I thought this was a nice feel good book. I really enjoyed the story line and I hope others read this one as well.

3.5 stars
This wasn't my favourite of Fiona Gibson's novels. I still enjoyed it but I didn't really identify with the main character, maybe it was the age difference; I think this one might suit the late 40s/50s ladies better. What I did enjoy was the fashion element, all the descriptions of the clothes and the build up to the fashion show was really well done. 
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Viv's life seems to be tootling along quite happily and despite being plagued by the night sweat and hot flushes of impending menopause, Viv hopes that she will come through this time in her life with her sanity, and family, intact. However, in the midst of her own uncertainty, Viv discovers that her husband of twenty five years has been having an affair with a much more svelte and sophisticated colleague. With everything around her in disarray, Viv is devastated but keeping her family safe is so important but then she also discovers that being single suddenly has its advantages. With the chance to get her life back on track,Viv starts to put herself first with interesting consequences.

I've really enjoyed getting to know Viv, every fifty-something woman, I think, will be able to identify with here, her angst about work, home and love certainly ring true. She's a great personality, and with her friends there when she needs them, Viv starts to gain in confidences and assurance. There's some genuinely funny moments which made me smile and the cast of interesting characters who come and go in Viv's life are a lively bunch and add some lovely light and shade to the story, but it is Viv's relationship with her friend, Penny, which is rather special.

The author does this genre so well and I know that whenever I pick up a Fiona Gibson book I won't be disappointed. Her ability to get right into the heart of her characters always brings her stories to life in a lovely light hearted way. When Life Gives You Lemons is a great feel good read and is perfect way to pass an afternoon of self isolation

"When Life Gives You Lemons" introduces us to Viv, 52 years old, with two children, husband and stabile life. However, this life is about to change radically, when she discovers that her husbands has an affair. What follows is a story of a mature woman, coping (or not) with divorce and juggling life as a single - mother.

The book is advertised to be a hilarious romantic comedy. Publishers, please stop doing this - promising things and than not keeping your promises. It was neither hilarious nor romantic nor comedy. I don't mean to criticise the book, because it was a nice, contemporary novel, so close to life - but perhaps it should be advertised this way.

Fiona Gibson's characters are always real and human, and it was the same in this book. It's a very character - driven story and Viv is the main heroine - could be your best friend, she felt so vivid and relatable, jumping off the pages. We mostly get her point of view, through her monologues and actions and thoughts on everything that is happening around her. It was actually truly uplifting and inspiring to see her growing into confidence, establishing her identity, starting to enjoy life again. She's a character that many readers will be able to relate to and with. What I truly appreciated is the fact that nothing in her journey felt forced or overdone - no, everything seemed just like in real life, her making wrong decisions, having problems, misinterpreting situations, jumping to conclusions.
The supporting characters are a bunch of colourful, vivid people and they take care of our good mood, adding humour but also making the story this little bit more thought - provoking. They provide a range of diversion, giving Viv extra jobs and making her life fuller and complicated, hence keeping her sane (or not!).

My biggest problem was that I wasn't sure what the book is trying to tell us. Yes, it touches upon some more difficult issues and shows character's wonderful journey to self - confidence and discovering what it is that makes her happy, but somehow it didn't convince me and I wasn't sure where it's leading at all. The pace was rather slow and there were not life - changing twists or turns, however it had its moments that made me giggle, for example Viv's omelette - action. The author's writing style is so easy to follow and it's a real joy to pick the book up after a long day to relax for a while. Also, you know what's coming, but in a good way, and this feeling of security is very comforting.

It was a rather slow - burner, this story, however it kept getting better. The author has written a contemporary fiction, balancing seriousness and problems with humour and light - heartedness. Well, you have to find fun in life, otherwise you're going to get crazy. It is not a fluffy, meh kind of read, and the author deals with falling apart of the family in a sensitive and understanding way. Still, it is an easy and light read with a great message: when life gives you lemons, just add gin and tonic. Take the best out of life. Enjoy it. It is well written and it flow in such a natural, easy way, progressing towards the inevitable happy end. Recommended!

I received  a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It's my first book from this author, and I have to say I'm delighted with it. The author tells a story that, although being undoubtedly sad, shows that difficult situations can make us grow to succeed. Viv is a beautiful character, and the love and force she injects in everyone around her, lead her way to her own happiness.
No doubts, a very enjoyable book.
I will definitely read more from this author.

I really enjoyed this book, as I could so identify with Viv and her menopause!! It was a great story of a huge upheaval in her life, but which actually helped her blossom into a, stronger person. A great story with strong, although very different characters....

Absolutely loved this! Really felt for Viv and loved the relationship between her and Penny! So far I haven’t found a book by this author I haven’t enjoyed! I’d love to see what happens next for Viv!

