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.

Everything Is Probably Fine by Julia London is a compelling and emotionally charged journey into the life of Lorna Lott, a woman confronting her trauma head-on during a 30-day wellness retreat. Julia London captures the complexity of healing, posing the poignant question: can a month of self-reflection and therapy truly be enough to overcome a lifetime of pain?
Following Lorna's story was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Her resilience, struggles, and moments of growth felt deeply authentic, making her a character that lingers in the mind long after the last page. The narrative beautifully balances humor and heartache, creating a relatable and uplifting reading experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book and found it to be a powerful exploration of healing and personal transformation. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading Everything is Fine about Lorna's journey with a wellness program and how she comes to terms with her past. Lorna is a likeable character who we can all relate too! Thanks #netgalley for this arc.

I liked this book. I felt like it was a cheesy romance. It really dived into the main character first before bringing in the romantic aspect of her life. I like how it shows her character development throughout the story. Although the ending ripped my heart out a little it shows how sister bonds last forever and you can eventually forgive.

Lorna Lott is a truly unsympathetic person at the outset. Fully consumed by anger and grievances she can’t connect with anybody. Julia London’s book “Everything is probably fine” takes us through Lorna’s journey back to humanity. Her neighbour, a young boy named Bean, is the navigator leading her. Her apology tour is a slow start,but continues to build. Interspersed with flashbacks we discover why Lorna is the way she is. A truly heartwarming read that had me cheering Lorna on! Loved this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for providing me with an ARC for an honest review. 🩷

Wow. I thought I knew what I was getting into, but it was so much more. I absolutely loved the protagonist, Lorna Lott, and following her journey of forgiveness, acceptance, and self-love. She was relatable and funny, and I saw myself in her in many ways.

There were some emotionally gut-wrenching moments that left me in tears. There were moments I was filled with rage (that also led to tears).

I can only imagine how anyone who has experienced or knows someone experiencing addiction would feel reading this. It broke my heart in so many ways. I could feel Lorna’s pain and her powerlessness, her constant refusal to accept reality in the past. Ugh. Even writing about it makes me emotional.

This story has inspired me to assess what parts of my past still have a strong hold on me and how I can heal, let go, and move through the necessary grief in order to live the kind of life I dream of.

Also, Bean? Ugh. I loved him so much. All of her neighbors. The chosen family in this book was chef’s kiss and melted my heart.

Beautiful story. Beautiful protagonist. Beautiful wisdom.

This was a slow burn and so carefully and kindly written. Lorna Lott had one of the best character developments I’ve ever read. I could have read more about her and her relationships but I think it was wrapped up perfectly and it’s refreshing to finish a book wanting more.

[I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

If you loved “Blue Sisters”, “The Wedding People” or “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine”
I’m know “Everything is Probably Fine” by Julia London will tug your heartstrings.. I just want to hug Lorna and tell her it’s all going to be okay.

Lorna Lott’s life is hanging by a thread. Her past won’t allow her to move forward freely. She makes a mistake at work that a “sorry” won’t fix and is required to take time off.
She starts off with an apology tour through a self-help program that requires more than just forgiveness. It also requires Lorna to seek family she hasn’t spoken to, revisit her traumatic childhood, remember her sister’s substance abuse and how some memories are remembered differently.
But she isn’t doing this alone, she has the enthusiastic help from her neighbors 8-year old. Which Lorna can see a bit of herself in.


Thank you so much for allowing me to read this in advance.

Goodreads- (Brenda (jadore_2read))

Thank you to @netgalley and @harpermusebooks for this advanced copy of Everything is Probably Fine by @julia_f_london I hate that this doesn’t come out until August because I want everyone to enjoy it right away! This story of Lorna really grabbed me and had me holding on hoping she could find happiness. Lorna hates herself and has decades of trauma from her sister’s addiction that she is forced to face or she risks losing her job. She is put on sabbatical to go to a wellness center each day to help her deal with her anger and overall displeasing disposition. All Lorna wants to do is buy her grandmother’s home which has been turned into a four plex. She is sure this will put her life back together. But to do that she has to go on an “apology tour.” She is helped along this journey by the sweetest boy, Bean who lives across the hall. This book has humor and despite Lorna being “King Kong” I really loved her and felt so much sympathy for her. Her life has truly been so sad and so messy. I think the author did a great job of depicting how much a toxic home life or life with someone with a serious addiction can be. This really showed how exhausting and heartbreaking life can be when there is a family member that requires so much focus and takes up so much space. But it was done in a way that didn’t beat you down or keep you mired in sadness. Well done.

As long as Lorna could recall, she always felt ostracized and stood out in such a way physically and emotionally, that she couldn't relate to others. She felt unloved by her family and although extremely successful, she put so much pressure on her team that they called her King Kong behind her back and didn't want to be around her. She had a difficult childhood due to the ups and downs with Kristen and as a result, felt unloved and alone. Therefore, it is not surprising that she defined herself ad a person of which her confidence was so low that the only way she believed she would be happy is through work. She only exacerbated her loneliness by putting so pressure on her team. The saving grace is when Deb made her take a mental break and attend a wellness center. She fought furiously at the beginning but she started learning to relax and coupled with the apology tour, made amends with others while bettering herself. She started opening up.to her neighbors who she finally realized that they liked her just as she was. Seth and Bean became her support system and confidants. She soon realized that home is what you make of it and not Nana's house. She no longer hated herself as she realized it was okay to make mistakes and express emotions. Lorna had arrived and finally realized what a great person she was.