Anything Could Happen is a hugely relatable story about what-ifs, missed opportunities and the roads that, for one reason or another, our lives never followed. Brit Lara Spencer was a twenty-six-year-old fashion journalist in New York when she conceived Eliza after meeting Ben McManus, a man whom she expected to spend her future with. Their connection was undeniable but the arranged second date never happened and Lara returned to live in Scarborough with Ben unaware that he was destined to be a father. Fast-forward nineteen years and daughter Eliza is an eighteen-year-old with university on the horizon and furious that the man she was led to believe was her father and left when she was three, actually isn’t. Eliza wants answers and when Lara finally discloses what happened she is determined to track her real father down and introduce herself. Ben is not only flabbergasted to discover that he has a daughter but soon finds himself desperately scrambling to save his marriage to betrayed wife, Kirsten. As Eliza gets to know Ben and they start to bond, she can’t help but wonder what would happen if her parents hadn’t gone their separate ways and if there could be a second chance for them.

Revisiting her past and remembering the young woman she once was provides Lara with the perfect opportunity to take stock of her life and the ambitions that she set aside when she discovered she was pregnant. Likewise for Ben, as he reconsiders how his future turned on the death of his father and how he settled for a life that he could never have imagined. What I appreciated about this book was how Lucy Diamond considered the repercussions of these events on all three main parties with all the complications that real life entails. This was my first read of one of her books and I certainly understand why her style is so popular as this was such an easy book to read with a definite heart-warming and feel-good vibe. Whilst it doesn’t require a huge level of engagement to follow, the characters have enough depth to feel realistic and the plot isn’t all sunshine and smiles. The story certainly has enough moments of reality (and things not going perfectly) that ensured the book never strayed into twee territory despite the reader feeling safe in the knowledge of things always turning out ok in the end. Gently humorous and largely predictable escapism with my main complaint being how needlessly drawn out the entire second half felt. Whilst I usually like a novel with a little more intrigue involved this book was an undemanding and engaging break from my usual genres.

I always love Lucy Diamond’s books and this was no exception. I was drawn into Lara and Eliza’s story and felt so many emotions about their journey throughout the novel. I also loved Ben!! This is a really cosy, need-to-finish read.
Thank you so much for this arc.

From New York City to North Yorkshire to Cambridge this is a novel of missed opportunities when something potentially wonderful is lost for various reasons. Nineteen years ago Lara meets fellow Brit Ben by chance in New York, there is a genuine spark and he seems to be the man of her dreams. They are on the cusp of something wonderful but fate intervenes. Eliza is turning 18 and wants to reconnect with her father which takes Lara and Eliza on a surprising journey of self discovery.

This is a fun mixture of warmth but also of heartbreak which is essentially a good read but it takes a circuitous route and thus sometimes loses plot momentum. It’s definitely slow to get going but it’s well worth persisting as it becomes an enjoyable, entertaining read. The characterisation is very good and they all feel relatable. The standout for me is Eliza who is a ‘character’ that’s for sure. She is a genuine tour de force with so much spirit and on occasions about as much subtlety as a sledgehammer but she makes me laugh and the pages are definitely brighter when she’s on them! Some of the best parts of the book of the dynamics between mother and daughter which are acutely observed as they navigate the big secret that lies between them. There is some snappy dialogue especially between Eliza, Lara and Ben which makes for lively reading. Lara is very wry at times especially about what her life has become and that is something that will resonate with readers. The message of the book is a good one that if you go searching for something you won’t necessarily hear the things you want to, that life is full of bumps in the road which leads to dilemmas which need resolving. It’s emotional at times as characters learn more about themselves and take brave decisions. Although this is a romance novel as with all Lucy Diamond’s books they’re not fluffy, they’re grounded in reality which gives the book a genuine air of authenticity. The ending is nice, predictable but still nice!

On the negative side it does feel too long, there is extraneous detail that gets in the way and maybe a few too many characters. It’s a bit frustrating as I just want the storytelling to speed up!

Overall this has a good premise but not always with a quick pace. However it ticks every box in readers expectations of the genre and I’m glad I read it as it makes a pleasant change from my usual reading. Into the bargain you get some good settings, it’s hard to resist New York City and Scarborough, which I know well, definitely has its attractions though the North Sea swimming club, rather you than me Lara!

