Julia London’s Everything Is Probably Fine is the kind of book that sneaks up on you with its emotional resonance. It wraps sharp wit and unflinching honesty around a core of genuine, hard-earned growth. It’s messy in all the best ways—equal parts hilarious, heartbreaking, and hopeful.

Lorna Lott is the kind of protagonist you don’t immediately want to root for… and that’s exactly the point. She’s intense, socially prickly, and laser-focused on her career—until a meltdown at work lands her in a mandatory thirty-day wellness program. What could have easily turned into a cliché redemption arc instead becomes something far more layered. Julia London gives us a woman who’s spent decades keeping everything (and everyone) at arm’s length, forced to reckon with the grief she never let herself feel and the connections she never thought she needed.

The real magic of this book is in the cast of supporting characters. Lorna’s slow-burning friendship with a charmingly odd eight-year-old and his endearing, emotionally intelligent dad balances the narrative with a warmth that feels earned, not forced. And let’s not forget the humor—dry, self-deprecating, and perfectly timed. Lorna’s inner monologue alone is worth the read.

What sets this novel apart is its willingness to dwell in discomfort. London doesn’t rush the healing process or tie up every loose end with a pretty bow. Instead, she shows the long, imperfect road of forgiving others and yourself and learning that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

If you loved The Wedding People or The Husbands, or if you're just a sucker for stories about people pulling themselves out of the emotional rubble with equal parts sarcasm and sincerity, Everything Is Probably Fine belongs on your nightstand.

Final thoughts? Lorna may not have it all figured out—but watching her try is inspiring.

Thank you for the ARC, Net Galley.

This will undoubtedly be my favorite read of 2025! Everything Is Probably Fine by Julia London is a warm, heartfelt read that sneaks up on you in the best way. It follows Lorna Lott, a tightly wound woman shaped by her sister’s addiction. After a mistake at work, she’s forced to take a 30-day “wellness break.” Enter Bean, her precocious 8-year-old neighbor, and his charming dad. As Lorna reluctantly slows down, she softens and faces the past she’s long ignored. I can't recommend this book enough!

This is a love story, but not a romance. It's a story of pain and redemption, forgiveness and honesty. London did a fantastic job of shaping characters that felt true and the flashbacks and plotting did a fantastic job of not only moving the plot along but helping to flesh out Lorna's character. I grew to love her just as she grew to love, accept, and most importantly, forgive herself.

Lorna Lott, a driven, rage-prone 43-year-old woman, is forced to step away from her high-stress job to confront the trauma of growing up with an addicted sister and toxic family dynamics. I appreciated the novel’s intent: to show the importance of facing your past and learning to let go in order to move forward.

There are powerful, poignant moments—particularly the flashbacks to Lorna’s childhood and her sister Kristen’s heartbreaking cycles of addiction and recovery. Those scenes felt raw and real, showing how trauma shapes the anxious overachievers we become.

But some parts didn’t work for me. Some of the plot setups felt overly contrived or “Hallmarky”—like the will-forgiveness checklist, the retreat funded by her job, or the over-the-top wellness spa run by spiritual white men with man buns. The novel leans heavily into therapy-speak, sometimes oversimplifying trauma as something that can be fixed with a checklist and a few yoga sessions. Healing isn’t that tidy.

I was also frustrated by how Lorna, while on her path to emotional freedom, ended up mothering not just an 8-year-old neighbor (Bean), but also his frequently absent single dad (Seth) who eventually becomes her love interest. I wanted to cheer for Lorna, not watch her do all the emotional labor AGAIN. She deserves forgiveness, and a partner—not another project. Instead of Seth stepping up and learning how to be a good single dad, it's basically a woman having to do all the work. He drops the ball on so many of Bean's things and it's Lorna wo picks it up. Teaching him to bake. Making his little explorers vest. But come on. It's 2025, let's stop making woman responsible for men's failures.

Still, this book has heart. The themes of second chances and the complexity of forgiveness are important and handled with care, even if the execution didn’t fully resonate with me. I appreciate what the book set out to do—it just didn’t quite land in the way I hoped.

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. I will recommend it to everyone.

I thought this was the perfect book.

Lorna is a top sales executive but she is having trouble finding a way to connect with her team and come across as personable. Her manager sends her on a retreat for some self reflection after a disastrous office incident. Suddenly Lorna has a month of therapy and a lot of free time.

I thought this was a heartwarming journey of forgiveness and emotional healing. Lorna has dealt with a traumatic upbringing. Her sister is an addict, her grandma is an alcoholic and her mother is a single woman just trying to make ends meet.

I connected with this character and empathized with her. This book is for anyone that has dealt with addiction in their family. I thought it was incredible.

Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book.

This book is my favourite I've read recently. It encompasses loss, family addiction issues and how that affects the fmcs life and work balance.

