inesfertab's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
chlxebartxn's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mpr2000's review
4.0
Uplifting and fresh, this is a story to make you smile and to never distrust your gut.
When Serena Mills decides to leave her groom, Alastair, at the altar, she is not doing it to hurt him or because of an ulterior motive. She simply knows that she can’t marry the man she has been for the last 10 years. Yes, what Serena does is a little bit extreme, but let’s be honest, what did she have to do? Go with the wedding knowing that is not what she wants? As you can imagine, all friends and family support Alastair instead of her, so, when one of her oldest friends offers a flat in London to share, she can’t say no. This will be the beginning of her new life; in every way, a way to rediscover herself and believe that she can fulfill all her dreams. She will have to start from zero; horrible dates, new job and finding new friends. Scary but exciting at the same time, don’t you think?
This is a quick and funny read, but I think we all should take a little bit of inspiration from Serena’s trip. Try to not be moulded with the perspectives of the ones that surround us but to try to achieve our dreams, and be happy!
Are you ready to “Welcome to your Life”?
When Serena Mills decides to leave her groom, Alastair, at the altar, she is not doing it to hurt him or because of an ulterior motive. She simply knows that she can’t marry the man she has been for the last 10 years. Yes, what Serena does is a little bit extreme, but let’s be honest, what did she have to do? Go with the wedding knowing that is not what she wants? As you can imagine, all friends and family support Alastair instead of her, so, when one of her oldest friends offers a flat in London to share, she can’t say no. This will be the beginning of her new life; in every way, a way to rediscover herself and believe that she can fulfill all her dreams. She will have to start from zero; horrible dates, new job and finding new friends. Scary but exciting at the same time, don’t you think?
This is a quick and funny read, but I think we all should take a little bit of inspiration from Serena’s trip. Try to not be moulded with the perspectives of the ones that surround us but to try to achieve our dreams, and be happy!
Are you ready to “Welcome to your Life”?
victoriajaynes's review
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
girlreading's review
3.0
3.5* An entertaining, upbeat read that'll leave you with a smile on your face. The plus size representation was a breath of fresh air to see in a rom-com and Serena's journey of self love and discovery was so much fun to follow.
TW: fatphobia, body shaming, sexual harassment
TW: fatphobia, body shaming, sexual harassment
shelvesofstarlight's review
4.0
This book was an absolute delight! It was full to the brim of female friendships, fun, humour and the desire to find oneself. Something I think that every woman can relate to, which I think is what makes this book truly wonderful.
Serena was such a brilliant main character because not only was she incredibly easy to sympathise with as she went through situations I think most people have been through in their life. Plus, while I and Serena are perhaps in entirely different life situations I really felt the journey she was going through in this book as I too am in the process of trying to love myself. Her friends, Lola and Nicole were absolutely brilliant. Full of fun and sparkle and sage wisdom for Serena whilst being characters of their own with stories of their own. And all the dates she went on were absolutely varied and brilliant. I won't say who she ended up with but I am glad that it worked out as it did.
The plot was joyful and engaging and dealt with serious topics whilst Serena was dating around London. It slotted in so well with the story that it didn't sound out of place and I was glad that it was in there. But seeing Serena grow and change into who she was meant to be was truly wonderful and I was so glad that she arrived at the point she was at by the end of the book. It was well-paced and I think that this book could be enjoyed by anyone and everyone who needs a bit of a pick me up. I can't say too much without giving away the plot so I will keep my lips sealed.
The writing was just brilliant. Fun and serious where it needed to be whilst not bringing the overall tone of the book down. I hope that Bethany Rutter writes more son because she is a truly wonderful author.
I was kindly sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
Serena was such a brilliant main character because not only was she incredibly easy to sympathise with as she went through situations I think most people have been through in their life. Plus, while I and Serena are perhaps in entirely different life situations I really felt the journey she was going through in this book as I too am in the process of trying to love myself. Her friends, Lola and Nicole were absolutely brilliant. Full of fun and sparkle and sage wisdom for Serena whilst being characters of their own with stories of their own. And all the dates she went on were absolutely varied and brilliant. I won't say who she ended up with but I am glad that it worked out as it did.
The plot was joyful and engaging and dealt with serious topics whilst Serena was dating around London. It slotted in so well with the story that it didn't sound out of place and I was glad that it was in there. But seeing Serena grow and change into who she was meant to be was truly wonderful and I was so glad that she arrived at the point she was at by the end of the book. It was well-paced and I think that this book could be enjoyed by anyone and everyone who needs a bit of a pick me up. I can't say too much without giving away the plot so I will keep my lips sealed.
The writing was just brilliant. Fun and serious where it needed to be whilst not bringing the overall tone of the book down. I hope that Bethany Rutter writes more son because she is a truly wonderful author.
I was kindly sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
books_brownies_etc's review
4.0
Welcome To Your Life
By Bethany Rutter
Welcome To Your Life tells the story of Serena Mills, a thirty year old woman who has just jilted her fiancé (of 10 years) at the alter. Now what!? Moving to London to stay with her fabulous fashionista friend Lola, of course!
Serena vows to make the most of her singledom - setting herself the goal of going on 52 dates in 52 weeks! Navigating single life in London as a fierce, fat and totally fantastic woman sees Serena facing highs and lows, while discovering new friendships and a sense of confidence she didn’t realise she was capable of.
I loved this book - just like I knew I would. The ‘chaotic woman needs to make huge changes in her life’ is a favourite trope of mine and I really enjoyed Bethany’s take on it. I really related to Serena - as a plus sized woman, I found following her journey towards becoming more confident to be super empowering, the topic of positive body image was handled perfectly and felt like a breath of fresh air!
I really like books set in London, as I can imagine myself in the same places as the characters, in this book our MC visits Walthamstow which is where I grew up - all of the details were totally spot on and I could really feel that Bethany was writing about what she knows and most importantly, what she loves!
I do have one teeny weeny complaint - I didn’t like Henry at all - he cringed me out and I found him to be really spineless (sorry
By Bethany Rutter
Welcome To Your Life tells the story of Serena Mills, a thirty year old woman who has just jilted her fiancé (of 10 years) at the alter. Now what!? Moving to London to stay with her fabulous fashionista friend Lola, of course!
Serena vows to make the most of her singledom - setting herself the goal of going on 52 dates in 52 weeks! Navigating single life in London as a fierce, fat and totally fantastic woman sees Serena facing highs and lows, while discovering new friendships and a sense of confidence she didn’t realise she was capable of.
I loved this book - just like I knew I would. The ‘chaotic woman needs to make huge changes in her life’ is a favourite trope of mine and I really enjoyed Bethany’s take on it. I really related to Serena - as a plus sized woman, I found following her journey towards becoming more confident to be super empowering, the topic of positive body image was handled perfectly and felt like a breath of fresh air!
I really like books set in London, as I can imagine myself in the same places as the characters, in this book our MC visits Walthamstow which is where I grew up - all of the details were totally spot on and I could really feel that Bethany was writing about what she knows and most importantly, what she loves!
I do have one teeny weeny complaint - I didn’t like Henry at all - he cringed me out and I found him to be really spineless (sorry
bethbond's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ccassidy98's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming and Sexual harassment