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Thank you, NetGalley, for an audio-ARC of Everything is Probably Fine by Julia London.
Everything is Probably Fine is a heartwarming story about second chances and learning how to forgive yourself. Lorna's life is a giant mess and she blames her sister's addiction. After being sent to a 30-day mandatory wellness spa to deal with emotional issues, Lorna is able to look at events in her life differently. This character driven novel will be a book that I recommend to readers who like Frederick Backman. A feel good story that makes you laugh and cry.

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This book was a deeply emotional and touching read—both heartbreaking and uplifting. It had moments of humor, but also scenes that were truly poignant. The characters were easy to connect with, and Lolo’s journey toward forgiving herself, her mother, and her sister was especially moving and heartwarming.

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Lorna is a depressed, lonely woman struggling with a troubled past. She meets her new neighbor, an 8 year-old boy named Bean, and together they embark on a healing journey for Lorna and for Bean, a mission to find the best dessert for him to bake.

First, the good - Bean is an absolute delight. He is the best character in the book with Aggie being a close second. I don’t even normally like kids but he was an adorable goofy, smart little kid. I listened to the audiobook and surprisingly I think the narrator’s voice for him made him even more adorable (normally I can’t stand exaggerated voices in audiobooks). Bean definitely made the book enjoyable. And while I don’t like kids, I do love dogs. So obviously Aggie was an awesome addition. I could just picture her cute corgo fluffy butt waddling over to greet Bean.

The “ok” - I have loved people who have struggled with addiction so I was able to relate to Lorna. Loving someone with an addiction can consume you and turn you into someone you don’t even recognize. It is so incredibly hard to understand the disease and what is happening to your loved one, but it is so easy to blame yourself and to build resentment towards the person. It is a horrible disease for everyone involved. So I do think the depiction of addiction and what it does to both the person and their loved ones was pretty accurate. However, I think the timeline of Lauren is healing was rushed and not that believable. The present day portion of this book was supposed to have taken place over 30 days and I just think that’s an unrealistic span of time for Lorna to overcome all of the anger and resentment and guilt that she has held onto for at least 30 years. Like this lady had a lot of anger inside and a lot of self hatred and from my experience in life that type of feeling does not go away in 30 days just because you got some cute little eight-year-old kid by your side.

Overall, I did enjoy the book and I did enjoy the narrator. Do I think it accurately represented addiction issues? Yes but only to an extent. Would I recommend this audiobook to people? Yes mainly because Bean is adorable and he made the book enjoyable to listen to.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the advanced copy of this audiobook.

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This book was truly inspiring in every sense of the word. It’s one of those quiet, powerful stories that stays with you not because of plot twists or drama, but because of the depth of the emotional journey.

The FMC’s path toward self-awareness was so raw and real. Watching her process her trauma and begin doing the inner work felt deeply personal like holding a mirror up to your own healing.

And can we talk about Bean and Aggie?? Iconic. But let’s be honest - Bean stole the show. Top-tier character energy.

This story was full of soul-soothing moments, hard truths, and reflections that genuinely made me pause and think about people in my past that dealt with addiction. It beautifully captured how addiction affects everyone.

I also adored the “found family” vibe her neighbors and the supporting cast added so much warmth and depth. And that last 15%? Absolutely wrecked me in the best way. Tears. Everywhere. But also joy and hope.

This book is fictional, yes but the emotional takeaways? Very, very real

“perfect for fans of The Wedding People " is all I needed to see...

✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Harper Muse Audiobooks for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨

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Everything is Probably Fine is a moving, five-star read that cracked me wide open. I cried multiple times. Lolo is so relatable in her misery—her life is hard and bitter and lonely, and you slowly learn why. The more you understand, the more justified her anger feels. Her journey floored me.

The novel follows Lorna, a woman who’s armored herself in sarcasm, rules, and isolation after a lifetime of playing second to her sister’s addiction. But an unexpected friendship with a precocious eight-year-old named Bean begins to unravel her defenses. When Lorna has a chance to reclaim a place that once made her happy, she’s forced to confront the weight of her past—and reckon with whether she’s finally ready to put it down.

