Everything Is Probably Fine is a moving novel about grief, learning to love and appreciate all that is around you, and forgiving yourself along the way.

Lorna has a stressful, demanding job, and is secretly holding on to a lifetime of grief and resentment towards her family and herself. She thinks she has it all handled until an incident at work has her on a mandatory leave. In order to keep her position, Lorna reluctantly agrees to attend a wellness center and work on her issues. What follows has her reexamining all of her life choices and deciding what she needs to keep, and what she can forgive and let go.

Her job is stressful and her life is lonely. A series of events have left her in a small, crumbling apartment with very little interaction with her neighbors and basically no communication with her family, with the exception of her dog. That is until a single dad and his precocious son move in next door and take a liking to her, and open her eyes to the community that was right in front of her.

Lorna is a well developed character with so much depth and was vastly relatable. She struggles with her body image, with the stigma of being a woman succeeding in a demanding work field (read bossy), and with forgiving herself for decisions she made when she was younger. Watching Lorna go through the process of acknowledging her anger and grief, and then using the tools to better herself was inspirational. This was EXACTLY the book I needed to read at this point in my life.

The side characters were so fun to get to know. Bean in particular was adorable and kind and I envy the relationship he builds with Lorna - that deep connection that somehow saves them both. It's a reminder that most people going through a hard time just need a little kindness and grace.

Huge thank you to Julia London, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed Everything Is Probably Fine - it was an honor to read!

Everything is Probably Fine was a heartbreaker of a novel. Which is not to say I didn't enjoy it. The characterization was really strong in this novel. And the sweet relationship between Lorna and Bean is a delight. Recommended for all public library collections.

Honestly, I really liked this story. It’s full to the brim of lessons. Lessons of forgiveness, bitterness, friendship, bravery and healing.

Lorna is stuck in a cycle of rage and unforgiveness and it’s leaking into all areas of her life. She is in her forties angry and closed off. Something happens at work and she is put on sabbatical and into a month long healing and wellness retreat. She meets her eight year old neighbor Bean and he quickly becomes her friend.

I adore Bean. He reminds me of Russell from up. He is a ranger explorer and a lover of Lorna’s dog Aggie. He becomes Lorna’s friend and helps her on her apology tour.

I think this book was so enlightening. It sheds light on life and what I can look like if we dwell in the past and don’t address our hurts. They fester and only hurt us. We can become closed off and untrusting. I love the simplicity and innocence of children and the way they just love us as we are. I love how willing Bean was to help Lorna. How he handed her tissues, how he gave her the figurine for a boost of courage 🫠🥹 It was eye opening to see into the how addicts can affect their loved ones. The hurt and damage it causes to all involved. Super sad. Overall, I just really enjoyed the realness and the healing journey Lorna went on.


Favorite things:
🪆Precious moments figurines
📝The notes Ben writes to his dad 😂
🗣️Sessions with Micah
🧘🏻‍♀️Yoga pants
🧒🏻Bean

DNF

I can see how some people absolutely love this book, but it just wasn't for me. I thought it was too obvious where the plot was going. The FMC I just don't vibe with at all. I like the premise of the story but not sure I liked the full execution.

“Who would want to be this sad, lonely woman? At what point had she decided this small life of hers was enough?”

This is an emotional, powerful and witty book that covers the tough subject matter of addiction and how it impacts not only the person abusing drugs but the people around them that love and care. The author did a wonderful job showcasing the aftermath—how walls are put up, feelings are buried and anger pours out without even realizing it. It makes life a very lonely and sad place.

Lorna Lott is 42 years old. She is single, lives alone with her dog, has no friends, no local family and a job that is her whole life. However, her boss has requested Lorna take a month of leave for a wellness program to work on herself and her anger. So begins the journey of Lorna as she begins to look deep inside herself, recognize and address the pain, and apologize to people from her past that she feels she has wronged. With the help of her 8 year old neighbor Benjamin, affectionately called Bean, Lorna begins her “apology tour” and what she learns will surprise her and help her begin the long process of healing.

I really enjoyed watching Lorna change throughout the story and learn how important it is to forgive herself and stop isolating herself from the world. My heart went out to this character who held in so much pain, grief and guilt. As she slowly gives in to the wellness program and starts making friends with her neighbors, Lorna’s life begins to improve and her heart begins to open. It is a beautiful journey of self discovery and forgiveness and learning to only look forward. I was very moved by this touching story.

“I’m just saying I understand what it’s like to live in the shadow of someone else’s obsession. It can take over everything. Especially everything that was good.”

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperMuse for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Julia London’s latest novel is a quietly powerful, emotionally rich exploration of healing, forgiveness, and the imperfect journey toward self-discovery. Everything Is Probably Fine is a stunning blend of emotional depth and lightness, a story about finding connection when you least expect it. Lorna’s journey toward redemption, carried by authentic characters and heartfelt prose. It's a novel that's as moving as it is uplifting—perfect for anyone who believes it’s never too late to reset and open your heart again.

Here’s the deal. It’s impossible for me to review this book. Words fail me and my emotions are raw. So, yes, 5⭐️; ♾️⭐️.