I loved how the emotional recovery and acceptance is the main focus rather than romance.

All in all, a brilliant book

This isn't your typical lighthearted romantic comedy, though it certainly has its laugh-out-loud moments. This book delves deeper, exploring the complexities of grief, guilt, and the often-awkward path to self-acceptance. Lorna Lott, the protagonist, is a refreshingly flawed character, driven and successful but also deeply wounded and socially inept. London doesn't shy away from portraying Lorna's unique personality; instead, she uses it to highlight the defense mechanisms she's built around herself.
The premise of the forced wellness program provides a perfect backdrop for Lorna's journey of self-discovery. Watching her navigate the touchy-feely exercises while battling her inner demons is both humorous and poignant. The stakes are high – her career, her financial security, and ultimately, her chance at happiness. London skillfully weaves together Lorna's professional anxieties with her deeply personal trauma surrounding her sister's addiction, creating a compelling narrative that keeps you invested in her success.
The supporting characters, particularly Lorna's eight-year-old neighbor and his father, are a delightful addition. They offer her a lifeline to normalcy and provide unexpected sources of wisdom and comfort. The budding connection between Lorna and the father is charmingly awkward and realistically paced, adding a layer of romance without overshadowing the central theme of self-healing.
Where this book truly shines is in its honest portrayal of grief and regret. Lorna's struggles with accepting her sister's fate and forgiving herself for her perceived failures are relatable and deeply moving. The book doesn't offer easy answers or quick fixes; instead, it acknowledges the messy, ongoing nature of healing and the importance of self-compassion.
Everything Is Probably Fine is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately, leave you feeling hopeful about the possibility of finding peace, even when everything feels far from fine. It's a highly recommended read for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a touch of humor and a whole lot of heart.

Everything is Probably Fine is a sad but hopeful story of a woman dealing with the aftermath of a sister’s drug addiction and how it has affects her relationships both at work and home. She hits rock bottom with so much anger and destructive behavior that she is forced to take a sabbatical from work and begin therapy. I enjoyed how she changes throughout the book and is able to forgive herself and others while creating positive relationships with others. I especially liked her relationship with her sweet 8 year old neighbor who accepts her and becomes the first friend she has had in a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

This book is definitely one of my favorites of 2025. I was initially drawn to it because it explores themes I’ve experienced in my own life including having a family member struggling with addiction and the way it consumes everything around them. That kind of pain doesn’t just affect the person struggling; it ripples out, making it hard to function, to carry on with work, school, and relationships when everything feels so heavy. Everything is Probably Fine captures that reality in such an honest and heartbreaking way.

The family dynamics in this book felt so real. Lorna’s trauma and the tension between her and her family were frustrating, sad, and at times, deeply relatable. I wanted to hug her, shake her, and just let her know, I see you. The way her job basically forces her into a wellness retreat was a bit abrupt, but once she was there, I loved going through the routine with her and seeing the progress she made throughout the month. (Also, I kinda want to try a sound bath now.)

The pacing of this novel was perfect, and I was completely wrapped up in Lorna’s journey toward self-care and forgiveness. She’s spent her whole life held captive by family trauma, and watching her slowly let go of that pain was so powerful. One of my absolute favorite parts of the book was her relationship with Bean, the wise-beyond-his-years eight-year-old who completely melted me. His childlike honesty (kids really have no filter) brought some much-needed lightness to the story, but his own painful experiences gave him this deep connection with Lorna. Their bond felt so natural—like he was the one person who could truly see through her cracks and help her heal. In a way, I think their friendship helped her work through the sibling pain she carried, while also letting her be the kind of nurturing figure she always longed for.

And then, of course, there’s Seth. I loved that Lorna’s healing journey came first and that her love story didn’t overshadow everything else. It was only after she started finding wholeness within herself that she was truly open to love. Seth never tried to “fix” her—he just held space for her in a way her family never did, never making her feel like she was too much or not enough. And in my mind, Lorna, Seth, Bean, and Aggie all live happily ever after together.

I adored everything about this book. It was raw, real, and beautifully written. Julia London has officially made it onto my must-read list forever.

This book was an interesting read. I requested this from NetGalley because I’m a longtime fan of Julia London. This contemporary is look inside of Lorna’s journey to find out what is driving her, and how to deal with her inner daemons, namely her sister. One really bad work day sends her off to a 30 day Wellness Spa and a path to discovery for her. I would recommend this book.

What a fantastic book! The first one I have read by this author but definitely can't wait to read more! The characters stay with you long after you finish the book. Highly recommend!

