As a 32 year old who has often felt slightly stuck herself, this book was a timely read!
We meet Jade at a particularly sticky point of her life; she has an ever-increasingly chaotic family to deal with, an unsupportive drifter of a boyfriend and a very demanding boss, and now, to top it all off, someone appears to have access to her future conversations and keeps sending her the scripts?!

I was drawn to the unique concept of the story- the idea of a script of your life. We see how Jade, aside from obviously being slightly freaked out by her random future conversations appearing on paper, starts to read these interactions and question her place in her own life. She begins to re-evaluate her relationships and eventually challenge how she is treated.

In being able to see how future conversations pan out, Jade can see how her interactions with the people around her truly impact her life.
The novel did make me wonder what I would see, if I started receiving my own scripts, how often do I say what I feel I ought to, or have learned to? How am I portraying myself, particularly in environments that make me uncomfortable and how would I rewrite this narrative?

The novel reminds us that its never too late to change your path and find what makes you happy. It might not be easy to find your voice, to say 'no' or to walk away from environments that are no longer right for you, but its always worth it.
Remember to 'always keep your face up to the sun'.

I was really looking forward to this, being Fearne’s first fiction book, however I really struggled to get through it. It was just a little flat for me and the characters were really unlikeable. And I just wanted to shake sense into Jade.

I really enjoyed the concept of this book where the main character Jade keeps finding scripts which reveal conversations she is going to have in the future. This sends Jade on a journey of learning to be more assertive and stop just saying ‘yes’ to everyone. There are some really likeable and really unlikeable characters in this book, but I enjoyed the chaos of Jade’s family. A brilliant and enjoyable debut from Fearne.

Loved it!

I really like Ferne Cotton and I’ve really enjoyed her debut novel.
Great characters, they really felt ‘real’ and I could relate to them.
A fun book easy to read
A great holiday read

Jade is a bit of a pushover, she has a boyfriend who jets off around the world spending money he doesn’t have, a sister who expects her to bend over backwards for her and a boss who absolutely abuses her kindness. Something has to change but she can’t even understand what she’s doing wrong. That’s when scripts start showing up before difficult conversations letting her know how they are going to go. However, knowing what’s going to happen doesn’t mean she can do anything to change it does it?

I found this a little bit hard to get into it I’m honest. The start felt a bit clunky and forced. However, once I got into it I really enjoyed it and was looking forward to seeing how Jade took back her independence. One thing that was quite interesting is although there was a bit of a love interest, it was definitely predominantly a fiction about self-love and acceptance which was a nice change!

This was such an entertaining read, but with depth (exactly what I would expect from Fearne Cotton!). The story of Jade, in her 30’s and struggling with boundaries is a familiar one to many women I imagine, and the story of her realising this and overcoming her issues is done cleverly.

The book starts slowly with Jade, the main character struggling with her life, & the people in it. She doesn’t seem able to say “No” to her boyfriend, any of her family (her sister is the worst) or her boss. One day she finds a script, & then more along the way in strange places. Each of them have the words to a conversation she will have in the future with various people. She’s not happy with this situation. Eventually she decides to take charge, & change the narrative of her life. I liked the ending!

Jade Shaw has lived in the shadow of her louder more demanding sister, Lily for her whole life. People just expect her to be pliant and helpful without really being grateful. She has trapped herself into this niche and can't really get out of it. She really notices her subservient ways when she starts finding scripts detailing exactly how her future conversations will play out. She starts trying to take control of her future with mixed results. Interesting and believable concept. Recognise Jades people pleaser character all too well.

‘Scripted’ by Fearne Cotton tells the story of Jade, a woman in her early thirties living in Richmond and working in the creative industry restoring furniture for film and television sets. While she has some incredible colleagues, we soon learn that many people in Jade’s life don’t give her the respect she deserves - from her dismissive live-in boyfriend Adam to her needy sister and her father who constantly reminds her that she’s living in “one of his flats” even though she pays full rent. When mysterious scripts begin to appear outlining conversations yet to happen, Jade is forced to reflect on the fairness of her interactions… and perhaps it’s time to break out the tip-ex and editing pen?!

