This book gets a very rare 5/5 stars from me!

“Life is precious and as long as we have a reason to continue, we should follow that path.”

Eudora Honeysett is 85 years old and has lived quite long enough in this world thank you very much. That is until the day the effervescent and full of life ten-year-old Rose Trewidney moves in next door in Eudora’s London neighborhood.  What ensues between this austere elderly woman and this vivacious little girl is an unlikely friendship for the ages.  

The book’s dual timeline shifts between Eudora’s past where we learn of the hardships and tragedies she’s faced in her life and the present where the consequences of those adversities come full circle.  Just when you think it’s too late for Eudora, enter new friends and new life.   

This is a truly touching story about friendship, death, heartache, loss – and most of all a celebration of life.  It’s a novel of second chances that left me openly crying and laughing out loud.  The friendship of Rose and Eudora will be with me for a long time.  I absolutely loved it and recommend it for everyone.  

My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  Available now.

This is a fun book to read. I’m not 85 yet, but I understand where the story coming from. No, I haven’t contemplated going to a Swiss suicide assistance clinic, but I understand the loneliness that getting old can bring. When the Trewidney family moves in next door and 7-year old Rose is determined to befriend her old-lady neighbor I know things were going to get better. It’s a compassionate book with the flashbacks helping the reader understand Eudora Honeysett much better. Not quite as insightful as a Man Called Ove, but it is an endearing book.

Eudora Honeysett is age 85 and experienced many losses that she couldn’t control so as her health fails, she sets about planning her death on her own terms. Her plans progress on schedule until a new family moves in next door that includes vivacious 10-year-old Rose Trewidney. Rose ‘forces’ her way into Eudora’s world, opening a new chapter into Eudora’s quiet and structured life.

Readers learn about the tragic events of Eudora’s past through a dual timeline. Just one of these would have wrecked me, yet she soldiered on, and the cumulative impact has created the solitary person she is today.

This character-driven novel is filled with emotions, some happy, many sad, others infuriating. Novels rarely make me cry, but even though I knew how this story would end, my investment in the characters and the lovely writing brought me to tears ... in a good way. If you loved A Man Called Ove, be sure to read this.

Thank you to William Morris and The Book Club Girls for the earc on NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

There was nothing about this book that I didn’t love. The characters are so true to life, the writing is phenomenal, and the story is just beyond amazing. The title character, Eudora, is 85, set in her ways, and tired of being alive. She has no family, no friends, no reason to stick around, so she makes the decision to end life on her terms. Until a new family moves in next door, bringing life, noise, and color into Eudora’s life via 10-year-old Rose. As their relationship blossoms, we get to see Eudora’s backstory through flashbacks and come to understand why she is the person she is, and how life has brought her to this place and time. I laughed out loud multiple times reading this book, and I was moved to tears multiple times. Basically, I loved this book.

I received an e-arc from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Y’all, my heart! This gave me strong The Story of Arthur Truluv vibes! I just loved it!

Eudora comes off as a prickly 85-year old woman, but really, she has a heart of gold and a great personality. Her new neighbor is a little girl named Rose (age 10) who is full of so much life and adorableness, there’s not a soul who wouldn’t love her. Mix in another neighbor recently widowed in his 80s named Stanley with a fantastic personality, and you have one of the best trios ever created.

They made me laugh and cry so much, I wanted to jump in the book and go on adventures with them!

Towards the end of each chapter, we are given parts of Eudora’s past that explain why she has become the person she is. It will break your heart at times and make you want to hug her.

Warning: This is similar to Me Before You, in the sense that Eudora is wanting to die with dignity in her old age, and is going through the steps of having an appointment at a voluntary assisted death facility. I know that was a major issue for some who read that book, so I wanted to give a heads up! It’s not a spoiler though...you know this really early on.

This is such a feel good book that shows love and friendship can sometimes come from the most random and weirdly timed places ❤️

Pick it up!!

Thank you to @netgalley and @harpercollins @williammorrowbooks for the copy in exchange for my honest review. I adored this book!

