A review by beca_reads
The Setup by Lizzy Dent

emotional funny hopeful relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is like a warm hug, and is the biggest pick me up if you are feeling lonely or lost in life. The Setup follows Mara who is feeling lost in life. Mara goes away by herself after her friend Charlie isn't able to go. There she goes to see a clairvoyant who tells her that she is going to meet her partner imminently. It all goes wrong when the clairvoyant goes into labour and leaves Mara to lock up the shop. While Mara is locking up, she tries on the veil, and in walks Joe, who is exactly what the clairvoyant described, she tells Joe to meet Mara at her local pub in the last week of August. 
When back home she meets Ash her new housemate, they instantly get along and spend lots of time watching films. As she struggles with her friendship with Charlie she goes on a project to turn her life around. Over time Mara becomes closer with her work colleagues, and those in the town. 
As her relationship with Ash blossoms she is still set on meeting Joe as she believes deeply in fate, as she struggles to trust her gut instinct. 
Her work place the Lido is also facing being sold to development, so her and her work friend club together to save the Lido. 
This book beautifully sums up what it is like to be an adult trying to find their way, and finding friendship in the most unlikely places. 
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