Loved this book by Emma Gannon. It's a really insightful look into societys expectations on women to plan their lives around a man! And what happens if you buck that trend.
Absolutely brilliant.

this is my first book by Emma Gannon and I'm surprised I haven't read her works before. I found the main character extremely relatable (especially in the scene where SPOILER her boyfriend broke up with her after all the years ans work she put into their business. i haye this man). it was an easy read on not so easy topic. and the cover - chef's kiss.
Thank you NetGalley and [publisher] for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Table for One is a book that took me far too long to read. I have no idea why. Every now and then I love changing up what I'm reading and decide to read a mundane day-to-day story that doesn't require much brain power. I felt like this book was very middle ground with a but of filler that could have been condensed, but otherwise, an enjoyable read.

I enjoyed this book, and read it quickly, however there were some loose ends I felt never got fully explored and it left me wanting a little more.

Finding Yourself at a Table for One

Emma Gannon’s Table for One is a heartfelt and relatable story about rediscovering yourself after life throws an unexpected curveball. Willow thought she had it all—a loving relationship, a thriving business, a future that felt secure. But when she realizes that her partner, Dom, is no longer truly present, she’s faced with the reality of navigating life solo. And honestly? That’s where the real story begins.

💛 What I Loved
Emma Gannon’s writing feels so warm and personal, like listening to a friend share their journey over coffee. Willow’s emotions—her loneliness, frustration, and eventual self-acceptance—are so raw and real. I especially adored her relationship with Carla (everyone deserves a Carla in their life!). And, of course, the friendships in this book shine. It’s a beautiful reminder that while romantic relationships may fade, friendships can be the true anchors in our lives.

✨ What I Wish Was Different
The first half of the book had me completely hooked, but I found the second half a little less engaging. While I appreciated Willow’s growth, I wanted a bit more emotional depth towards the end. Also, Dom? Ugh. That’s all I’ll say *inhale..exhale...

🌿 What Makes It Unique
This isn’t just a breakup story—it’s a love letter to independence, self-worth, and learning to embrace your own company. The book challenges the idea that being alone equals being lonely, which is such a refreshing perspective.

📖 Who Will Love This Book?
If you enjoy books about self-discovery, strong female friendships, and finding joy in solitude, this one’s for you. Fans of Olive or How to Be Single will especially enjoy it!

✨ Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, for the ARC! This review is based on my personal opinion. 😊

Have to say that, for me, this book was ‘OK’ but nothing special. Wonder if potentially it was the ‘wrong’ age range for me - I’m heading towards 60 and this was about some 20/30 year olds. That’s not something I normally have a problem with but I somehow felt that with this book.
It is a story about Willow, whose life goes through quite some change from thinking she’s about to be proposed to, to a single with no home, no job and a very uncertain future. It explores the change from being in a couple to single life.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest review, which is what I have given.

I absolutely adored *Table for One* by Emma Gannon—it’s the kind of book that feels like a warm hug while also giving you a gentle nudge to reflect on your own life. The story follows Willow, a woman in her mid-thirties who seems to have it all: a successful business with her partner, Dom, and what looks like a picture-perfect life. But as Dom becomes more consumed by their work, Willow finds herself feeling lonelier than ever, despite being in a relationship. It’s a raw and relatable exploration of what it means to feel disconnected, even when you’re not technically alone.

What I loved most about this book is how real it felt. Willow’s journey of self-discovery is so refreshing—it’s not about finding a man or fixing her relationship, but about finding *herself*. Her emotions are so palpable, from the ache of loneliness to the glimmers of hope as she starts to rebuild her life. The way Gannon writes Willow’s inner world is both heartfelt and funny, making it easy to connect with her struggles and triumphs.

One of the standout parts of the story is Willow’s relationship with her aunt Carla. Carla is this warm, loving presence who offers Willow the support and wisdom she needs during this tough time. Their bond reminded me of how important it is to have people in your life who truly see you and care for you. On the flip side, Dom’s character is… well, let’s just say he’s not winning any awards for being a great partner. His actions (or lack thereof) left me frustrated, which I think is exactly what Gannon intended. He serves as a great contrast to Willow’s growth, highlighting how much she’s capable of on her own.