Poor Viv’s life is difficult.  Menopausal, dealing with a 7-year-old and PA to a very high maintenance boss, Viv suddenly finds herself single when her husband Andy leaves her for a woman who is everything Viv isn’t.  Is this the push that Viv needs to change her life for the better?

I’ve read a few of this author’s books in the past and have always found them to be funny and warm-hearted reads.  This one was no different and as soon as I started reading it, I instantly connected to Viv!!  Being similar age to her in age, I can completely understand the hormone fuelled sweats and moods that Viv was going through – in fact, I’m sure the author was writing about me at some point!!  Viv is definitely the star of the book but is complimented so well by a range of different characters whose stories all add to the plot!  I loved Viv’s friend Penny and found myself laughing along with them as Penny recounted some of her stories!

The book is such an easy read and by the time I’d gotten through the first couple of chapters I was hooked on the story.  The storyline is so realistic and, to be honest, so much of it could have been taken straight out of conversation you have with your best friends.   Unlike other books in this genre, the book wasn’t predictable and whilst you just know that Viv will get her ‘happy ending’ by the close of the book, it isn’t obvious in what form that comes (or with who!).  Viv is such a strong character, it was great to believe all the way through the book that Viv could make it on her own, with or without a man in tow!!

This was such a light-hearted and entertaining read.  Whilst it had plenty of romance in it, it was also a great life-affirming storyline!  At these unsettling times in the world at the moment, this is the perfect book to grab and escape into Viv’s life for a little while for just that little bit of escapism!!  Would definitely recommend!

Funny, insightful and satisfying. Three things I like a book. Very enjoyable read. Great characters with plenty of giggly moments. Ludo is one to look out for! Easy to read and not overly predictable. 

Thank you Netgalley

Oh I so enjoyed this book. I don't often relate so well to characters with a big age difference to me but in this case I feel fro Viv hook line and sinker, I was on her side and rooting fro her right from the word go. I love that Fiona Gibson has written a book about a menopausal woman and shown what life is like just going through all those hormonal changes warts and all. I value the honesty and rawness of the writing and the humour of the situations that she managed to uncover. 



Yes Viv is a great character because she has come to a stage in life when she knows what she wants and she is fed up with having to wait for it. She doesn't take things too seriously and realises that she doesn't know it all but she really is fed up with her husband and rightly so and that is where I found her so relatable. I was with her in the middle of the night when the person next to her is just being so annoying and even though I listened to this book on audio, I laughed out loud a number of times, something i normally reserve for books I am holding in my hand. 



The other characters in this book are definitively all secondary characters Viv is the star here but they are all fully developed and have lives of their own and I loved their interactions with Viv and the way they moved the story forward and posed interesting problems for Viv to have to deal with. Some of the things that she does face in this book are very true to life and very relatable and as I've already mentioned Fiona Gibson is making headway in uncovering some fo the issues that face women of Viv's age in this lifetime and yet doing so with that wonderful Scottish sense of humour. I appreciated the west of Scotland setting here too. 



I did literally laugh my way through this book and I so enjoyed the time I spent with Viv and her life troubles. I really recommend this one and I can safely say that this is another hit for Fiona Gibson-bravo!

At first infuriating, but ultimately uplifting, this story about Viv moving forward in the midst of menopause and marriage falling apart will be great for anyone looking for a change of pace from the typical young and looking-into-the-future romances. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for a gifted copy of this book. 

Unfortunately, I DNF at 35%. This is very character driven and it's way too slow for me. It's like reading diary entries. I was hoping to push through but it just really isn't for me.

This is my first book by Fiona Gibson and I was not disappointed! She portrayed the main character is such a real and compelling way. From the menopause symptoms to trying to navigate life alone for the first time in 25 years, you find your self rooting for her to succeed. I love the bond between Viv and Penny, her older friend who has her own vivacious past, and between Viv and her daughter, Izzy, who inherited her mother's determination and sense of humor. When dealt the worst of hands, she chooses to make lemonade, proving that sometimes the worst thing you think can happen ends up being the best for you.

Firstly, I would like to thank Avon Books UK for the copy they sent through the post for my review and to be apart of the blog tour. 
If you are looking for a lighthearted and funny read (which I am sure we can all do with at the moment) then look no further. I was chuckling from the first page.
Viv is one of those women that you could imagine yourself sitting with over a glass or two of wine having a good chat about the days events and trading gossip. Her life is not at all how she wants it to be and just as her marriage ends, is the same time she decides to give it another go herself.  Aided by her good friend Penny, a very eccentric lady I might add, she knows she needs to create a new life for herself. Strong and determined Viv gets to it and is in for some laughs along the way.  What I like about Fiona's characters are that they become friends, you can imagine them actually doing everything that is described. 
When Life Gives You Lemons is just as good as Fiona's past books. Her writing style is so easy to read and hooks you in, having you laughing out loud, so beware where you read this.