If it wasn't for the laugh out loud moments with Rose, would give 3 stars. Received an ARC through NetGalley for honest review. The writing references of "Eudora did this" and "Eudora did that", ugh drove me crazy. I couldn't imagine reading the whole book, but after Chapter 2 I got past it. Eudora is 85 and quite set in her ways. She is stiff, formal, standoffish and very proper. She has lived a life for others and not herself and wants to be done with life. In moves Rose, a 10yr old next door who is outgoing, vivavious, nosey and shockingly speaks her voice for the LOL moments. Next is Stanley who is either in his 60s or 70s who is a widower having a tough time getting over his wife, Ada. He has kids and grandkids, but the day to day is lonely. He jokes around and teases Eudora who is put out with his informal air. The three are an unlikely trio who over time depend on each other. Rose is so precious. She is persistent and between her and Stanley push Eudora out of her comfort zone and has her rethinking life. I ended up enjoying the book more than I thought.

Eudora Honeysett lives in a small village in England. She is feeling her age in body and soul and is completely over life. Two things come into her life that are unexpected, a new family next door and a chance encounter in a hospital waiting room.
I adored this story. Although it deals with heavier topics, it's written with such heart and hope that it doesn't feel depressing. Ten year old, Rose is a favorite of mine.
I would describe this as a transformation story, a reminder that other people and connection bring the meaning to life. If you liked A Man Called Ove, I think you would appreciate this story as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Book Club Girls Early Reader Giveaway!

I loved this sweet book. All the characters were very likable and I found myself wishing I lived in their town The message of looking out for your neighbor and being kind is a much needed reminder in today’s climate. Some have compared this book to A Man Called Ove, and while it is similar, I found Eudora much more like able. I highly recommend this book.

Such a great book! Thank you to The Book Club Girls and NetGaelley for the ARC of The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett. The title character is tired and ready for the end of her life until she meets 10 year-old Rose. Eudora, Rose and the recently widowed, Stanley become an unlikely trio who definitely touched my heart. They have stayed with me long after completing the book.

I really enjoyed this story of how the life of 85 year-old Eudora was changed by unlikely friendships with her 10-year old neighbor Rose, and the recently widowed Stanley. A great reminder that life can be what you make it when you approach it with an open heart.

I found the premise of The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett intriguing. I WANTED to love this book, but ultimately is wasn't the right book for me at this time. Hopefully others will have better luck with it, as I do believe its a good book.

Thank you Harper Collins, The Book Club Girls, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

"Life is precious and as long as we have a reason to continue, we should follow that path."
Heartwarming, funny, charming, painful, lonely, sad, real....everything wrapped in a bow, Eudora Honeysett really does have a brilliant life! The author does a fabulous job of creating characters, including a cat, that you fall in love with from the start and are filled with hope for as you discover them in current time and through flashbacks. It's a clear readalike to "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" with a peppering of the realization of "It's a Wonderful Life".

Follow the story of Eudora Honeysett, who feels she's done and would like to die on her own terms. ("My death. My way.") She has had a difficult life, one filled with abandonment that contributes to her loneliness and resolve. She meets several kind people that start to give her life a purpose again, most especially Rose, the wonderfully precocious and eccentric young girl that has moved in next door to her and has marked Eudora as her best friend. Rose is like fresh air and turns Eudora's world upside down. They need each other and along with Stanley, the widower, the three of them truly enjoy a "pleasant" life together as BFFs.

The author handles the theme of death beautifully. Not something to be feared, but to be talked about as a natural progression of life. She has clearly spent time researching this theme. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of the death doula and the people involved in assisted death...their roles were eye opening and sensitively portrayed. My favorite advice they give Eudora, "Allow yourself to choose life while you are making the decision about your death. It's important to live life to the full while you can." And also to remember that "all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."

There are many themes that echo throughout this book and make it un-put-downable in the best possible way. Isolation, abandonment and loneliness, joy and the wonder of everyday life, the choices we make and the paths they put you on, regrets with the wonder of what might have been, forgiveness, friendship and trust....Actually, the word that stands out most is KINDNESS. "There's great comfort in kindness. I value it above almost everything else these days." The importance of being kind to ourselves, and to others is embedded on every page. It is a definite recurring theme, and one that the world needs now.