The book also celebrates the power of friendship, which I found so uplifting. Willow’s friends, both old and new, become her emotional anchors, helping her navigate the ups and downs of starting over. It’s a reminder that even in our loneliest moments, we’re never truly alone if we have people who genuinely care about us.

As someone in my twenties, I found Willow’s reflections on time and change really relatable. There’s this universal fear of time slipping away too quickly, and Gannon captures that so beautifully. It made me think about my own life and the connections I’m building (or maybe neglecting) along the way.

Overall, this is a heartfelt, funny, and deeply moving story about finding yourself, embracing change, and leaning on the people who matter most. It’s the kind of book I’d gift to my friends because it’s not just a great read—it’s a conversation starter. Emma Gannon’s writing is so engaging and authentic, and I can’t wait to dive into more of her work. If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts comforting and thought-provoking, this is it. A solid must-read from me!

As a lover of the novel 'Olive', that has been read and re-read three times over! I was very excited when I heard about Emma Gannon's newest novel 'Table for One'. I was fortunate enough to read it via NetGalley and proceeded to read it in the course of one day. It could easily have been one sitting, however.., I did wish to savour it too!

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and in particular Gannon's writing style. There is such an ease and intimacy with it, I find myself getting so drawn into the story. She also writes very believable and relatable characters and in this, it was no different. The novel centres around Willow, who has managed to get herself to a very good place in life. She is in her early thirties and is a homeowner, in a stable long term relationship and a co-owner of a successful self-made business (set up whilst at university with her partner Dom). Huge focus and pressure has been put on establishing and growing the business and it has put a strain on her relationship, life and she has had to put her own ambitions and passions to one side. We later learn of her passion for writing and journalism and that she cut short a successful career in that field. Her partner puts off marriage and plans to start a family due to the business. She puts her life on hold for so long, Dom insists soon to progressing their life together but work always comes first. Then it utterly takes over and he tells her he is moving to America alone and it is the end of their relationship. It was such a punch in the gut to read.

We follow Willow as she navigates and laterally embraces singledom. Becoming single has meant her being forced to focus on herself and to come back to herself in a lot of ways too. The novel goes back and forth through time, back to childhood, university days, her twenties and the protagonist's present day. This is so well done, making Willow such a multi-faceted and well rounded character. Of course it is very difficult for her but as you read, you are with her every step of the way. Her friends, Aunt and a new acquaintance play a huge part in the rebuilding of her life.


I enjoyed most of all how current the book felt, the cultural references, relatability, descriptions of places, the seaside location and the pace of this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed reading Emma Gannon’s previous books, Claire Daverley, Dolly Alderton and Anna Hope. An ideal book if you are looking for something with a focus on female friendships, overcoming heartbreak and navigating one’s thirties. It is a fulfilling and companionable read.

I read Amy Key's Arrangements in Blue: Notes on Love and Making a Life a few books prior to requesting this one, and the two complement each other beautifully; Gannon's book also reminds me of Claire Powell's debut At the Table, which I read last year and still can't stop thinking about. Like Key's and Powell's writing, so much in Table for One is deeply, painfully relatable: the labour of navigating everyday life in a lonely city, feeling left behind by the 'marrieds' in your friendship circle, feeling like you have left behind your passion project and sold your soul to a type of work that your younger self just could not have imagined for you. The character of Naz in particular - a self-proclaimed beacon for single womenhood - served as an excellent addition. I follow Gannon's Substack and will be seeking out her earlier books!

Table for One is a really fun easy read that I'd definitely recommend to friends. That said there was something about it I didn't *love*, Willow was a little frustrating at times.
3 stars.

This is my first book by Emma and had no idea what to expect. I liked the sound of the plot so I was hoping I was going to enjoy it and I did. It is a story about Willow who has the perfect life, everything is going well for her and she is really happy until it's not. When things come crashing down on poor Willow I really felt sorry for her, I think people reading this book may be able to relate one way or another. Willow does not know where to turn to or what to do until a very unlikely companion moves into her life and she knows with this companion she will be able to get through it. She finds a way to reconnect with herself after such a long time. It was a incredibly moving story that stole my heart. I felt drawn into the story and wanted to help Willow see how amazing she really is. I cannot wait to read more of Emma's books now. This was brilliant.