Everything is Probably Fine was such an unexpected gem! It was a touching story of forgiveness, healing, and the unexpected friendships that change our lives. At the heart of the novel is Lorna, a character whose personal growth throughout the story completely won me over. She starts off guarded and reluctant to let go of past hurts, but as the story unfolds, I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

One of the highlights of the book is her unexpected friendship with Bean. Their dynamic was one of my favorite parts—what started as an unlikely connection slowly blossomed into a deep and meaningful bond. Julia London did an amazing job writing the character of Bean

Beyond Bean, the friendships Lorna built along the way were another reason I loved this book. Each new connection helped her grow, showing that sometimes the people we least expect can be the ones who help us the most.

The only reason I’m giving it four stars instead of five is that there were a few parts of the book that felt out of place or a bit too unbelievable. Overall it was a beautiful read. If you love stories about second chances, personal growth, and the power of friendship, this is definitely a book worth picking up!

My first 5 star of the year, and it’s well deserved.

Lorna is a product of a broken home. After growing up in a house full of addiction and dysfunction, her rage makes its way into her work life. She is forced to take a sabbatical, which she uses to go on a tour of forgiveness and reconciliation. She makes a few new unexpected friends along the way.

I loved getting to work through Lorna’s issues with her, walk through her self-discovery, and embrace the positive changes that forgiveness can bring. I thought the way it jumped forward and backward in time made sense and added a lot to the progression of the story. Not having experienced anyone close to me who struggles with substance abuse, I appreciated the way it was presented and described. Plus, everyone loves a corgi.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

Aw I really enjoyed reading this book. It was so good. It had happy and sad moments, and even if things do not always go 100% perfectly to plan, it can still be good. I like the lessons this book taught!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Lorna Lott has had a rough life. After an unfortunate attachment snafu at work, she is sent to a wellness retreat to deal with her anger issues. While she’s resistant to the various treatments at the wellness facility, she slowly starts to take stock of the causes of her anger. This book started out slow for me, but then picked up when Lorna started coming to terms with the issues in her past. Addiction affects everyone around the addict and this book illustrates that realistically. Lorna’s growing relationships with her neighbors were heartwarming. Bean, the little boy across the hall who befriends her, was the perfect accepting counterpoint to Lorna’s resistance to trust. Everyone needs a Bean in their life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Lorna Lott’s journey as she navigates the impact of her sister’s addiction is both emotional and relatable, and her unexpected connection with Bean adds warmth and depth to the narrative. London’s writing captures the complexities of healing in a way that feels genuine, making this novel one that stays with you long after you finish it.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters felt real - flawed and complex. Julia London writes great characters and stories. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be a “romance” but a little more romance would have made it a five star read for me.

thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!

i requested this for two reasons, i probably related to the woman on the cover way more than i should for my age (looking tired and angry of everything) and the title that i keep telling myself whenever things go slightly askew.

i did not expect this to go how it did. i thought it would be a fun story of seeking help about one's dumpster fire life, which seemed to be where it was going at the beginning. and to some extent it was. but mostly it's a story of life — Lorna's, Kristen's to an extent, and flashes of others Kristen has impacted along the way, and most importantly forgiveness. i liked the whole concept of the apology tour and how the sisters' family and drug troubles actually affected so many people along the way. i think the saddest to me will always be Mr Cho who was heartbroken by Lorna's thievery (and it wasn't even her!!!) and died feeling that way. i liked how she made amends at the soup kitchen with his daughter. god i feel so much from the story of their family, because while no one did the 'right' thing about Kristen's addiction, Nana's drinking or even their mother's diagnosis, no one can fully be blamed. it's just one big shade of grey.

i also really liked the found family at the apartment, particularly with Seth and Bean. (no surprise there) people always say kids can be your harshest critics because they don't hide things or mash their words with you, and as someone who does Not like kids and want them to stay away from me with a ten foot pole, i agree. but Bean is an absolute sweetheart in showing that kids might be simple but they accept you for who you are also in simple ways that count, baking with you, spending time with you and your dog, wingmanning you on your apology tour. i really liked how good of an influence he was in Lorna's life.

of course there is also the slowburn romance with Seth. i love a good romance, but i like that this took a backseat to the bigger story of Lorna's journey, and most of the development only happened at the end/offscreen. he is a good guy, and i like how his sunshiney way of tackling his problems contrasts Lorna's rage.

of course Liz and Martin (a geologist!!) are very entertaining supporting characters too.

safe to say i will read anything Julia London writes now.

I absolutely adored this book. I had not heard of Julia London before given the opportunity to read her latest novel as an ARC. I quickly fell in love with Lorna, the main character as she worked her way through her grief of what her life had been due to her sister's alcohol and drug addictions. A young boy befriended her when she was at a low point after being forced into sabbatical from a job that was her entire identity.

The book goes goes back and forth into her past and future as she ultimately learns to forgive and let go. This book was somewhere between a 4 and 5 for me. I definitely would recommend this book to everyone. I think it would make an excellent book club selection.

Thank you to Harper Muse and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.