To tell the truth, I was a little daunted when I discovered that the protagonist is a fifty-something woman in the throes of menopause. I mean, how could I relate to that? Answer: with difficulty. But that didn’t stop me from really enjoying this gem of a read from Gibson.

Oh, did Viv make me laugh. Gibson expertly creates a very entertaining monologue and hearing Viv’s inner thoughts on everything around her. Viv’s one-liners are hilarious and they had me chuckling. I actually wanted more comedy from this character but I could see why Gibson reined it in. This story was more about a woman’s growth and establishing her true identity after being stuck in a marriage that lost its spark a long time ago.

The supporting cast of characters are all very colourful. This helps lighten the atmosphere of what could potentially be seen as a rather bleak narrative: menopausal woman who is dissatisfied with her job, and her husband has had an affair. Instead, Viv’s friends provide a range of diversions and help bring out Viv’s true personality. Rose’s interpretation of providing Viv with a new title at work was comical and patronising at the same time; Penny is inspirational; and Nick seemed to be the fresh air that Viv needs. All in all, I think the story would have taken a very different turn if these supporting characters had not been so vivid.

This was a well-written story and I enjoyed how the narrative progressed to a natural finish. There was a key event, which I find typical in similar “growth” stories. It was pleasing to see this “deadline” drive the narrative forwards; as such, it did not make the story feel stagnant. Indeed, within chapters there are time periods and it helped to see the passage of time with regards to Viv’s reinvention.

Once again I have had the pleasure of discovering a new author. Consequence? The rest of Gibson’s back catalogue on my reading list! This was a lovely read and one that I completely enjoyed. I think Viv is a woman who many readers out there can relate to, whatever the age, given her humour and gradual approach to life. I loved the vivacity of the protagonist and it felt like I was watching a friend over the course of a year.

With thanks to Netgalley and Avon books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Despite being over 20 years younger than lead character Viv I absolutely loved this book.
I instantly felt a need to want to protect Viv who is suffering from menopause - hot flushes, night sweats etc to find that her husband Andy has been having an affair with fellow medical professional Dr Estelle Lang.
What ensues is Viv’s journey of single parenthood, rediscovering her own identity and a blossoming independence! 

Fiona Gibson writes in such witty humour that you can’t help but laugh out loud, while also feeling the emotions of Viv. A special mention needs to go out to Penny who I would love to be friends with, a no nonsense attitude to life we should all adopt.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

When life gives you lemons by Fiona Gibson.

Viv is in her mid fifties and is extremely menopausal. Andy is her disagreeable grumpy husband, who is a doctor. Andy is also extremely disagreeable, uninterested and Discompassionate about Viv’s menopausal life. Furthermore Viv is quite unsettled in her life at present whilst she doesn’t really know which way is up, 

The bones of the story are very good however the book is long winded before it gets to the point of the narrative. It all comes together in the last 2 chapters. 
The middle portion of the book you kept expecting the story to go further but it didn’t and just fell flat.  However it all drew together in the last few chapters which were amazingly well written. This is what you expected from the rest of the book but it wasn’t produced.

I really enjoyed this book. When Viv enters the menopause, the change of life couldn't be more appropriate.  She finds out her husband is having an affair and her life literally changes. 
She needs a change and unexpected meetings and circumstances lead to a new challenge which changes the focus of her life. We meet Viv's friends and neighbours and fall in love with all the twists and turns they bring. 
A really enjoyable read for women of a certain age....whatever age that is!

Viv is a lovely realistic character, so easy to like. When she finds out her husband is having an affair, it forces her to look at her life. Heartbroken, struggling to cope with her understandable anger, her dissatisfaction with life, and the menopause, she turns to her friends. Gradually Viv finds the courage to rediscover, the woman she is, and the life she wants. 

Full of authentic family life moments, humour, poignancy and an unexpected dash of romance, this book is an easy, engaging read that makes you alternatively, empathise, and laugh out loud. The characters are vibrant and realistic, and the situations relatable. The well-paced plot keeps you entertained and the ending is hopeful.

I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK in return for an honest review.

Full disclosure, the title was what first caught my interest and made me want to read this book. I mean who doesn't love a gin and tonic, right? Once I was introduced to Viv and her sweet daughter Izzy I was hooked. Viv had me rooting for her from the beginning and wishing I could be one of her Mom friends. This book was laugh out loud funny - seriously I was LOLing on the couch while I read it. It was also very sweet, and memorable. One of my favorite things was Viv's sassy internal dialogue - you go girl!! What can I say, I loved this book. Get this book on your must-read list and you won't be disappointed. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.