5 Unicorn Stars

This is a terrific book! I truly enjoyed being part of Eudora’s life and watching her change through the book. Eudora is 85 and ready to leave this world and she’s found her path to do just that. She’s no nonsense and prefers her solitary life.

It’s funny how life sometimes gets in the way of your plans though. She gets a new wonderful neighbor family with 10-year-old Rose who in in close competition for my favorite character in this book. Rose loves fashion and dressing in amazing colors that match her bright personality. She also loves to visit Eudora and her cat, too often for Eudora’s taste. She also loves to hear about Eudora’s early life and finds herself more at ease with older adults than kids her own age.

Together with another older neighbor who has recently been widowed – Stanley – this trio builds a unique friendship and looks out for each other. I adored Stanley’s two dogs as well. These friends have some fun adventures with shopping, swimming, pizza parlors, and a senior group.

At the end of each chapter, we read about a part of Eudora’s life growing up and we start to understand how the events in her life have turned her into this woman at age 85.

For fans of “Eleanor Oliphant” and “Me Before You” this book was an engaging heartfelt read for me. It made me think about death and how to have a “good death” and made me aware that there are death doulas. We celebrate birth and shy away from talking about death. Eudora makes a big impact on Rose and Stanley and I find myself still thinking about her. I highly recommend this one along with a fresh box of tissues.

"Eudora Honeysett is invisible, and she doesn't care one jot. She has lived her life as best she can. She is ready for the next step, the final destination, or whatever half-baked euphemism people insist on using these days."

At 85, Eudora Honeysett is ready to say goodbye to a world she no longer understands and wants to do it on her own terms. With no family or friends to leave behind, she makes a call to a clinic in Switzerland and is relieved to know the end is near. But when new neighbors move in and their 10-year-old whirlwind of sparkles and cheer, Rose, decides the octogenarian is her new best friend, Eudora's formerly-orderly world is turned upside down forcing her to consider how her past may be holding her back from enjoying the present.

I adored this book! Annie Lyons writes characters you want to be best friends with. Eudora is an hysterically caustic but ridiculously lovable curmudgeon and Rose is a precocious moppet who's impossible to resist. Their connection is sweet and believable as is Eudora's new friendship with Stanley, a recently widowed neighbor. Her relationship with her family is told through flashbacks that reveal how Eudora ended up where she is and makes you love her all the more.

If you loved A Man Called Ove or Brit-Marie Was Here, you'll also love The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett. It's quirky and heartwarming and the perfect book for fall - trust me when I tell you you'll want to curl up under a comfy blanket with a warm cup of tea and not get up until you've finished it!

4.5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins & the author for an advanced copy to review.

This book is heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting--simply one of the best books I have read this year.

It's a very simple premise: Eudora Honeysett, a cranky octogenarian, is quite done with living, thank you very much. It's not that she is in terrible health at the moment, but she knows the older she becomes the worse everything will get. Especially as she is alone in the world with the exception of her similarly cranky cat, Montgomery. But she is not afraid of death: wanting to meet it on her own terms, by her own choice, she makes an appointment with a Swiss euthanasia clinic for the very near future. As the plot progresses, we, like Eudora, await the decision of the clinic's founding doctor.

But then she meets her irrepressible 10-year-old neighbor, Rose, and recently widowed Stanley and her whole outlook begins to change.

Eudora's story unfolds in two timelines: present day and her heartbreaking past, beginning when her father leaves for WWII. You read with dread as Lyons reveals the layers of what made Eudora such a curmudgeon, because you know what's coming, but like the main character, you don't want to face it. But you'll entirely understand why she is the way she is. And that final emotional climax is well worth the price of admission.

I loved this book from start to finish. The world could use a few more Eudora Honeysetts (the scene in which she dresses down the condescending doctor is a standout), and it could use more Roses and Stanleys as well. The overall messages of finding comfort and bravery when facing the topic of death as well as a gentle reminder to fight ageism are good ones. And a plot revolving around an elderly protagonist rather than flighty twenty-somethings was a welcome change.