The writing is understated and effective. London doesn't rush emotional growth or soften Lorna’s edges prematurely. Instead, the story lets her evolve at her own angry, hesitant pace.

Tropes here aren’t the rom-com variety. This is a story about grief, guilt, and reluctant healing. The romance is small but sweet—just enough to warm a very cold heart, but not the main event.

Lolo’s character arc is spectacular. She starts as an antisocial curmudgeon with a Precious Moments collection, a dog she doesn’t deserve, and no tolerance for anyone who doesn’t follow the rules. And yet, you can feel the raw compassion buried under her fury. Watching it resurface, piece by piece, is its own kind of miracle.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for a chance to review an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I can’t remember the last time that a book had me in tears one minute and laughing out loud the next the way that Julia London’s Everything Is Probably Fine did, and I’m so grateful to NetGalley for this unforgettable audiobook.

Lorna hasn’t acknowledged the role that anger plays in her everyday life until her boss sends her on a 30 day leave to attend wellness classes. Convinced that she doesn’t need yoga or sound baths or therapy of any kind, Lorna makes it clear that she is only participating because her job is on the line. As she delves - unwillingly at first- into her past, Lorna is forced to relive the memories of growing up with a drug addicted sister. Kristen’s disruptive behavior and heartbreaking choices changed the course of Lorna’s life…. which leads to her “apology tour”. With the help of some unexpected new friends, Lorna learns to let go of her anger and forgive not only the people who have hurt her but herself as well.

The narration of Everything is Probably Fine was outstanding. Lorna’s awkward, endearing, self-deprecating, and utterly hilarious voice was brought to life in such a delightful way. Her 8-year-old sidekick and unlikely new best friend stole my heart from his very first interaction with Lorna and her super lovable puppy Agnes…. now affectionately known as Aggie🐶

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This was a remarkable read! Happy moments, sad moments,...it had it all! Lorna is a top sales executive but has trouble connecting with her team, she comes across as cold and impersonable. Her sister is an addict and it caused her to put up walls, be full of rage, and not very people friendly. She makes a stupid mistake at work and is forced to take a month long break at a health clinic. Lorna is skeptical but is desperate to get back to her job and get back on track. Her plan is to save up for a very special purchase. While on break and visiting the clinic she dives deep into herself and goes on a journey of self discovery and forgiveness. Along the way she develops some very special friendships. This story was phenomenal, The self loathing, the messy middle, and the positive changes that occur as she works through her issues during her time a the clinic. This was a fantastic listen, the narrator was spot on with emotions and the different aspects of Lorna's journey. Highly recommend and am super thankful to NetGalley for the ARC audiobook. It was amazing!

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Too many books on my list to read to spend time trying to “get through” a book that is just not working for me.
DNF

the main character has rage issues and we see she is suppressing issues with her family but the way this character is written feels so unnecessarily out of touch with herself. The audiobook voices a young child in a very annoying voice. His father leaves him locked out of his house ( which may have an explanation but I quit before finding out why). 16% into the book and I am dreading even one more minute. I see some good reviews but this one was not for me.

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Lorna is a high achiever at work and strongly encourages her team to be the same.. If that means they don't want to see her socially then she is willing to pay that price even though it makes her sad. An email accidentally sent to her team leads to an enforced wellness sabbatical and gives her time to assess her life.

Lorna is angry and has been for years, as her story emerges it is easy to see why. I got angry with her parents who didn't spare her the time. Her dad set up a new life, her mum gave her all to help Kristen, Lorna's drug and alcohol addicted sister. Despite all of this they expected her to step up and support them emotionally and financially despite all of the ways she had been hurt by them all, especially Kristen.

Her plan is to buy back her grandmother's house where she used to be happy, currently she lives in 1/4 of it with her corgi, Agnes. In her reluctant wellness sessions she learns to relax and open up but this is more to do with her neighbour, a young insightful boy called Bean who she crosses paths with a lot while she is on leave.

Lorna decides to follow the rules of her mother's trust to get the money to buy the house and this leads to some awkward conversations.

The ending followed some unexpected twists but then again not unexpected in retrospect. I was left hoping the future would be very much brighter for Lorna.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the DRC

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Wow! Put this on your August 2025 TBR List right now!

