Joanna Nell is a must read author for me. I've read 3 of her books and have a couple of others on my tbr pile, but when I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of her latest book I jumped at the chance!

This book is just wonderful. It has real characters who I just wanted to hug and try to make them feel better. It explores a range of social issues such as homelessness, domestic violence and bullying, all of which Joanna handles with empathy.

There were moments when I had to reach for the tissues and others where I was laughing out loud.

Such a wonderful read, which will leave you feeling uplifted.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for the digital arc. All opinions are my own.

I was so thankful to receive a digital advance copy of The Funeral Crashers from the author, the publisher, and NetGalley—huge thanks to all involved.

This novel is everything I love about Joanna Nell’s writing—heartfelt, quietly funny, and full of charm. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the lives of Grace and Martin, two characters whose paths cross in the most unexpected of places: a funeral service at All Souls Church. What unfolds is a gently woven story about connection, companionship, and the surprising ways life can bring people together when they need it most.

The idea of “funeral crashing” might sound a little odd at first, but in Nell’s capable hands, it becomes something quite moving and original. Rather than being morbid, it’s handled with care, humour, and grace (no pun intended). The story is filled with warmth and that signature Joanna Nell blend of humour and poignancy that leaves you smiling one minute and deeply touched the next.

I adored the cast of characters. Grace is recently bereaved and trying to make sense of a new phase in her life. Martin, a retired academic, is juggling romantic hopes and the chaos of caring for his wonderfully eccentric mother, Edwina. Then there’s Rhondda, a psychic medium with her energetic son Hudson, who added such a great spark to the story. Each of them felt real, and their personalities brought a delightful variety to the narrative.

I also loved the setting of All Souls Church. There was something very comforting about the routines and rituals it offered the characters—reminding me of my own childhood weekends spent in church. I’m not religious now, but the familiarity really added a layer of nostalgia to the reading experience.

The Funeral Crashers is a warm, cozy read with a clever concept and a lot of heart. It’s a story about finding friendship, unexpected beginnings, and the ways in which people can lift one another up—often in the most unlikeliest of circumstances.

If you’re a fan of Joanna Nell, you’ll absolutely love this one. And if you’ve never read her before, this would be a beautiful place to start. It’s uplifting, tender, and quietly thought-provoking in all the right ways.

“Funeral crashers” is the latest hysterically funny, deeply emotional and utterly delightful story by Joanna Nell. The author doesn’t hold back from tackling the difficult subjects that increasingly come up as we get older including loss, bad health and heartbreak. Yet, there is still so much joy and humour within this story, including how Martin and Grace meet; and the results of their subsequent ‘funeral crashing’ that takes place.

I ended up with a few tears of both sadness and laughter as I read, and was captivated by so many of the characters. This included Edwina with her elaborate funeral plans; Hudson and his spirit-talking mother; and, the long-standing friendship between Martin and Andrew.

I found myself eagerly devouring this story which highlighted love, friendship and the power of connection in multiple ways. I also deeply treasured the roles Melody and Jane played in this book, as people who had deeply shaped the lives of the main characters. This story is definitely jam- packed with a wonderful result.

I am thankful to Netgalley and Hachette Australia and New Zealand for providing an advanced copy to read in exchange for my review. This book is due to be published on 28th October 2025.