Thank you to William Morrow through the Book Club Girls for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. I'll definitely be looking for more of the authors books now that I have discovered her.

I absolutely adored The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett! This book reminded me somewhat of Me Before You. Eudora Honeysett is 85 years old and she’s tired. She looks into Voluntary Assisted Death so that she can go, she’s ready. Then this charming little girl and her family move in next door. Eudora quickly becomes smitten with 10 year old, Rose. And Stanley, her widower neighbor also takes Eudora into his family and friend circle.

Eudora’s brilliant life is told in present day, then in flashbacks of the past, starting In 1940 when Eudora is 5, her fathers getting ready to go to war, and her mother is expecting her younger sister, Stella. Life changes for them in 1944, Stella is a strong-willed child who grows into a not-so-nice woman. There’s tragedy and heartbreak and hard choices that Eudora makes throughout her life.

This is a story of family, ultimately, and the power of love. I loved it!

Thank you to #netgalley and #williammorrowpublishers for the advanced e-copy of #thebrilliantlifeofeudorahoneysett.

Feel good novel, The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett, should be not only on your TBR but in your hands as soon as possible. Eudora has come to the decision her end of her life years are not worth living or dying for. Looking around she sees nothing in modern life that is appealing and the modern version of death, even less so. Dignity in death is what she desires.
The novel is set back and forth between 1940 and current day. With the beginning of WWII, her father going to war, the advent of a baby sister, and a life spent caring for others at the expense of her own, we see over and over how circumstance and Eudora's own personal ethics serve to hinder any personal fulfillment. Now when she is 85-years-old, set in her ways, and noticing her body declining, she puts a plan in motion to finally take back her life or death, as it were. And this is where the adage "best made plans" comes into play. New neighbors, new friends, a cantankerous cat, and a death doula, all conspire to show how precious life is and to live if fully, whilst still here.
You may think you know where the story leads but it is a journey well worth taking.

Thank you to Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3535426515

This is a short book that can be read in a couple hours.

Eudora is a 85 year old woman who lives alone and wants to prepare to make her own decision about her own death after a disappointing and lonely life. But then, new neighbors move in, with a caring 10 year old daughter who also needs a good friend who knows an elderly man who recently lost his wife. This current life alternates with memories/dated entries about her parents, her sister, friendships and relationships.

It’s a little difficult for me to think that a lady, as lovely as Eudora is, with a fantastic humor could be alone to begin with, doesn’t seem possible, but it is a tender story of life and death, and living fully while alive.

I feel like it might be comparable to A Man Called Ove, but I found Eleanor much more delightful.

Thank you to The Book Club Girls for the chance to read this ARC.

This is one of my favorites of the year so far. It reminds me a bit of A Man Called Ove, which I also really liked, But I really liked how this book included a lot more history of the main character.

Eudora Honeysett is 85-years-old, lives alone with her crotchety old cat, and is just waiting to die. In fact, she's so ready, she's made a plan to go to a clinic in Switzerland as soon as they accept her application. But she's not anticipating new next door neighbors with a 10-year-old mismatched and bullied girl named Rose who decides to make Eudora her best friend and take her on a bunch of adventures. Another elderly widower, Stanley, rounds out the trio, and Eudora starts to remember her own traumatic childhood more. In alternating chapters, we learn about why Eudora has never married, why she has no family, and why she wants to decide her own future.

The Eudora-Rose-Stanley trio is a group of characters that won't be forgotten any time soon. Rose is older and wiser than she should be for having lived only a decade, and perhaps Eudora never developed the same social and emotional skills because of her childhood and young adult years. These three characters were all inherently likable, even though I felt such sympathy for them through so much of the book. But it's rare that an author creates characters that are so supportive of each other, even as they each struggle with their own demons.

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Book Club Girl for providing me with a copy of this book. It has not influenced my opinion.

I just finished one of the best books I've read this year. The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honetsett. You first meet Eudora as a lonely 85 year old crotchety woman. A young happy girl moves in next door and changes her life. There are flashbacks to Eudora s life so you find out why she is the way she is. This book is a must read.
I recieved it as an ARC from The Book Club Girls and Netgalley.