I liked the Jade as a character, South West London setting and the intriguing concept. The book is definitely thought provoking and makes you question your own relationships and want to stand up for yourself more. I admired Jade’s sensitivity towards her mother’s alcoholism and was rooting for her to start to value herself more and see herself how her friends did. I also really liked the ending and how everything came together!

However, I really struggled with just how HORRIBLE some of the people in Jade’s life were, and found myself wanting to shout at my kindle so often that it honestly impacted my enjoyment of the book. I also thought it took a while to really get going, with limited character development within the first half.

Overall, this was a three star read for me - worth reading for the unique concept and “hell yes!” moments as Jade finally stands up for herself.

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Michael Joseph via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was exactly what I expected it to be, an easy reading, light hearted read. I do think the idea of the scripts is pretty unique however, this was the only unique thing about the book.

The characters were all unlikable and the main character infuriating and unbelievable. I also found it quite slow paced.

It did really remind me of Beth O’Leary’s books so I’m sure if you like them, then you’ll enjoy this, it just unfortunately didn’t keep my attention.

Jade is stuck in the middle of her chaotic family and taken for granted by her self-obsessed boyfriend, Adam. Amidst all the unruliness, she has forgotten how to speak for herself. One day, while out for a run, a mysterious, untitled script appears, predicting an infuriating row with Adam. Later, the scene becomes reality, with Adam getting his way. As more scripts appear, Jade realises everyone but her seems to call the shots.

Can Jade make a new future for herself—one with boundaries and self-respect—or is she doomed to a destiny of people-pleasing and being walked over?


I am a huge fan of Fearne Cotton, so receiving an ARC of her first piece of fiction was incredibly special. The imaginative concept is very original, and I find Fearne’s writing style engaging. The character development in the book was flawless. I enjoyed the family dynamics and found them utterly relatable. If you have never been a people pleaser, I can understand why the main character may be viewed as infuriating. However, if you have a tendency to put others' needs before your own and struggle to say ‘no,’ then you will undoubtedly relate to Jade.

While a fictitious book, pearls of wisdom are exquisitely woven throughout, allowing us all to take something from it. The themes in the book really dig deep; it not only highlights the horrific tendencies of people-pleasing but also shows how life can pass us by if we continue with habits we've fallen into with those around us. The complexities of family and the problems that come with them are deeply explored. The importance of having people to talk to or safe places to escape from the daily grind shines through, and there is a stark reminder that even those who appear to have it perfect on the outside don’t have it all worked out. Most significantly, it reminds us that we have the power of choice and can forge our own path.

Overall, beautifully written, empowering, and relatable. Five stars.

Jade doesn't feel in control of her life. She is unhappy in her relationship, used by her sister, dismissed by her dad and trying to help her mum.
She then finds scripts left for her detailing conversations that are due to take place. They do but can she take bake control of her life and change the scripts?

@currentlyreading__
Book 35 of 2024

Being a fan of @fearnecotton’s podcast and having enjoyed her non-fiction, I was happy to receive an ARC of her upcoming book to be published this Thursday. So thank you Fearne, @NetGalley and the publisher @michaeljbooks, a division of @penguinukbooks. It was pure escapism and just the sort of book I gobble up in a couple of sittings. I love a character-led book and our protagonist Jade Shaw is definitely relatable and you can’t help but root for her.

Jade is lost. She is living with the toxic Adam, her sister is just unbearable and she is sent on all manner of questionable errands for her boss. She finds it hard to gain control of her life and it is spiralling. Finding some solace and respite from her daily struggles when she runs, Jade pounds the pavements. It is whilst running one day she happens upon a script. If you can suspend disbelief and just take the event for what it is as some special magic realism, you will look forward to each time Jade comes across another script in the most unsuspecting of places.

What is on these scripts? Well, read it and see! It certainly (if you are going to get all metaphorical) seems to suggest we all have the script for our lives and if we are being philosophical we might say that the script is largely written for us. But, don’t we all have the power to change the script just a little bit? Jade certainly does and that in itself is pretty amazing to witness.

I really do look forward to Fearne’s next work of fiction and the special way she narrates a tale. What a lovely narrative voice and it definitely deserves a place on your summer reading list.

