Joined in 2023 
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Another reason I didn't warm to Mabel was Ollie, the dog. Mabel really didn't like Ollie, couldn't be bothered with him, and Ollie didn't much like her in return. I always trust a dog's instincts. He also knows that his reclusive wife may need a little help transitioning to a life without him in it-even if she has never loved him quite the same way that he has loved her. But now Arthur is gone. He died: softly, gently, not making a fuss. But he’s still left her a list. This one has just one item on it though: ‘Find D’. I did enjoy the friendship between the women. A bit unrealistic, but the characters were well-developed and appealing. What wasn't appealing was the horrible intrusive things she did to her new friends, in the "I know best because I've lived over eighty years" and "I'll fix this for you". Honestly, talk about bringing me out of the story. If I hadn't liked the narrator and secondary characters so much this would have been a deal breaker, My thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Last List of Mabel Beaumont”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Underneath” by Anne Goodwin – Book Review #NovNov23 #novella @inspiredquill #Underneath#BookReview November 22, 2023 Arthur was always the list maker but Mabel made her own task list to accomplish. Despite her age, her judgement seemed rather questionable at times although the decisions were made with good intent and I did worry at what the outcomes would be. What she doesn't know is that her list isn't just about finding her old friend. And that if she can admit the secrets of the past, maybe she could even find happiness again...
About this book
Well, I finished this in the same 24 hours as I started it. Oh... what a beautiful story... Poignant and inspiring!' Jennie Godfrey, author EXCERPT: When Arthur woke, he asked what he had missed, and we told him nothing. But it wasn't quite true, I don't think. It felt like something had shifted infinitesimally, between the four of us. The truth was, and always had been, that he was the one I could have done without, the one I cared about the least. How strange he was the one I spent my life with, in the end. All in all, this is a really sweet and touching book, filled with moments of love, care and concern. I guess the only negative for me was that even in its USP, it doesn’t venture much out of its comfort zone. Still, if you want a warm and fuzzy read, this is a great book for that mood. It seems impossible. She doesn't even know if Dot's still alive. Also, every person Mabel talks to seems to need help first, with missing husbands, daughters, parents. Mabel finds her list is just getting longer, and she's still no closer to finding Dot.
Mabel Beaumont’s husband Arthur loved lists. He’d leave them for her everywhere. ‘Remember: eggs, butter, sugar’. ‘I love you: today, tomorrow, always’. Such a poignant story. Brought a lump to my throat… Will really appeal to fans of Joanna Cannon.’ Karen Angelico In return, when Mabel strives to ‘help’ her new friends by interfering in their lives, she comes close to jeopardizing her newfound friendships. They all have aspects of their lives which they wish to keep to themselves, as does Mabel. Everyone of them has secrets… It isn’t possible, to erase the lives we’ve lived. We only have today, and whatever future we’re granted.”This is a very uplifting novel. With themes of aging, loss, societal expectations, and the acceptance of change, it was a poignant and very satisfying story of female friendships.
Mabel and Arthur have been married for sixty-two years and have never had children. He loved making lists and would leave them for her to find. Suddenly, Arthur passes away and Mabel doesn't know what she will do without him. Then she finds his last list he must have left for her. It had only one thing listed which was to Find D. What or who is D?? Mabel is convinced he meant her best friend, Dot. The problem is that Mabel has not spoken to or seen Dot in sixty-two years. Is Dot even still alive? Mabel decides to find Dot and add a few items to the list. Moving forward, she meets a group of women who are all in different stages of their lives. They become amazing friends and want to help Mabel find Dot. Mabel slowly finds herself opening up and not as lonely anymore. Secrets from the past are revealed as the search for Dot continues. Will Mabel find Dot? Will she have the courage to change and find happiness again? DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.This beautifully written story of friendship, love, loss and second chances captured my heart. It's a tender and uplifting read and I adored Mabel and her unlikely gang of colourful characters... Leaves you feeling warm, hopeful, and satisfied.' Lisa Timoney, author
Absolutely heart warmingly brilliant! I devoured this in one glorious afternoon/evening where I was totally absorbed and alongside Mabel, Erin, Julie and co. Laura Pearson has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester. She lives in Leicestershire, England with her husband and their two children. Charming, warm and moving… A beautifully written story about love and longing, and a poignant reminder that it’s never too late to follow your heart.’ Holly Miller A completely heartbreaking, beautiful, uplifting story, guaranteed to make you smile but also make you cry. Perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, and The Keeper of Stories. Readers are loving The Last List of Mabel Beaumont: Arthur took seriously his job of taking care of her. Soon after his funeral, a home health aide appears at her door. Arthur had pre-paid for the service, to help her adjust to his death.What she doesn’t know is that her list isn’t just about finding her old friend. And that if she can admit the secrets of the past, maybe she could even find happiness again… I’ve been inundated with books in the uplit genre but this is by far the best I’ve read… moving, life-affirming and utterly wonderful.’ Matt Cain
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