
Member Reviews

2⭐️| Everything Is Probably Fine follows Lorna Lott, a middle-aged saleswoman who's angry at the world. She's recently lost her mother, is estranged from her father and addict sister, and has almost lost her job for not working well with others. Now she has a mandatory month off where she has to heal and learn to lover herself and others again.
While I feel that this story tackled a lot of great themes and hard topics really well, I unfortunately did not have a good time solely because I found Lorna insufferable. She clearly started off with bad qualities that she was intended to work through, but at her core I found her personality to be so unlikeable that even when she worked through her problems, I still couldn't stand her.
Lorna did have very relevant trauma and I think had a very important story to tell as someone from the family of an addict and how that person can totally derail your life. She dealt with a lot of grief and rejection that she had to work through and while I thought her path to healing was very good for her, the way she went about it felt almost childish to me. As a 40 year old woman, her "apology tour" where she dropped in on people who knew her as a teenager felt weird and triggered my own social anxiety on her behalf. It's very possible that because I'm outside of this book's demographic that I didn't enjoy it as much as I could have. The side characters were charming and the ending was very satisfying, I just couldn't get over my dislike for the main character. I was also able to listen to the audiobook from NetGalley, and I HATED the narrator that did this book. Her voice was so grating and i think that could have contributed to why I didn't like Lorna. If you do read this book, I would recommend sticking to the physical or kindle version.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for sending me this eARC

Ugh. First, why is the top genre romance? This is not a romance. Do very, VERY minor romantic leanings occur? Yes. Romance? NO! You will be disappointed if you think this is a romance.
Everyone hates Lorna. They always have. And she is angry about it. When a list of superlatives she wrote about her co-workers gets out, she is sent on a mandatory sabbatical to deal with her anger problems. But she doesn't HAVE anger problems. Her work is requiring her to attend therapy at a wellness retreat. She hates it.
Over the next month, she is forced to look at some aspects of her life. And as she looks back and talks to people, she realizes things were not always how she perceived them at the time. Over the course of the month, she meets several new people and makes genuine connections. She also reconnects with people from the past.
I found this so relatable. While I do not have the trauma or anger that Lorna has, I can definitely relate to creating a "bomb shelter" to protect you from getting hurt. Putting up barriers to keep people at a distance. They can't hurt you if you never let them get close enough.
I also relate to thinking everyone hates me. I've gone through periods in my life where I feel like my family tolerates me just because they have to. For me and non-family, I know it is really the walls I put up myself.
Lorna makes incredible growth and I loved reading every moment of her journey.
My one complaint- so much is made throughout the book about a trust left to Lorna. It never makes sense to me- her family struggled for money. How could this trust possibly solve all her problems???
Marni Penning narrates the audiobook.
I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Very unpopular opinion, but I did not love this one. It was far from a DNF, but I often found myself skimming pages and rushing through scenes. I am struggling with the why though. It was not really the characters or their development or growth. I also liked the plot of the book. But everything about the story felt forced and overdone, instead of natural and smooth. In a book about a 43 year old woman who is coming to terms with her traumatic past, this just did not feel like an accurate portrayal of the healing process. Or even just how challenging and difficult loving someone with an addiction can be. A lot of the book just felt rushed through and forced instead of focused. There is nothing slow or easy about healing from past trauma, and I wish that the story gave more time to that. I liked the idea of this book and there were great parts - especially bean, the 8 year old neighbor, but given the sensitive topic of this book, I wished it did not feel overdone. I enjoyed the narrator of this book, more than my e copy. Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

This was a heartbreakingly beautiful story that discusses addiction and the way it destroys those around it with devastating honesty. The ending was heartbreaking yet hopeful at the same time. As someone who has been affected by someone with addiction it’s hard to let go of that anger, harder to offer that forgiveness and even harder to accept that you can’t save them. Reading this book at times felt like going to therapy.
“This idea that you are unlikeable, unloveable is a narrative you have created but it’s not true”
Don’t we all need to hear this sometimes. I thought this book was beautiful and highly recommend.

