This book tells the story of Celia, a woman who got pregnant very young which led to her life turning out very different than she dreamt it would. Now her son is grown and at university and she is living alongside her boring and frugal husband. But when she catches him cheating and her former best friend comes for sn unexpected visit things begin to change...
I liked reading the book. The main character and the story were relatable and entertaining. I couldn't really relate to Amanda and it really took me a while to get used to the different narrators, as the book is told from various POVs.
All in all an entertaining and uplifting book about people in their forties improving their lives.

Fiona Gibson's "The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back" cleverly uses a plant hospital as the unique setting that brings together an ensemble of characters, each struggling with their own version of life's complexities.

Sharon appears to have everything perfectly organized on the surface, but beneath that polished exterior, she's barely holding it all together—a relatable portrayal of how we often mask our struggles behind a facade of control.

The most compelling character arc belongs to Celia, who should have been devastated by her circumstances but instead begins truly living for the first time. Rather than continuing to tiptoe around her husband George to avoid his anger, she starts making choices for herself. Gibson explores the fascinating dynamic of how Celia felt obligated to remain grateful to George for "rescuing" her, even though he was far from being the prize he once seemed—or perhaps never was.

While the novel acknowledges that marriage can be challenging, it offers a refreshing counterpoint through Enzo and his ex-wife Laura, who demonstrate that divorced couples can successfully co-parent and maintain a genuine friendship. Their relationship provides hope that not all endings have to be bitter.

Matilde emerges as a wonderfully developed young character, and in a delightfully unexpected twist, Spike the cactus becomes an important supporting "character" in his own right, adding both humor and heart to the story.

The book's central theme resonates beautifully: you don't need a romantic partner to live a fulfilling life, but when the right person comes along, they can truly enhance the life you've already built for yourself. Gibson has crafted a story that celebrates independence while leaving room for love—a perfect balance that feels both realistic and hopeful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an early copy of the novel in exchange for my honest review.

Unfortunately, I was not able to finish this one.

Couldn't connect to the characters, written in almost slapstick-like way. Couldn't connect to the plot because of the overall atmosphere even the crisis portrayed in this novel felt kind of silly. I understand that this was supposed to be a lighthearted and uplifting story of a woman picking herself up after a hardship but instead of relatability I almost felt like this book insults my intelligence.

When Celia discovers her husband has been having an affair she is forced to take a long hard look at not just her marriage but her whole life. Has she been far too willing to accept "good enough" and what can she do to change things?

In The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back by Fiona Gibson we are introduced to Celia, a hardworking wife and mother. Her marriage is plodding along, mainly because her husband doesn't like change, and since her son went to university the only things that really bring her any joy are the houseplants she nurses back to health in her "Houseplant Hospital". Celia is one of those characters who would willingly continue with the status quo, despite the lack of joy in her life, simply to keep everyone around her happy. It is only catching her husband in flagrante that causes her to take a close look at her life.

Celia is aided by the unexpected arrival of her childhood friend Amanda. Amanda left Glasgow as soon as she was old enough and went to London to study fashion but eventually became a TV presenter. The only problem is that Amanda is now at that age where she's no longer considered "right for TV". Fleeing London to lick her wounds, she ends up on Celia's doorstep, something completely unforeseen as they've barely kept in touch.

Amanda and Celia are like chalk and cheese and this is why the pairing works so well. Amanda is polished and self-assured, she loves performing makeovers. Celia is downtrodden and timid, she reluctantly becomes Amanda's pet project. It is lovely to see Celia slowly blossom, particularly as the changes made are only small tweaks, it's more about the newfound confidence Amanda inspires. Watching Celia embrace her new life is a catalyst for Amanda to make some changes too.

The main characters are engaging, along with a handsome romantic interest and a precocious child. There is a smattering of humour; I'll never be able to look at a butternut squash in the same way again and will consider pink wafer biscuits to be dangerous weapons from now on.

Everything is presented at a brisk pace which keeps you engaged and turning the pages. Avoiding dragging the conclusion out, the author wraps everything up quickly with an uplifting ending showing us how the characters have adapted to the changes in their lives.

This is a feel good story about rediscovering your identity after hitting rock bottom, or a dead cactus in this case.

Celia’s life is falling apart, her marriage is over, her old school friend shows up unexpectedly on her doorstep with no leaving date. Turns out this is exactly what Celia needs to guide her through the heartbreak, and a side of a French teacher with a dying cactus doesn’t hurt either…

As a plant person, someone who restores houseplants (and other plants) back to life, is a good match for me and my reading life. So ... rounding up.

