4.2 Stars
One Liner: Heartwarming and hopeful

Frankie Nightingale prefers nighttime when she finds peace in silence. She works for a tiny bakery and spends her nights kneading loaves and making buns, croissants, etc. After escaping her previous life and marriage filled with restrictions, she finds freedom in simple things and alone time.
Frankie soon meets Beth, an overworked nurse, William, a shy and handsome man, and Tam, a caregiver with no home. As the four strangers become friends, Frankie finds her life flourishing with new relationships and hope. However, Frankie’s ex-husband arrives at the place, bringing turmoil into her new life. Can Frankie, with help from her friends, choose herself over the rest?
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Frankie, Beth, William, and Tam.

My Thoughts:
No idea why I initially thought this was historical fiction. It’s very much contemporary, though the setting has a timeless quality (despite the use of mobile phones and computers). It has the 1990s or early 2000s vibes.
The main characters are in their late 40s or early 50s and act their age. This is a dignified book (for the lack of a better word) with a slow-moving narration. Despite the gravity of the themes, the book feels mellow and cozy.
Every character is facing an issue, be it something from their past or present. Yet, they are kind, sympathetic, and helpful. I liked all of them equally, which shows the care the author took in developing their arcs and presenting their stories.
Though the FMC is the center of the plot, not everything happens because of her. This retains the balance in the narratives and gives each one their space to grow and build new friendships.
Everyone has flaws, but is doing their best to become better. That’s where others come into the picture. This is a proper found family without OTT drama or excitement.
I love the scenes in the bakery and the ones around food. Yeah, it’s all baked goodies (yum!) like croissants, brownies, cupcakes, crumble cakes, etc. A couple of recipes at the end would have been even better.
Though the ending had a convenient solution to their problems, I was ready for it. Also, it doesn’t feel too easy since there’s enough foreshadowing to make it feel realistic and genuine.
While there’s a tiny romance track, it develops very slowly (as it should) and doesn’t overpower the plot. The focus remains on the respective priorities of each character. The epilogue also does the same.

To summarize, Frankie Nightingale Begins Again is a heartwarming and hopeful story about how friendship, kindness, and second chances can make our lives better.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

"Frankie Nightingulatu" by Emma Davies.

"Frankie Nightingale Begins Again" is a heartwarming and uplifting novel that explores the complexities of navigating a new life after trauma and significant life events. Emma Davies weaves a poignant and relatable story that follows Frankie and those around her as they learn to heal, grow, and find new beginnings.

The characters in this novel are multidimensional and authentic, making it easy to become invested in their journeys. Davies tackles tough themes with sensitivity and care, creating a narrative that is both hopeful and realistic.

While the multiple narrative voices added depth to the story, there were moments where the transitions between perspectives felt a bit disjointed. Additionally, some sections felt slightly overlong, which slowed the pacing.

Despite these minor quibbles, "Frankie Nightingale Begins Again" is a lovely and engaging read. If you enjoy character-driven fiction that explores the human capacity for resilience and hope, this novel is sure to resonate with you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC book.

I enjoyed this story about Frankie Nightingale who has withdrawn a little from the world, and works the night shift at a bakery. Her journey to open up her heart again and be vulnerable to both friendship and love was a nice read that I would recommend.

This was an amazing read. I was totally hooked right from the beginning. I loved the multiple view points so we got to see an in-depth perspective of all the main characters. Each character has so much going on, each totally interesting in their own right. When they come together they have a fantastic support network and friendship.

Four people who thought they were alone, invisible sometimes, felt the weight of the world on their shoulders, but a small connection, a little bit of kindness to another person soon snow balled into a deep friendship and support.

I liked that all the characters were older, had already lived a life, but showed that even over the age of 50, there is still a lot of life left to live. I laughed and cried along with Frankie and the others, and loved every minute of it.

Frances Nightingale (Frankie) works nights in a bakery, it’s her escapism.

Beth does nightshifts in a local hospital and is her husband’s carer during the day following an accident.

William works in a nightclub, he’s trying very hard to turn his life around, but some people don’t want him to.

Tam has a job in an assisted living facility, but sleeps in his car at night.

An interesting story that shows how people’s lives differ but can be there for each other and form a beautiful friendship.

The story was well written, and I came to know and like most of the characters.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars!

In Emma Davie's newest book, she tells a charming tale of strangers who become friends. Frances "Frankie" Nightingale is hiding from a troubled life, working overnight at a bakery. William works as a doorman at a nightclub down the street. Beth works overnight as a nurse at the local hospital to care for her husband during the day. While working at the assisted living center, Tam sleeps overnight in his car at the local car park. Fate brings these night owls together, and they grow into a family.

What a lovely, lovely read. Fans of Clare Pooley's books will want to dive into this one immediately. The ending is like a hug for your heart.

Thank you, Netgalley and Bookouture, for the advanced reading copy. All opinions are my own.