To be published 12 August 2025.
Everything is not fine for Lorna Lott, she's angry and self destructive and her boss just asked her to take a 30 day sabbatical to work on her self, complete with a health spa requirement. This delay is going to ruin everything, her plan to buy her families house, the bonus she was waiting for, just everything. Lorna is used to dealing with it all herself as a result of a toxic family dynamic, compounded by her sisters addiction.
But as Lorna works her way through the program, she learns things about herself and that opens her up to her neighbors, Sam and Bean. Bean is the main character at all times, 8 years old and with a zest for life (and Lorna's dog Agnes) that is contagious. As Lorna works her way through resolving old wounds, there are time jump stories of how Lorna got to needing this particular thing forgiven and it really rounds out Lorna as a character.

This is an incredible story of Lorna on her journey to reclaim her life. It covers challenging topics such as grief and dealing with a loved one who is struggling with addiction- while I know these can be difficult topics to write and read about, the other found the perfect balance of portraying Lorna's raw emotions, her sister's addiction and the way other members of her family coped with the situation. I felt like it was realistic, vulnerable, and raw, and yet filled with hope as Lorna worked with a life coach and embarked on her "apology tour". I also loved the character Bean- he added levity to otherwise very serious discussions and still managed to call Lorna on her B's and motivate her to do her very best. Thank you for the eALC!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio for an ARC of this audiobook.
5 out of 5 stars!!
At the beginning of this novel the main female, Lorna Lott, starts off as the co-worker /manager you absolutely can't stand working with and for. You know, the kind whose whole lives revolves around their job and who expect the same drive, intensity and focus from their co-workers/employees and doesn't care at all about work/life balance. And if you don't know what kind of co-worker I'm talking about, then you're probably that co-worker. If anyone reading this review is a fan of the MTV competition reality show "The Challenge", I pictured Lorna a lot like Lauren Stucky (not a compliment).
Due to an inappropriate - and very hilarious - e-mail that she accidentally sent to everyone in her office where she gave all of her co-workers superlatives (i.e. "Most likely to be a serial killer), she is forced to take a one-month paid leave where she must attend a thirty-day wellness program. The novel goes between the past and present. It visits the various stages of Lorna's life, from her childhood to her present circumstances. From these viewpoints, the reader/listener receives a better understanding of the various traumatic events that have occurred during her life and why she is the way she is.
This book was amazing! It was insanely well written and the plot was engaging from start to finish. I started off really disliking Lorna and about 25% of the way through, I found myself really rooting for her. The other characters in the novel and how they have an impact on Lorna's life in both the past and present are all well explained and expertly woven into the story. I also LOVED the narrator of this book, Harper Muse. She easily transitioned from narrating Lorna as a child to Lorna through her teen and adult years. Her narration added a lot to my love and enjoyment of this novel.
The only issue I had is that this novel deals with the very sensitive and triggering issue of addiction and how this illness affects one's family. The author has obviously done her research as this subject was handled very well and respectfully. But if readers/listeners are expecting a nice, light novel, this isn't it.
Despite the difficult subject matter, I highly recommend this book!!

In Everything is Probably Fine, Lorna Lott’s shot at a big promotion derails after a workplace meltdown lands her in a thirty-day wellness program. As she reluctantly confronts her past, including her sister’s addiction and her own emotional armor, unexpected connections help her rethink what success and happiness really look like.
I listened to Everything is Probably Fine on audiobook, narrated by Marni Penning, who did a great job bringing Lorna’s emotional layers and the story’s humor to life. It turned out to be a really endearing story with a quirky and lovable cast. Lorna’s gruff exterior starts to soften thanks to an unlikely crew that includes her sweet Corgi Agnes, a precocious neighbor boy who totally gives off Russell-from-Up energy, and his charming dad. There are plenty of light, funny moments sprinkled between the heavier beats of grief, unresolved anger, and the complicated heartbreak of growing up in the shadow of a sister’s addiction. Lorna’s emotional journey feels raw and real, especially as she’s forced to finally confront the pain she’s tried to bury. It’s heartwarming, heartbreaking, and a little bit messy in the most human way. It’s a story about second chances, healing, and learning how to be a little softer in a world that rewards hardness. 3.75 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