If you’ve ever loved an addict, this book will reach into the depths of your soul and touch nerves that no amount of time, denial, or acceptance can protect. Addiction is a disease that affects the entire family in ways seen and unseen. Lorna’s story could have been Anna’s story and is in many ways.

I’m fortunate that my sister is clean and sober for 17 years. The years before that were hell. Her addiction was central to our entire family dynamic. I’ve told her repeatedly how much I admire her courage and bravery. I’ve told her that I love her and I’m proud of her. After reading this book I realize I never told her I forgive her. I do and I’m declaring it to the world. Now I’m going to tell her. I hope she can forgive me too.

The central themes that run through this book—grief, anger, loss, acceptance, forgiveness, understanding, and healing—resonated with me. The found family component is exquisitely executed.

Marni Penning’s narration spoke directly to my heart. Raw, emotive, and authentic; she gave voice to not only the story, but the emotions as well.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse Audiobooks, and Harper Muse for the advance copies. All opinions are my own.

Everything Is Probably Fine is Lorna Lott's journey to self discovery, healing and forgiveness. Life has thrown a lot of punches at her and she decided to deal it with bitterness and anger,,rather than dealing with the harder issues. So when her company forces her to go on a one month wellness programme, it forces her to face the faults, the flaws and the mistakes. It's not easy but it changed her life.


Lorna isn't liked at her corporate job. She is hard on everyone and she is judgemental and she is cold. She is just difficult to work with. She doesn't have friends or relationships or family. Her whole life has been traumatized by her addict sister, her sick and now dead mother who always prioritized her sister and the endless string of sufferings from the combination of above too. She pushes everyone away and she has somehow convinced herself that she isn't the problem. But the break from work and the therapy isn't something she can escape. It also gives her time to connect with her neighbors. Specially Bean, the kid who is actually cooler than a lot of adults I have met in real life. This building actually belonged to her Nana once upon a time and she wants to buy it. And that was another push to make amends for the past because she has a list to complete before she can get access to her mother's trust. Lorna had to break out of her cage. She had to solve uncomfortable situations. She had to work through her issues. And in the end, its not for promotion or trust fund. It's because she became a better version of herself. She is hard working and honest and kind but she hides behind her prickly personality.

Two things. First, this cannot be considered romance. It's more like womens fiction. But you can just adjust your expectations a bit and it should be OK. Second and the bigger issue is that Lorna was an extremely difficult character to like at first. Probably it was the author's intention so that we can like her later When we get to know the past that made her like this. I also felt she didn't need to forgive her sister. I have a lot of mixed emotions regarding her quests of forgiveness.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

Lorna's family drama followed throughout her childhood. She's learned to compartmentalize and push forward... but she's given a month's leave when her internal anger leads her to sending the wrong email to the team. Sent to a bougie spa, Lorna begins to work her way through the anger, hurt and apologies that she owes to those in her life... including herself. With the help of the winsome eight-year-old neighbor who has basically invited himself into her life because of her dog, they set oft on an apology tour. Bean the perfect foil for Lorna as they work through her list of regrets.

Why I started this book: Requested this ARC because of the cover and the title. I felt that pose and phrase to my core.

Why I finished it: More crying than I expected... plus I loved the realistic timeline of relationships, recovery and family. Plus Bean was done right. His acceptance of the Lorna and the world as it is, provided humor and charm.

A look into the life of a dysfunctional family and heart wrecking side effects when a member of your family is an drug addict. Lorna was only 6 years old and thought life was good. Well not when her parents fought, but her idol and big sister was always there to protect her. And during their vacation when the fighting started Kristen packs a lunch and grabs Lorna heading out to the beach. Only she packed beer to drink and Lorna wouldn’t drink it, but that didn’t stop Kristen. When they returned home and she was drunk it started another round of fights and poor sunburned Lorna was ignored and hurting.
That was the beginning of many incidents and poor Lorna was always forgotten. All attention was on trying to get Kristen on the road to recovery and it went downhill for all in the family. Now as a bitter, angry adult Lorna has no trust for anyone, no one likes her and she doesn’t have friends but for her dog Agnes. Who has befriended their neighbor little boy Bean. And Bean is such a charming little guy that slowly he chips away at the “bomb shelter” around Lorna’s heart. When things went very bad for Lorna at work she was ordered to go on a retreat and adjust her attitude. This was the beginning of her journey to find herself and to let go of things in the past, things that cannot be changed.
A story that opens up one’s eyes to the heartbreak a family goes through when a loved one has a substance addiction. Usually it’s the addict story and this was a very well written of how a family suffers. It’s a sad state that many families are dealing with and thank you Julia London for bringing their stories to light. Thank you also NetGalley and Harper Muse for this ARC. All opinions expressed are truly my own.

Wow! I was not expecting this book to hit me so hard! This was an emotional punch to the gut, and I mean that in the best way!

Everything is Probably Fine is a powerful story of forgiveness, healing, and the family you make for yourself. Lorna is hard and untrusting after years of living with her sister's addiction. Now she's on a journey to finally forgive herself, with the help of an 8-year-old sidekick.

