.Pilcher release!
Thank you for the opportunity to read early NetGalley

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4.5/5

I received an eArc copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Branching out a bit from my usual reading niches of fantasy, sci-fi and mystery, this book was a joy to deviate with.

- The characters were vibrant and multifaceted. The friendship between Krystal and her two gal pals was particularly well portrayed and felt FRIENDS-esque in it's warm and cosy friendship feel.

- Whilst several plot points were reasonably easy to predict, the storyline was very enjoyable and, again, cosy.

- The author has clearly researched well and it shows in the details of the book, especially the astrological elements.

- Krystal's grandad is a wise, wise man and his advice resonated with more than his granddaughter.

- The mental health advice included in this book is very sound and it made me so happy to see it discussed in a book.

My little adventure outside of my comfort zone was well worth it and What Planet Can I Blame This On? really made me laugh, smile and think. I can't wait to read more from this author.

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I laughed a lot and had a lot of fun in reading this book.
It's well plotted, full of humour and the characters are well developed.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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Loved the sound of this book but sadly just not enjoying it. The 3 main characters are irritating and I struggle to enjoy a book when I don’t care for the characters.

Apologies but not a book for me

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