Lorna is successful in her job, the head of her team, in line for the VP job, and on top of everything except one thing: her anger. Lorna is mad...all the time and she doesn't even know what about. Her team does well, but they exclude her from team lunches, events, and conversation. When her boss calls her in to her office, Lorna is unsure what to expect. Being told she is being put on Sabbatical for one month and assigned to the company's Wellness Clinic is NOT what she expected.

Over the course of the month, Lorna engages in her wellness treatment and begins to realize that there are so many things she has avoided dealing with. Her sister, Kristen, has struggled with addiction her entire life; her parents both disappointed her-her father, by prioritizing his new life over Lorna, her mother, by prioritizing her sister's strugglers over Lorna's needs; and that is just the beginning. She hasn't been able to address any of these issues the way she needs to, but can she deal with them now?

As she deals with the past, she begins to find a way to engage with the present, with her wellness counselors, with her neighbors, especially that sweet little Bean who has become her dog's favorite person and may be her new favorite person too. The book follows Lorna's journey with intermittent chapters flashing back to Lorna's early life and her present life as she learns to let go and let others in.

If you loved Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, you will love this too.

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I hate read this book. What started as a story about anger issues and facing childhood trauma, ended up being about gaslighting. Lorna had real issues stemming from her sister’s drug addiction but the way her family treated her and gaslit her experiences of all the awful things her sister did made me see red. And that ending? I could not. This poor woman had shitty parents and a shitty lot and this author did not give her the justice she deserved.

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Everything Is Probably Fine, written by Julia London and narrated by Marni Penning, is a fictional book with great aspects of comedy, drama, family secrets, forgiveness, healing, and recovery.
This book begins with Lorna Lott, and a tough day at work. Lorna is called into a meeting, where she discovers that her fellow employees may have accidentally seen a letter meant to her sister. Which is weird, since Lorna is currently estranged from her sister, but accidents happen sometimes. But because of this letter, Lorna’s boss decides that she needs to work on her emotions and some anger issues, and sends her to a 30 day wellness institute sabbatical. Between the wellness institute, Lorna’s neighbors, and her memories of her mother and sister, Lorna has plenty to do, and plenty ways to grow.
I LOVED this book! Once I started I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters, the relationships and friendships, the memories, the vulnerabilities shared, recovery, apologies, and the growth of characters, especially Lorna. This book had my heart hurting and my eyes watering, but also filled me with joy as well. I definitely recommend this book, along with a box of tissues, to anyone looking for an amazing and hard read! Thank you to NetGalley and to the author, publisher, and narrator of this book for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

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Everything is Probably Fine is not a book I will recommend. The title is great and was the reason I requested this audiobook from Netgalley. However, the narrator for Lorna used so much emotion during Lorna's angry moments, it was really hard not to just skip through. The supporting characters were great, especially the little boy next door, Bean. To be honest, Bean was the reason I finished this book and I did love the ending. If this book catches your attention, skip the audio and read the physical copy.

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There wasn’t much I didn’t like about Everything Is Probably Fine. Lorna is a relatable character, and I loved watching her growth. From office slacks to yoga pants, she went through a beautiful and deeply emotional journey. I felt all the emotions with Lorna and also got so angry at her sister.

Also, Bean. Bean deserves his own book! I’m usually not keen on children characters because they often seem forced, but Bean was so clever, funny and blunt! If I laughed out loud while reading this book, it was probably thanks to Bean.

I would like to thank Harper Muse and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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This was the perfect audio book for me! I loved both the story and the narration! I loved the characters, especially Bean. It is such a heartwarming story of Lorna overcoming her anger issues, due in part to the friendship she builds with the young boy who lives accross the hall from her.

If you like books like The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, The Wedding People, and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine; I think you will like this one too!

This is one of my favorite books of 2025! I highly reccommend listening to it!

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Lorna Lott has spent her life hardened by the trauma of her sister’s addiction, retreating emotionally and trusting no one—until an unexpectedly wise & ADORABLE eight-year-old neighbour named Bean breaks through her defences. When the chance to reclaim her childhood home arises, Lorna must confront the past and make amends to fulfil the terms of a trust left by her mother. Through her journey with Bean, she begins to release the guilt she’s carried for years and discovers that while she couldn’t save her sister, she still has the power to save herself.