This book should not be compared to The Wedding People. It was one of my 5 star reads for the year. While both books deal with grief the execution of this one was much different. I found the MC to be annoying and full of herself with an outlook that everyone is out to get her and then she blames it all on her sister’s addiction. There was also a lot of miscommunication in this book which is my least favorite trope.
Ultimately this book was not for me!
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for my ARC/ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This book truly captivated me. It pulled me right in, and I had no idea what to expect of it. Lorna was closed off in the beginning, and by the end was an inspiration to all. Bean and Auggy definitely stole the story, and your heart from time to time and I loved how the supporting characters really became Lorna’s found family.
If you’ve ever battled finding yourself after loss, grieving somethng you believed should be, or had experience with someone struggling with addiction - this book is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this book in advance of it’s release.

“Family was funny that way. Either you were in it. Or you weren’t. There was no halfway.”
-5 stars-
Spice:
1/5
Yes just yes.
This book was amazing!! It had me laughing, it had me crying, and most of all it had me wanting to stare at a wall and just process what I just read.
I've seen a lot of mixed reviews on this book, but I'm just going to come out and say it: I loved it. When I say I cried. I can't even tell you. This book had some really heavy topics while integrating amazing humor that made me laugh.
I loved Lorna and just her personality!! I freaking loved the way she and Bean developed such a close relationship. That whole thing just made my heart warm so much. I think Lorna had just the right amount of sass, humor, and trauma. When I say trauma, I mean a BUNCH of crap things she had to deal with, with her sister, Kristen.
I loved the strong mental health rep in here! It was such an amazing element to this book that just made it better! The way Julia London wrote this book just spoke to my soul. The writing just was so good and made me feel like I legit needed to stare at a wall for a couple of hours.
I will warn you, Everything Is Probably Fine, is heavy... And I wouldn't actually necessarily classify it as a romance. Sure, there was a cute romance twist but don't go into this book thinking it's Romeo and Juliet.
Overall, this was just such a good read all around. After reading Everything Is Probably Fine, I can really see why Julia London is a best selling author. She made the characters come alive in the book. I loved every single second of it!
“She tells herself everything is probably fine but then...”

I really enjoyed this ALC.
I did not think I was going to like the FMC in the beginning, she was a lot, however, as her story progresses and you see flashbacks of her younger self you get to know how and why she is a certain way. I absolutely loved Bean. This is just such a beautiful story of friendship, growing and healing and I ended up getting sucked into the story and absolutely devoured this. It was emotional and heartwarming and frustrating and beautiful.
If you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, you will like this book.
The narrator was fantastic, she made listening so easy and seamless.

Audio format 🎧
This is a heavy book with a lot to unpack with themes of family trauma and addiction. It started off light and humerous then took a hard serious turn. At points in this book I wanted to scream at the main character of how she was coming to terms and apologizing for things that were not her fault. I wanted to give her hug and then smack her in the side of the head. Parts of the book made me giggle and parts made me sad.
It’s been a while since I have had a book that did this to me and wow so much to keep thinking about.
Although I think this book might not be for everyone I would recommend this in audioformat as the narration really added to the story for me. With all the emotions this book made me feel I am giving it a 4.5/5. I took off half a star as I did find it a bit longer than I think it needed to be.
Thank you Harper Muse Audiobooks and Net Galley for an ALC of this book. Opinions are my own.