With thanks to NetGalley and Quercus books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Lucy Diamond is the queen of rom-com, writing books with heart and a deeper message weaving throughout.

She does that beautifully here following the story of Lara and Eliza, as the latter finds out the truth about who her father is, and is able to meet him.

There are a number of what ifs throughout the story from all the characters ruminating on the fact that anything could happen, maybe you should take those chances when you can.

An enjoyable read.

Well written story about Lara, a driving instructor and single mother to Eliza. When Eliza is eighteen she insists on discovering who her father is so Lara tells her the story of a one night stand in New York where she met the man of her dreams, Ben. Eliza is determined to track him down and Lara helps her by driving her to Cambridge where Ben lives, having no idea he has a daughter. The meeting puts a strain on Ben’s childless marriage as he tries to make amends to Eliza for being absent through her childhood. It was nice to see Ben and Eliza’s relationship developing throughout the story and particularly during the trip to New York. The story also looks at things from Kirsten’s, Ben’s wife’s, perspective. Kirsten is totally shocked to hear Ben has an eighteen-year-old daughter, putting a strain on their already slightly fragile marriage. The characters are interesting and likeable making this book an easy read. Lucy Diamond is a very accomplished and experienced writer and her books are always enjoyable if slightly predictable. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me an ARC of this book to review.

When Lara meets Ben in New York she has no idea how much he is going to change her life.
Almost 20 years later it is Ben's turn to have his life changing moment.
A return trip to New York is a revelation for them both, but could it be a new start?
Anything could happen when you meet The One.

As a huge fan of Lucy Diamond, I was thrilled to have been given the chance to review her latest book before it hits the shelves.

A key theme of the storyline is how much our lives are shaped by our past, cemented by the frequent referral to ‘what if’ moments throughout. It was interesting to read about two protagonists whose storyline didn’t adopt the usual love story trope and whose lives first crossed only fleetingly yet were altered irrevocably as a result.

While the ending was somewhat predictable, I would still give this book five stars purely due to the fact that it remained an enjoyable read and is synonymous with Lucy’s classic style/genre that we all know and love.

*Many thanks to Quercus and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This is a lovely romcom that deals in missed connections and what ifs. Lara met Ben in her 20s in New York, but they never managed to finish their story. When Lara's 18 year old daughter finds out, she's initially furious with Lara, but then turns matchmaker. Only problem? Ben's married. I enjoyed this book, which was a sweet romance, it got 4 stars rather than 5 because I felt that Ben was far too passive as a character - events happened to him, rather than him influencing them. From his missed connection with Lara in New York, right through to his big decision at the end, he let other people choose his path, which is just a bit of a dull way for things to unfold.

Free courtesy of Netgalley

It all starts with a chance meeting in New York, and two people who thinks this is the beginning of the biggest love affair..... And then he doesn't turn up for their first proper date....

Fast forward 18 years and Eliza is on the search for her father, she first approaches the man she thought was her dad, who tells her he left because he found out he couldn't have children, so her mother Lara had lied to him...

This set off a series of events and travel down to Cambridge to meet her dad Ben, who is married and knows nothing about her.... He is over the moon that he has a daughter, bit will that mean the end of his marriage, as his wife is furious

Will Lara and Ben try again or will Ben and his wife sort things out ??

Funny, romantic story where there were points I disliked each character and changes my mind constantly who I wanted to be with who...

I would recommend this book though as I loved it

This is a fun and sweet story about how people change over time and how they really don't. Lara meets the love of her life one day when she is on an adventurous work placement in New York, a lovely fantasy of living in NY and getting to know it really well. She adores the young man she meets and he seems to feel the same, but then it all goes wrong and she has to go back home, now pregnant and broke. Years later they meet again and this is about how they will-they-won't-they reconnect again. It's a fun read, lighthearted and straightforward to follow even though there were flashbacks and different viewpoints. I really liked it and enjoyed reading it!