This is a warm, charming, easy book to read and fall in love with. The cover is also gorgeous. I can see it being a title I gift to many friends. Recommended

Thanks for the early copy of Emma Gannon’s latest fiction novel. I’ve been a fan of Emma’s non-fiction work and can see threads of that within her latest novel covering London life and modern themes and lifestyles.

What to do when you're a journalist and your life turns upside down. The end of a relationship, old friendships and new exciting friends who are not all they seem. There's a light at the end of the tunnel.

Table for One by Emma Gannon is a heartfelt and authentic exploration of loneliness, personal growth, and the power of friendship. The story follows Willow, a woman in her mid-thirties, who is navigating the challenges of being in a relationship yet feeling more alone than ever. Her partner, Dom, has become consumed by their successful business, leaving Willow to face a new chapter in life without the connection they once shared. As Willow starts to rediscover herself and seek a fresh start, the stark contrast between her loneliness and the joy she once knew is evident.

Gannon’s writing is lively, entertaining, and incredibly relatable, capturing Willow’s journey as she embarks on her new life as a singleton. The characterisation is excellent, especially in the way Willow’s emotions are portrayed—her loneliness is palpable, yet there’s also a sense of hope as she learns to navigate life on her own. One of the highlights of the book is Willow’s relationship with her aunt Carla, whose warmth and love offer Willow the support she needs during this transitional period. Carla’s character brings so much heart to the story, and she reminded me of how important it is to have those who truly care about us in our lives.

Dom’s character, however, is another story. While he may have a pleasant scent, his actions leave much to be desired, and the reader’s views of him are unlikely to be favourable. Gannon does a great job of exploring the complexities of relationships, and Dom’s character serves as a foil to Willow’s journey towards self-discovery.

At its core, Table for One is a celebration of friendship, which plays a crucial role in Willow’s emotional support system. Her friends, both old and new, help her through practical and emotional challenges, reminding her that even in moments of isolation, there are connections that can make all the difference. The book is particularly resonant for those in their thirties, as Willow reflects on the rapid passage of time and the changes that come with it, such as the overwhelming feeling of time flying by too quickly.

This book was the perfect antidote to my early January reading slump, offering both comfort and realism as Willow navigates a crossroads in her life. Table for One is an engaging and relatable story about finding one’s place in the world, both personally and professionally. It’s a must-read for anyone who has ever questioned their path and is searching for a sense of belonging.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I loved Table For One! It was an enjoyable, inspirational read and I would recommend this to anyone. The characters are great and I didn't want it to end.

What a fantastic, beautiful book. It had me hooked from it's opening pages. Beautiful characters, fantastically well written. Ideal for on the beach but equally as a reminder that 'we are enough'.

What a great and inspirational read if you’re a single women. Interesting story and really gave me food for thought. Would recommend this book.

A really enjoyable read. Paced well with interesting characters. I loved the chapters reflecting on past memories too - such a clever way to give insight into characters & relationships!

I read and really enjoyed Gannon’s first fiction book “Olive” so I knew, when I saw this on the Discover page, I had to pick this up.

This is essentially a tale of two halves: one half is the main character believing she’s living a happy life and the other half is her actually living it. It took a while to get started, and I really disliked the main character’s boyfriend (even though you’re supposed to), but I really enjoyed this read in the end.

The main character is by no means perfect but she is a relatable showcase of both sides of the coin: being happy (and unhappy) in a relationship and being happy (and unhappy) out of one. I loved the relationships with her friends and her aunt Carla particularly, as well as her newfound friendship with a woman who is her polar opposite.

No matter whether you are single or in a relationship, this book is a great read to pick up. It’s a reminder to get out of a relationship that doesn’t serve you (if you can) and to embrace the mess but also the joy that comes with life, friendships and figuring everything out again.

It even has me tempted to book a, well, Table for One.