3.5⭐️. Took me a while to get into this book but when I did what a joy. A lovely story about friendships and fresh starts. Told from multiple POV. Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoutre for ARC.

🥐A warm uplifting read!🥖

This story of four unlikely friends who crossed paths in unexpected ways is a great fit for those looking for a healthy dose of hope.

Frankie works nights in a bakery 🧁 to avoid the notice of the controlling husband she ran away from. She’s living a fearful existence, but the fire 🔥 in her spirit is undeniable. I think many will find it relatable that she’s in her 50s and essentially starting over. Tam is desperate to hide that he’s homeless while holding on to his job caring for the elderly. The author dug into his story both the with the “why” of his homelessness and the “how” of his daily schedule. The difficulties of basic necessities aren’t glossed over. Beth is a nurse whose husband is paralyzed and heartsick that he can’t farm anymore. 💔 She’s under pressure to support them financially and be his caregiver. She is exhausted because they have no family around to help and can’t afford to hire anyone. The author didn’t shy away from showing the difficulties in their marriage as a result of all the pressure. William is in his mid 50s working as a bouncer in a club. It isn’t his dream job, but he has his reasons. He’s being pressured to partake in illegal activities despite doing everything he can to make good choices. He is a compelling character and his arc was my favorite.

The POVs switched between the four characters and that was a great move because seeing each of their worlds up close was the book’s strongest attribute. The steady pacing made for a pleasant read. The ending was a little convenient, but if this group isn’t deserving of a little slice of happiness then I don’t know who is.

Characters from different walks of life finding better versions of themselves standing together made this feel like a hug in the form of a novel.💜 🤗

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an Advance Reading Copy. All opinions are my own.

This was a charming book about friendship. We meet Frankie, who adopts the nickname after getting out of a bad marriage. She is a woman who bakes nights to make ends meet. She meets Beth, who becomes a good friend, William, who becomes her lover, and Tam. They are four people whose lives intersect and they help one another. Then Frankie's ex husband comes back into the picture but her friends provide her with emotional support.
There is not a lot of plot but enough to keep things going, and plenty of character development. The novel is a great little pick-me-up in between heavier reads.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this book in advance of publication in exchange for my honest opinion.
4 1/4 stars.

Frankie Nightingale keeps to herself, baking through the night in a little backstreet bakery, trying to escape the pain of her past. She’s used to being alone, but when William—a kind but struggling man—crosses her path, something shifts. As their connection grows, two more late-night visitors, Beth and Tam, join them, and an unexpected friendship forms.

Just as Frankie starts to believe in a fresh start, her abusive ex-husband shows up, threatening to ruin everything she’s built.

This was my first Emma Davis book, and I was hooked from the start! The writing is beautiful, bringing each character to life in a way that makes you feel for them, without taking the focus away from Frankie’s story. I loved how each character got their own perspective—it really helped me connect with them and made the story feel even richer.

A gorgeous, heartfelt read—I loved every minute of it!

Thank you to NetGalley for the download.

It took me a bit to get into this storyline, so many characters but I did get into it, extremely well written which made it a beautiful story about love and friendship.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC which I did enjoy even though it was out of my comfort zone.

I can thoroughly recommend this book.

What a heart warming lovely book about friendship, I couldn’t put this down and loved reading this. If you want a cosy read I’d definitely recommend

This book is a real joy to read. It’s beautifully written and the characters and location are just perfect. I loved this book! Such an easy read.

I love second chance and found family style books and this book was no different. This book was like a warm cup of tea while you are snuggled up next to a cat on the couch listening to the rain outside. I loved it.

What a touching story of hope, healing, friendship and fresh starts! Frankie Nightingale Begins Again by Emma Davies is such a warm and beautifully delivered beacon of love. The author’s own compassion shines through for those who have been abused, injured, wronged or disadvantaged in some way and even sometimes left homeless. These are heart-felt drawn main and supporting characters that you cannot help but fall in love with as they are good hard working people who have been dealt a tough hand yet still try to make the best of their unfortunate circumstances.

The story is told by four individuals providing a well-rounded view and in depth look at each of their lives. When Frankie, Beth, William and Tam come together, something in each of them clicks. Over time, an unbreakable bond of friendship forms. They encounter a number of challenges but are there for each other through thick and thin. This is a perfect example of selfless support.

I loved observing the interactions between the characters. Frankie is at the heart of the lot: the magnet in the middle. The bakery where she works becomes a lighthouse, a place of rescue and reprieve for those she meets and connects with on a deep personal level. The help, food, advice, comfort she provides is admirable and when she is faced with a difficult decision and must look fear in the face, her friends stand by her.

In time, we see why Frankie has fled her husband to start her life again. It has given her time to reclaim and rebuild herself—collect all the pieces she lost in a bad controlling marriage. After meeting, helping and engaging with her three new friends, she is able to grow and re-establish her confidence and realise her dreams. I loved Frankie’s strength and good heart. And Beth was lovely, too. Her support and determination in helping her physically injured husband are admirable. But she has to learn a few things too (and she does!). Beth is a nurse so she is more than capable in the caring department but she needs to let her husband continue to hope and maintain his dream. He wants to re-establish his farming passion. And yes, it is a tall order due to the loss of his mobility. But there are solutions for that!