Lara in her mid twenty goes to New York for a 4 month secondment. In a bar one night with a girl friend she catches the eye of Ben. He is on a sabbatical with a couple of friends.
They start talking and the sparks fly. However their date for the following evening falls apart. Laura goes home and finds herself pregnant. Nineteen years later their daughter wants to track down her farther. Now begins the trials and tribulations of two middle aged people. Will they find their way back or will it all be in vain.

Lucy Diamond never disappoints - this time was no exception. Another lovely book to settle down with on the weekend. Thank you NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Ben and Lara meet in a bar in New York. They spend the night together and then arrange to meet after work. When Lara arrives there is no Ben.
Lara returns home and finds herself pregnant.
Roll on 18 years and Eliza decides its time she knew who her father is and sets about finding him.
I loved all the descriptions of New York, it's on my bucket list to go in the near future.
I thought Ben and Lara's relationship was well written. Not rushed, just a slow getting to know you.
Poor Kirsten, I didn't see that coming.
I really like the idea of the swimming club although I'm not sure about swimming in the sea Brrrr.
I love Lucy Diamond's writing you can really imagine it happening in real life.
Definitely another winner.
Thanks to Netgalley and Quercus for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I have really liked all this authors books and this was no exception, a real feel good read, great storyline and great characters.

Anything could happen by Lucy Diamond is another great novel from the author about missed opportunities.
Lara is a young fashion student in upstate New York when she meets Ben from Cambridge. They have a brief relationship as Ben must rush back to England when there is an emergency involving his father. Lara is devasted and think Ben stood her up and she thought that Ben was “The One”. Not only that, but she also finds out that she is pregnant. Her hold life is tuned upside down.
Years later, Lara is told by her daughter now 18 that she is looking for her father. At first, she thinks that it is Lara’s ex husband Steve. But the truth comes out and Lara tells Eliza her about Ben. When they meet old feelings resurface.
Thank you, Quercus, for a copy of Lucy Diamonds latest offering. The is a great tale of missed opportunities and rekindling romances and re discovering yourself. I did like the story and the characters, but I found it hard going. The story wasn’t straightforward and went around the houses as the saying goes until they got together. Because of this, it took a while to connect to the story. 4 stars from me.

A sweet story about what ifs, missed opportunities and new beginnings. Beautifully written, the book started off so strong, However, I found myself a little bit uninterested in the story as I felt it dragged on for way too long with the back and forth between Lara and Ben blaming each other for the missed chance of 18 years prior.
Still a lovely read though.

This is a funny, touching story of what might have beens! We all have turning points in our lives but this family seem to have more than most.
A wonderfully warm and sometimes tearful novel that has you taking these lovely characters into your heart.

Lucy Diamond is back with her new novel Anything Could Happen which is centred on a storyline of missed chances and new beginnings.

It has always been Lara and her daughter Eliza but Eliza wants to connect with her father but in doing so Lara is going to have to bare her heartbreak with her daughter and retell her whirlwhind romantic night in New York with Eliza’s father.

This was an enjoyable novel by Lucy Diamond, with down to earth characters who are full of heart but have had their fair share of bad luck that have sent their lives down different paths. The storyline was a little predictable but there were enough bumps along the way to still keep me engrossed in the storyline.
Lara and Ben were both loveable characters who you just want to see them have their own happy ever afters but Eliza too a little bit more warming to as she had spoilt and demanding characteristics that grinded on me at times!

It was a lighter and slower pace read than I am used to when reading Lucy’s books so will make perfect holiday read being able to pick up and put down rather than grabbing your attention leaving you unable to put the book down.

The premise of this book was actually very sad, that a missed opportunity meant Eliza was robbed of growing up with her dad and he, Ben, was robbed of the opportunity of having a child.
In spite of that sadness, when they finally meet it is lovely to read of how they bond and develop their father/daughter relationship. Lara and Ben are less quick to hit it off with each blaming the other for things not working out… I enjoyed the book, it was easy to read and a lovely story,

Meeting the love of your life, then your arrangements to meet up fall through. Unexpected consequences in an unplanned and unexpected pregnancy. How far do you go to let them know?
Fast forward 18 years and your daughter sets out to connect with the man she thinks is her dad.
Confusion, then clarity, new relationship are formed but can you ever go back to the beginning again.
A will they won't they reconnect abounds with twists along the way.
A very enjoyable read