Mallory is facing a difficult time—her daughter Jilly is struggling in school, and life-changing news has left her anxious about the future. More than ever, she needs the support of her family. However, her mother and aunt have been estranged for years, creating a rift that makes coming together nearly impossible. Determined to mend the broken relationship, Mallory, along with her cousin and best friend Penny, devises a plan to bring them back together.

As the story unfolds, past and present timelines intertwine, revealing the history behind the sisters’ falling out. Central to their rift is a wedding dress, which carries its own emotional weight and deep-rooted secrets. Through themes of family, forgiveness, grief, and even romance, this book delivers a poignant and engaging read. While the story has its somber moments, it also offers humor and uplifting scenes, ultimately leaving readers with a sense of warmth and reflection on what truly matters in life.

This book totally blew me away. Mallory has to do the unthinkable and prepare herself and all her loved one for a time she will no longer be with them. But not only that, for a huge chunk of the book, she’s doing it on her own as none of them know about her diagnoses.

Mallory wants to bring her mum and aunt back together after a falling out long before she or her cousin Penny were born in an attempt to ensure her daughter has a support network after she is gone. I loved the different points of view as we get the back story. It was eye opening to see what life was like in the 50s and how interracial couples were treated. It highlighted how brave Gigi was and just how short sighted her family was as was society to only see a person by the colour of their skin and not for who they really are.

From chapter 34 I was bawling my eyes out, such a moving and lovely ending, so nice to leave on a moment of happiness and not sadness. This book built slowly, with more and more story unfolding with each chapter until I couldn’t put it down.

It is one of those books that transports you making you forget about real life and full of delightful characters that spring to life. I actually felt like I was there in the story with them ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was far more emotional than I was expecting. A great family tale that deals with heartache and loss. I loved all the characters of the 3 generations and it ended in a much more positive way than i was expecting.. beautiful

This is the type of book I love, set in a small town, family relationships and some emotional storyline - tick, tick and tick! Adored this emotional storyline that was so well written - bravo!

With a cast of brilliant characters and a wonderfully delightful storyline. The Best Days of Our Lives is set in a stunning location and time. The family drama plotted with love, loss and grievances keeps the reader engaged and on edge.

Poor Mallory has a lot on her plate. Her daughter Jilly isn’t doing as well at school as she should be, which of course as a mother is a worry, but not only that, she has had life changing news which has her even more concerned for the future. Mallory needs her family around her more than ever. The only issue is her mother and aunt have not spoken for years. Along with her cousin and best friend Penny, they are determined to get them talking again.

I enjoyed how the story goes between past and present with the past focusing on Gigi and Rose and the reason why they fell out, along with present day with their daughters putting a plan in place to get them talking again. It all seems to centre around a wedding dress which was another fascinating story in itself.

The Best Days of our Lives covers topics such as racism, grief, romance, amongst other things. It was such an engrossing read. Whilst the story was sombre in places, there are some humorous and plenty of uplifting parts to it also. I was worried the ending might be a bit of a tear jerker due to the nature of the story but it left me on a high. It makes you think about what is truly important in life and how some things we have placed so much importance on, can be trivial in the bigger scale of life. A gorgeous, endearing and heartwarming read!

Two sisters fell out many years ago over a wedding dress they made that became famous. Their daughters met by chance and have been firm friends ever since. Mallory has recently received life shattering news, and wants to tell the rest of the family when they meet up and plans for her mother to finally meet up again with her sister, hoping that bygones can be bygones. Mallory is the glue around all these people and she wants to put her ducks in a row before it's too late.

Oh boy. This begins with Mallory's news which puts a whole different tone on the meet up. It's cleverly and expertly written that I couldn't help but want to give Mallory the biggest hug. It's also light-hearted at times, reflecting life and the ups and downs many face and how sometimes it's the little things that matter but when the news is devastating it puts things in perspective (“don’t sweat the small stuff”). I loved Mallory and her no nonsense approach to life. It's a book of life, and despite everything hope and enjoying what you can whilst you can- perhaps don’t save things for “best”. A brilliant, poignant read I most thoroughly enjoyed.

For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog
---------------------------------------------------------

What a story . Should be a very sad read at times but it was a well written story . Two sisters fell out years ago and their 50 year old daughters decide to help to ring them back together. You go back and forward . Different characters tell the story . Not my favourite way to read but it works . There is a beautiful brides shop and that leads the story. You also get a mixed race relationship which is a sad read at times There is a big secret which I won’t spoil , a gorgeous 13 year old daughter and very neat ending not what you expect . Read it. Have chocolate in case. .