I think I’m gonna be in the minority here but I didn’t care for this. The main character grated on my nerves. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

There are times when books find you when you need them. This was one of those boos for me. I haven't read this author before and it isn't my typical specific read, yet I found myself utterly annoyed when I had to stop listening.
Everything is Probably Fine as a saying and a title tells us right away that no, things are not fine, but the "probably" helps us embrace that they could possibly become fine. This book is not a disappointment for living up to that sentiment. Not an altogether unreliable narrator, the heroine, but decidedly delightful in her awkwardness and unlikability. Incredibly refreshing to have a less than perfect character to root for! The actual narrator is one hundred percent reliable in relaying the story with all of its angsty insecurities and improbable hope.
I appreciated that the story went to unexpected places, it didn't bend over backwards to find the good in everyone even when it delivered it to those reading between the lines. I enjoyed the journey to true self discovery veiled in a means to an end that also incorporates so many other character's lives and journeys as well. Every character was believable and I was absolutely cheering every single one of them on- especially the dog!
If you find yourself at a point in your life when you are ready, or even feel the need to face something or some things join Lorna Lott and her unbeknownst (even to her) tribe and you will not only not feel so alone or isolated in your personal evolution you might just cushion the path by letting these fictional characters help.
Sincerely, sm for the BB

The book is a heartfelt read about healing from a traumatic past. Lorna earliest memories include her young sister getting drunk (think elementary school age) while their parents fight nonstop. This pattern continues throughout and her life until it comes to a crossroads where she is forced to deal with her toxic past.
An eight year old neighbor boy makes Lorna his friend and unknown to her she starts to heal - this was a slow start for me but am great story and one of my favorite reads of 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley for an early review of the book.

Thanks to Harper Muse & NetGalley for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If stories about overcoming one's traumatic past and letting go of anger in order to get a new lease on life are appealing to you, then you will like this book!
If this sounds like a glurge-fest, then you might want to skip this one.
This is not my usual fare, I'll be the first to admit, but it was rather charming in its way. London doesn't shy away from the damage done to MC Lorna's life at the hands of her addict sister, and her anger and shut down-ness is understandable. It's very rewarding to watch Lorna move, step by step, away from her small, angry life to an existence with friends, generosity, and sound baths. Could it have been shorter? Sure. But Marni Penning does a great job with the material, so it's probably not as annoying as it would've been on the page (I'd've almost certainly skimmed some paragraphs). She's even pretty good at voicing a very precocious 8 year old who is obsessed with Lorna's dog, Agatha. She only drops the ball with Mr. Contreras, a Hispanic minor character who, in Penning's hands, presents more as The Count from Sesame Street.
If new age therapy, acupuncture, yoga pants, and float tanks are objects of derision for you, I repeat, stay away. I don't have strong feelings either way, so a little crystal healing didn't put me off. Hey, Lorna is skeptical too, at first.
Solid 3 stars, mostly, but not completely, thanks to Penning.

Everything Is Probably Fine" by Julia London is a touching and uplifting story that stayed with me long after it ended.
Lorna has carefully constructed a quiet, solitary life—but when circumstances push her in an unexpected direction, she begins to uncover possibilities she never imagined. The story unfolds through her perspective, blending present-day events with poignant flashbacks that deepen our understanding of her journey.
Marni Penning's narration adds another layer of depth, capturing Lorna’s emotions beautifully and bringing the entire cast of characters to life, especially Bean!
This is easily one of my favorite reads of 2025. I fell in love with the characters and didn’t want the story to end. It had the same emotional warmth and gentle humor that reminded me of A Man Called Otto.
Highly recommended for fans of heartfelt, character-driven fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for letting me read this ARC.

What starts out for Lorna as an employer-forced 30 day stint in an anger management program turns into a healing, transformative and life-changing journey of forgiveness and change. Dealing with deep-seeded friend, family and life hurts, experiences and issues, this book drives home just how harmful bottling up feelings and holding grudges and anger can be.
Lorna's "Apology Tour" leads to healing and restoring old relationships, new friendships, a more fulfilling life, and quite possibly a new romance. This book was so good - filled with humor, honesty and emotion this story of the life-changing power of forgiveness and letting go is not one you'll want to miss.
The audio narration was excellent making this an easy listen and an all-around reflective and enjoyable experience. Definitely a five-star hit!

Holy emotional ride batman. This was so well written and the complexities behind difficult family relationships, drug use/abuse, and family trauma was handled so well. This book is one that will absolutely stick with me.