Charlie Knight is a doctor with a difference, while my GP can’t even predict when someone may answer their phones Charlie is predicting how many days patients have left to live. Is it a gift or is it a curse, above all should you interfere with fate?

It’s not a new question really, but it is one worth pondering and I’d dare say a great talking point for a book club pick, what would you do if you were suddenly able to tell people exactly how long they have left. Charlie initially confused by this gift tries to use it for good, to help the patients enjoy the life they have, but of course it isn’t long before he comes across patients with very limited numbers of days, and soon wonders if his friendly advice was the right thing to do. Charlie soon avoids asking simple questions like How are you? In the hope of avoiding seeing everyone’s number.

There’s a second chance romance arc to the story with Charlie’s ex Genevieve back in town, and while it was quite nice it really was a sideline so I’m not quite sure I’d pitch this as a romance, I mean there is romance but the gift really is the story.

3.75 🌟

Ryan Ennis narrates exceptionally well.

My thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

All The Perfect Days was a unique & thought provoking novel. Michael Thompson’s writing took a fresh perspective on the magical realism & romance genre. I don’t typically read novels in this genre, however, when I read this book’s synopsis, I knew this was one I had to give a try. I am so delighted that I did. Thompson lifted me out of the everyday happenings and reminded me what’s important in life.

This story was a fictional portrayal about Charlie Knight, a conscientious family doctor who discovered he had an unusual gift. He could vision the exact number of days a person had left until they died. He used his gift to help his patients, family and friends make the most of their relationships, travel and retire. But his gift came with awful consequences and Charlie realized there are things he didn’t want to know.

The question at the heart of this book wasn’t a new one “What would we do if we knew the exact length of someone’s life?”, yet it was a clever and intriguing read. I appreciated that the plot was character based and that it explored the relationships Charlie had with his patients, co-workers, family, and his newly returned ex, Genevieve. I also appreciated the small town ambiance and the glimmer of connections Charlie had with those in his community. Thompson blended the magical realism with the romance subplot seamlessly.

While the story explored themes about relationships and family and the messiness of living life together in community, it had the potential to go deeper, but this story maintained a lightness throughout. I liked that it didn’t have to be heavy to get its message across-again a refreshing take on an otherwise somber matter.

Overall, All The Perfect Days wasn’t at all what I had expected. It was more than I expected. It was intriguing, thought provoking, and had me engaged from start to finish making it impossible to put down. In a world that often feels out of control, Thompson created a comfort in his story-the idea that magic exists, and that love will prevail. If you loved The Measure you will certainly find this book fascinating as well.

Thanks to Net Galley and Tantor Audio for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.