#bookworm #iamreading #bookreview #upcomingpublications #junereads #netgalley #scripted #fearnecotton #michaeljosephbooks

An easy read for a rainy weekend - had me rooting for Jade from the opening chapter, even though I found her people-pleasing exasperating! Loved the idea of this - a real life script being found by the protaganist, which shows you how a conversation is going to go. It was a good metaphor for a "script" for your life, reflecting how we often fall into patterns with the people around us - taking on roles and then resenting them. If you can get on board with the scripts randomly appearing and no explanation from how they happened to be there - is an easy and fun read that talks about family relationships, and a woman in her thirties realising she doesn't need to have it all figured out to be enough and be appreciated by her family and partners/ I found the last chapter at the wedding a bit too unrealistic - the dumped boyfriend wanting to get back together, and the sister cheating with someone on her own wedding day, but other than that was an enjoyable read.

Scripted by Fearne Cotton

Jade is taken for granted by her partner and family, especially her sister Lily. In the run up to Lily's wedding she finds a series of scripts which predict a conversation she will have with one of them and what the outcome will be. Can Jade find her voice and herself in order to finally stand up to them all?

An original and entertaining concept, I enjoyed this book and seeing Jade finally stand up to her partner and family, all of whom were really unlikeable. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4..

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Enjoyable, Engaging..
An interesting and imaginative premise plays out in this entertaining and engaging tale of the life of Jade Shaw. As fiction turns to reality, should Jade try to rewrite the script herself and meddle in her own fate? An enjoyable read with a well drawn and credible cast and a unique take on standard fare. Requires a firm suspension of disbelief.

First of all I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, if I had to describe it I would label it as an easy holiday read as it did have it's cheesy moments but is an overall enjoyable read.

I haven't read anything with a plot like this and the idea really intrigued me, it made me think of how I would react if I was put in the same situation as the main character. The ending did seem to be a somewhat open ending so could possibly have plans for a sequel?

I really like Fearne Cotton's non fiction books, so was excited to read her first adult fiction book.
This book started with a really cool idea. Our protagonist finds a script that foreshadows and successfully predicts what is going to happen next in Jade's life. This was really intriguing.
However, the more the book went on the less interested I became. I found it very repetitive. Read the script, then see if play out in real life. Read the the script, then see if play out in real life. etc. etc.

I wanted the pace to be so much quicker to keep me engaged - think this book would have benefitted from from about 100 pages or so less!

I was also disappointed with the ending, I was still left with answers.

really interesting premise - but let down in its execution.

A great premise and thought at the essence of an entertaining light hearted tale.
Fun and interesting, based in South west London.
Jade is 32 yrs old and feeling it!! She is stuck in her relationships with family and her boyfriend, although not at all with her friends which kind of doesn’t make sense! She puts up with a lot from her live in boyfriend, family and even her boss. This is at times comedic and at other times just really annoying.
She is taken for granted and trampled over with no consideration of her feelings or her life but when she finds a script of her conversations, she starts to take notice and makes a decision to foster positive change. Can she make some rewrites for a better life? Can she let go of what is no longer needed and just be honest?!
This is a fun read, but also at times a little frustrating, some characters were great, some a little unbelievable and a bit lost in the story. Continuity in some places were for me lost.
For some this may be inspirational, for those avoiding confrontation at all costs it will be uncomfortable.
Thank you NetGalley for the early read.

I really enjoyed this book. A brilliant entertaining debut. I couldn’t put it down.
A fun story about relationships, family dynamics, self discovery, finding your voice and learning to say no.
Jade Shaw is a people pleaser, pushed around by her family and taken for granted by her boyfriend Adam. She’s lost control of her life. That is until she keeps finding scripts predicting scenarios with Adam, her family and her boss, but these haven’t happened yet. Can Jade change the scripts and rewrite her future.
It’s beautifully written, detailed, thought provoking and relatable. It’s easy to read and just flows off the pages.
I liked all the characters. I enjoyed rooting for Jade and watching her development. I liked the ending.
Overall, an enjoyable light captivating read. Definitely recommend.
I look forward to reading more fiction from @fearneCotton in the future.
With thanks to #NetGallery #MichaelJoseph #PenguinRandomHouse for an arc of #Scripted in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 6 June 2024.