I really did enjoy The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back. Author Fiona Gibson creates many fun and interesting characters.

I especially loved one of the chapters towards the end with Celia and her son.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books (the publisher) and author Fiona Gibson for approving my request to read the advance review copy of The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book by Fiona Gibson, but probably not my last. Publication date is June 7, 2025. Approx 309 pages.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this book early.It’s a feel good, light hearted read, where you find yourself truly liking the characters and urging Celia on.

I found this to be an easy, lighthearted read about turning your life around and a second chance at love.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a honest review

A fun read to read on a summers day I enjoyed this story and the characters with Amanda being my favourite character

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for opportunity to read this book in exchange for this review

The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back by Fiona Gibson is a quick, heartwarming read about second chances, friendship, and reclaiming one's own voice. For many women of a certain age, Celia's story will be hugely relatable.

Celia is stuck in a rut, both in her marriage and in life, but everything changes when she discovers her husband's infidelity. Forced out of her comfort zone for the first time in years, Celia begins a journey of discovery and, ultimately, becomes the leading lady of her own life rather than only a bit player.

This is a story of empowerment and rebirth, and it will certainly entertain and, possibly, even inspire.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

Celia’s life in Glasgow is quiet and predictable—until she discovers her husband Geoff in bed with his secretary. Suddenly single and unsure of her future, Celia is forced out of her routine and into a journey of rediscovery. With the unexpected arrival of her glamorous best friend Amanda, and a chance meeting with a charming French teacher (thanks to a cactus emergency), her world begins to open up again.

This heartwarming and humorous story follows Celia as she slowly rebuilds her confidence, embraces new experiences, and learns to find joy, friendship, and even love in unexpected places. It’s a relatable, midlife coming-of-age tale about letting go of the past, stepping out of autopilot, and learning that it’s never too late to start again.

Celia, feels like she has gotten stuck in life, and things changed after she caught her husband in bed with his secretary. It was interesting reading how she worked on getting her spark back. She decides to do what she does for the sick plants, she takes care of and tries to bring them back to life. You will have to read the book to see the transformation.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.

Pregnant at 17 and accepting marriage from a school friend Celia's life changes dramatically. Marriage makes her world smaller. Fast forward 25 years and her oldest school friend is getting married.
Making the trip from Glasgow to London for the wedding makes Celia feel small.
Working at her own houseplant hospital fills the gap left by her thwarted ambitions .
Discovering her husband's secrets and the arrival of her old school friend on her doorstep starts a transformation.
From drudge to independence. Rediscovering herself and opportunities.
Life can become wonderful whatever your age.

This was a really fun read! It was so funny but also heartwarming and relatable. I really enjoyed it.

I love Fiona Gibsons books, she’s keeping it real. With menopause talks and woman starting life over, it’s what I want to read about. This story centers around Celia finding her husband in bed with another woman. When out of nowhere her friend that she’s not seen in year turns up on her doorstep. It shares the truths that go on in friendships and relationships and sometimes they are not good. Both the main characters were great to read about and Fiona wrote the story well, A lovely cozy 5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Plant hospital? Never heard of something like that before this book. With that being said, this book was fun, witty, and sassy. It’s just what I needed to get me through a break up.

Celia gets her grove back. After a lifetime of oppression by a boring husband, Celia has a meet cute with a dad at her plant hospital (who knew that was a thing?!) and embarks on a journey of self awareness with the help of new & old friends

I absolutely loved this book and its wonderful main character, Celia. It was so easy to get into, and the story unfolded into a true romance with a beautifully crafted storyline. It’s a feel-good read about rediscovering your identity and regaining confidence—uplifting and heartwarming from start to finish. Definitely one to add to your reading list!

Wonderful easy reading. Heart warming, characters that are uplifting and a story full of friendship. Take This book on holiday and enjoy getting lost in this beautiful story.

The Woman Who Got her Spark Back wasn't really the story I was expecting from the cover or blurb. I wouldn't describe it as hilarious as others have, although there were funny moments. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I did and Fiona Gibson's storytelling skill kept me engaged and reading on. do think it was rushed, though; the strands probably deserve a second book telling, and continuing, the story from Amanda's point of view. I'd like to have heard more about her. But this is a definite recommendation from me.