I didn’t enjoy the first half of this book, but I think that was kind of the point. Lorna is struggling, miserable and angry all the time and that comes across so strongly that it was palpable to me. But the journey from being in that state of mind to where she ends up was remarkably well done. The inclusion of Bean’s character was vital though, because without him it would have been too bleak for me! But Bean was SO FREAKING CUTE and just provided comic relief in a way that delivered levity at times but also the kind of wisdom that can only come from innocence.

In some ways the narrator of this audiobook was too good, she channelled Lorna’s negativity & cynicism so well that it was actually quite uncomfortable to listen to for a good 50% of the book! Her voice for Bean was so cute and I think really did him justice as a cute, wise, odd little boy who absolutely captured my heart and made me cry at least twice.

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Julia London’s Everything Is Probably Fine is a beautifully layered novel that delves into the jagged terrain of family dysfunction, addiction, and the slow, painful process of personal healing. The story centers on Lorna, a woman simmering with anger and mistrust, reluctantly launched into a month-long sabbatical from work that forces her to confront long-buried resentments.

At the heart of the novel is Lorna’s complicated history with her sister, whose life has long been shaped by drug and alcohol addiction, and a mother whose patterns of enabling have left emotional scars. London handles the topic of addiction with clarity and compassion, offering a nuanced look into the ripple effects on family members who struggle to cope with a loved one’s destructive behaviours. It’s a testament to how emotional pain can fester quietly, and how reckoning with it often requires distance, reflection, and a generous dose of discomfort.

What sets this story apart is its unflinching honesty. Lorna’s journey is not linear, nor is it sugar-coated. As she begins to unpack decades of hurt, regret, and self-protective detachment, her voice carries both raw vulnerability and biting sarcasm. London balances heartbreak with sharp humour, giving us a protagonist who is deeply flawed, deeply human, and fiercely compelling.

The audiobook version, while skillfully narrated, does come with one minor hiccup: the vocal portrayal of “Bean” may test the patience of some listeners. It’s a small distraction in an otherwise excellent performance.

Overall, Everything Is Probably Fine is a deeply empathetic portrayal of one woman’s attempt to find meaning in the wreckage of her relationships. It’s a meditation on mental health, forgiveness, and the messy, often hilarious process of figuring out life in real time. A tender, witty, and emotionally resonant read.

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Well I had to give this 5 stars because simply put I cannot fault it in any way I really enjoyed this one; yes I may forget about it in the sense it wasn’t hard hitting per say but it still had a message!

Lorna is a quirky character who I’m sure on some level all listeners would relate to her or those around her. She is career driven and just doesn’t feel she makes friends easily so she keeps her life quiet working living with her dog in her apartment. When things take a turn at work and her boss notices she is at burnout Deb recommends Lorna attend a wellness course daily for 30 days during her working hours (primarily) before her return.

All Lorna wants to do is get the promotion with the pay rise to buy the block of apartments that was once the home she lived in before they were renovated into these apartments, her grandmothers home and hers; a wellness program is not her style at all. She soon realises she doesn’t have a choice due to the massive error she made…

Through this journey we learn of Lorna’s life, her childhood, her character, we meet many other characters in particular a little boy who lives across the hall called Bean and his father Seth who both become a big part of her journey.

This is a lighthearted, humorous, cozy, inspiring easy listen that although it deals with some real life issues it is delivered with care and handled well.

The narration was fantastic all characters were completely unique and Bean is adorable, great read but as an audiobook which I had the pleasure of it’s fantastic!

With many thanks and much gratitude to NetGalley & Harper Muse Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to this ELC in return for an open honest review. Wishing you best wishes for publication in August 2025 📚🙏🏽❤️🎧

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3.5 stars, rounding up.

This was an easy, comforting read. The tone is undeniably Hallmark-y and overly sweet at times, but I found myself rooting for the main character, and the supporting cast added warmth and depth.

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I really enjoyed this audiobook! The narrator does a great job with different voices for different characters. The story was a mix of lightheartedness and some heavy topics as well.

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