I truly loved this book, it was raw and sweet, and full of hope with some light humour too. Lorna's character growth was so satisfying, I found myself really routing for her. Bean, her 8-year-old neighbour, was a total sweetheart! And the romantic subplot was just the cherry on top to this already beautiful story.

Some people carry heavy burdens not knowing they can easily drop it. That's what happens here. Our FMC here carries a load of weight that makes her drop insensitive comments and not seeing the impacts. But she finds healing and she finds love.

Thank you Harper Muse for this ARC.

I have had a couple Julia London’s historical romance books on my TBR list so I was excited to know that she also writes contemporary fiction.

This is an excellent book, well written, well paced and has deep and meaningful messages, and great explorations of grief, forgiveness, accountability and growth.

Unfortunately I did not fall in love with the text. On the other hand’, the audiobook was a stellar experience and I gave it 5 stars, the narrator brought the story to life and I couldn’t stop playing it.

This was very enjoyable read. The fmc is sent to a wellness retreat for 30 days after a work related meltdown. It deals a lot with family dynamics, addiction, grief, mental health. It’s very emotional but also funny at times and I enjoyed watching the fmc grow and develop. Definitely recommend.

This was a raw emotional story. I can imagine the reality of it. Families torn apart from having someone with an addiction. It was well written and sad but a few laughs too.

I had mixed feelings while reading this. It deals with Lorna’s difficulty dealing with others, but also dealing with her own life. Dual timelines of her life explain why her current self is socially inept. There are moments where Julia London’s comedic style that I’ve come to love over the years shine through making it more lighthearted. But the heavy topic of family dysfunction and forgiveness was for me was a departure of her previous works. Still, I couldn’t put this down as I became invested in Lorna’s journey of forgiveness. Definitely worth adding to your TBR.
Thanks to Netgalley and Julia London for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Everything Is Probably Fine took me by surprise in the best way. I picked it up expecting a light, feel-good read, but what I got was a thoughtful, emotionally layered story about healing and second chances. Lorna Lott is sharp, sarcastic, and fiercely independent—sometimes to a fault. After a public meltdown at work, she’s sent to a 30-day wellness retreat, and let’s just say... she is not thrilled about it.

But what starts off as a punishment slowly turns into something meaningful. As she’s forced to slow down, Lorna begins unpacking years of buried guilt, especially around her sister’s addiction. Watching her open up—especially through her sweet relationship with her young neighbor Bean and his kind, grounded dad—was heartwarming and surprisingly funny at times.

This isn’t a romance-first story; it’s more about personal growth and learning how to stop running from the hard stuff. Julia London really nails the balance between humor, heart, and healing. It’s not overly dramatic or too fluffy—it just feels honest.

If you love character-driven stories with emotional depth and just enough charm to keep you smiling, this one’s definitely worth your time.

This book was an unexpected gem—raw, emotionally resonant, and full of heart. Lorna Lott is sharp-witted, emotionally guarded, and unraveling after a very public workplace meltdown. Her consequence? A 30-day wellness retreat that initially feels like punishment, but gradually evolves into a profound journey of healing, self-forgiveness, and meaningful connection.

Told in a dual timeline—a structure that works exceptionally well here—we slowly uncover the layers of Lorna’s past as she unpacks both literal and emotional baggage. Her so-called “apology tour” was particularly moving, offering insight into the pain she's caused and endured. The found family dynamic with her eccentric retreat neighbors adds warmth and levity, with young Bean stealing every scene he’s in.

The portrayal of mental health is both thoughtful and accessible, handled with care without becoming overly heavy. The story moves at a steady, engaging pace, and Marni Penning’s audiobook narration is pitch-perfect—she captures Lorna’s complexity beautifully.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

3 ⭐️ - I did this on audio! This was a bit different from anything I usually read. It was pretty relatable in the way that it reminded me of how much we all tend to spiral lol. This was funny and messy but it emulated real life. I did have my moments where I kept getting upset at Lorna because she was so self-deprecating and I wanted to shake her and tell her ITS OKAY!!! lol The pacing was steady, with a nice balance of emotional depth and levity. It felt like listening to someone tell me their life story over drinks. The whole story felt very real and just about adulthood and our lives and our traumas etc. How being an adult doesn’t necessarily mean you have it all figured out and the work we have to go through to make life better for ourselves. It’s not a grand, sweeping narrative— just a simple story about someone trying to navigate their life and emotions.

Themes and triggers: addiction, cancer, family trauma, anxiety, grief

This was a heartfelt and emotional story about second chances, healing, and finding peace with the past. Lorna Lott is intense, driven, and carrying a lot of emotional baggage, from her mother’s death to her sister’s addiction. After a career misstep, she’s sent to a wellness retreat, where she’s forced to face everything she’s buried for years.

What I loved most was Lorna’s growth. She’s flawed but relatable, and her journey felt real. Her connection with Bean, the sweet and quirky boy next door, totally melted my heart. Their bond brought out a softer, more vulnerable side of her.

This book was honest, emotional, and at times funny, too. There’s a subtle romance, but the heart of the story is Lorna learning to forgive, both others and herself. If you enjoy character driven stories with depth and heart, this one’s worth reading.