Jacqueline Wilson has done it again. Esme Pepper is funny, deeply moving and full of warmth, reminding me exactly why her books have remained so special for so many readers over the years.

Esme is a wonderfully believable protagonist. She is witty, vulnerable and incredibly easy to root for, and I found myself completely invested in her journey from the very first page. Wilson captures the complicated emotions of growing up with such honesty, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with scenes that genuinely tugged at my heart.

What impressed me most was how hopeful the story felt. It doesn't shy away from difficult topics, but it approaches them with compassion, humour and optimism. Every character felt authentic, and the relationships, both messy and loving, were beautifully written.

Even as an adult reader, I found this impossible to put down. Jacqueline Wilson has a remarkable ability to tell stories that speak to readers of all ages, and Esme Pepper is another reminder of why she remains one of my favourite authors.

A touching, uplifting and unforgettable read that left me smiling by the final page. Highly recommended.

Jacqueline Wilson is not only an author of my childhood but her books continue to grace my adulthood. I grew up on the Bed and Breakfast Star, The Lottie Project, Hetty Feather and Tracy Beaker of course. I was always enraptured by her books and this is still the case now.

Esme Pepper has absolutely joined my Jacqueline Wilson books of fame and it was fantastic.

To write of such hard-hitting matters so delicately is a skill that Jacqueline does with ease. She introduces heavy topics and effortlessly weaves them into her stories and boy did I fall in love with little fiery Esme.

She finds herself in the throes of foster parents after her mum is detained and certainly isn’t happy about it. The Hawes’ are elderly and retired however Esme, as a whirlwind of chaos, ends up in their lives. What unfolds is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, happy sad happy and so worth the read.

Despite the central topics themselves, I’m always left with a warm happy glow and the feeling of feeling all the feels through the overcoming of challenges that the character faces. It was a lovely ending, and I’m left bubbling with nostalgia and the overwhelming need to read all her books all over again!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whilst I am not the target audience I grew up reading Jacqueline Wilson and so did my daughter. This book is just as good as the others and im so lucky to have had an ARC. Would highly recommend for all ages!