Tam was such a sweet and caring person, too. and it is easy to see why Eleanor (patient in the care home) loved him. The surprise at the end was delightful and really lifted my heart! And then there is William who became an amazing helper for Frankie in her darkest hour. Their connection deepens over the course of the novel. He becomes her shelter but also an equal partner for he accepts her for who she is—unlike her husband who was always trying to change her into the image he wanted. Her husband’s personality comes under scrutiny and is well explained through Frankie’s psychoanalysis of the situation when her mind is clear. There are some great conversations between her and her husband that give us a true picture of what she was up against and why she left him. I love it that she stands her ground! The new Frankie is bold and victorious!

I highly recommend this enthralling uplifting story that shines with the power of friendship, support, love for our neighbour, and shows what can happen when we lend a helping hand. I recently read an online article that people who are kind and compassionate towards others are happier, have better physical and mental health, develop stronger relationships and feel more connected to humanity. These acts of kindness can break loneliness and isolation patterns. It helps the giver feel a sense of purpose: that what they do can make a difference. There is also a ‘reap what you sow’ result. The giver often becomes a receiver. As kindness may come their way, too (as seen in this novel). I believe this story demonstrates all these things in a big way.

Without question, get Frankie Nightingale Begins Again and read it. It will fill your heart with hope and light. The little cafe in the novel is truly for ‘the lost or the lonely, the needy or the invisible’ but it reminds us of the importance of friendship and the need to spread the sunshine of kindness to those around us. This novel is a sparkling star in an often too dark sky. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.

This book is a treasure. Each character is a heart-felt creation of the author who clearly understands the human need for love and friendship.

Frances Nightingale (aka Frankie) has arrived at midlife after leaving an emotionally abusive husband and beginning to rediscover her sense of self, hence the new name. Working at night in a bakery, she embraces the darkness and the quiet as a time to reflect and begin to dream of the future based on her own preferences and choices. Through a series of events, she meets three other people – each struggling with their own disappointments and failures – who support each other in their efforts to turn their lives around. The story reflects the power of relationships, the joy of a chosen family, and of the opportunity for second chances.

This is my first exposure to this author, and I am deeply impressed by her sensitivity and compassion, looking beyond surface appearances and celebrating the goodness of each character as they redeem their lives and their livelihoods.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

A wonderful story about new beginnings, friendship and found family.

Frankie is rebuilding her life, baking at night and sleeping during the day. When William, Beth and Tom arrive in her life, they all realise how much they need each other.

Beautifully written, with wonderful characters who have found themselves in difficulties, generally through no fault of their own. They are all trying to help themselves with no outside help, but the story shows that everyone needs help every now and then. A truly lovely book, highly recommended.

This is a book with so much heart and soul, and I absolutely loved reading every page! The title indicates that Frankie is beginning again, but the other main characters are also beginning again-- Tam, Beth (and her husband), and William too. I loved how the characters came together and were there for one another starting with small kindnesses and then becoming larger waves of compassion and understanding.

Their stories are immensely readable, and full of vivid description- both physical and emotional. This is a book that I would like to read a few more times!

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and publisher, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Loved this book! Will friendship and love help Frankie to move on from her past and embrace her future? Or will she have to leave the bakery for good?
Read in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. Definitely recommend. 5*

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

This is the story of five peoples struggling to stay above water, both financially and emotionally. All work the night shift, all are at risk of redundancy and all are lonely and struggling to make ends meet.

Frankie, in her mid-fifties, has run away from emotional abuser husband Robert and runs a bakery for owner Vivienne. Beth is a nurse and her husband Jake is an ex-farmer who now sits in a wheelchair after an accident. William, 52, works as a nightclub bouncer and has a criminal record. Tam, 49, a former horticulturist, works in a care home after bankruptcy and lives in his car.

Then, one by one, they meet each other by chance, with Frankie's bakery the main drawing point, and this extraordinary story of friendship, kindness, hope and second chances starts to unfold. There is a lot going on in these people's lives but now they have others they can lean on.

"So now… now that I’m awake during the night, I find it easier to be the person I think I am, rather than the one I always pretended to be. Trouble is, pretend too often and you forget who you really are."

Most of these characters are people society would rather forget about - the unhoused, the disabled, the reformed criminals, the victims of gaslighting partners. Nevertheless, this isn't a dreary story, in fact, it is full of emotions and hope - hope for love, connections, new beginnings, better times. The cover is gorgeous but the title puts too much emphasis on just one character instead of the whole group. The ending is maybe a bit too neat to be believable, but trust me, you want to wish all the good in the world on these lovely people. Highly recommended as an uplifting read.