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The Time of Her Life
The brand new feel-good, funny and fabulous book from the No.1 bestseller!Starting again never felt so good!The worst day of her life could be the best thing that’s ever happened.
Kim Jacobs believes that she is happily married, until her husband tells her he is leaving her. Forced to re-evaluate her life on the same day that her son leaves for university, Kim is shocked to find herself sleeping in the spare room of his college flatshare.
She never imagined her prime would be spent with a bunch of man-babies, but amongst the empty pizza boxes and unwashed laundry, Kim can feel something starting to happen.
Can her unlikely new housemates help her realise that maybe the best is yet to come?
Readers LOVE Tracy Bloom!‘So, so, so funny, I genuinely laughed out loud’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Just like catching up with a good friend’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A fab read which you don’t want to put down’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Utterly brilliant’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Funny, totally relatable and made me laugh out loud’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘No doubt about it … at least a 6 out of 5!’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Tracy Bloom has the lightest of touches with the deepest of understanding’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kim Jacobs believes that she is happily married, until her husband tells her he is leaving her. Forced to re-evaluate her life on the same day that her son leaves for university, Kim is shocked to find herself sleeping in the spare room of his college flatshare.
She never imagined her prime would be spent with a bunch of man-babies, but amongst the empty pizza boxes and unwashed laundry, Kim can feel something starting to happen.
Can her unlikely new housemates help her realise that maybe the best is yet to come?
Readers LOVE Tracy Bloom!‘So, so, so funny, I genuinely laughed out loud’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Just like catching up with a good friend’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A fab read which you don’t want to put down’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Utterly brilliant’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Funny, totally relatable and made me laugh out loud’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘No doubt about it … at least a 6 out of 5!’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Tracy Bloom has the lightest of touches with the deepest of understanding’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 1, 2024
The writing was heartfelt and at the same time entertaining. There were some thought provoking moments and I enjoyed being on the journey with the main character as she navigated some pretty uncomfortable situations.
The chapters weren't overly long which meant that there was a good pace to the story. You didn't linger too long on anything which kept my interest and encouraged me to keep on reading.
I liked the characters. I enjoyed reading about the main character and how she worked through her problems. She was relatable and had to make decisions based on what life threw at her. The supporting cast highlighted the main character's strengths when she couldn't see them.
Each of the supporting characters brought something to each situation that the main character found herself in and we were able to see how she navigated her way through which was interesting.
Lastly the settings. They were basic which highlighted the main character's change in situation well. Just like the main character, they were easy to relate to and grounded the story well.
Overall a heartwarming, entertaining read.
The chapters weren't overly long which meant that there was a good pace to the story. You didn't linger too long on anything which kept my interest and encouraged me to keep on reading.
I liked the characters. I enjoyed reading about the main character and how she worked through her problems. She was relatable and had to make decisions based on what life threw at her. The supporting cast highlighted the main character's strengths when she couldn't see them.
Each of the supporting characters brought something to each situation that the main character found herself in and we were able to see how she navigated her way through which was interesting.
Lastly the settings. They were basic which highlighted the main character's change in situation well. Just like the main character, they were easy to relate to and grounded the story well.
Overall a heartwarming, entertaining read.
January 25, 2024
Awww I LOVED this book! It was such a nice change from my usual reads and it honestly had me hooked right through! I couldn’t put it down. The book jumped straight into the action right from the first chapter and was actually quite hard to read, I was angry, sad and hopefully all from chapter 1. Kim was such a strong FMC and so very relatable, I felt myself really rooting for her! I absolutely loved the banter in the book and felt myself reading with a huge smile on my face at times and even laughing out loud! I loved the banter between Kim and Vicky, everyone needs a friend like this in their life! Overall, a great, heartbreaking and heartwarming read with lots of fun and banter thrown in!
March 21, 2024
Hilarious, heartwarming and hugely enjoyable, The Time of Her Life is the irresistible new novel from best-selling author Tracy Bloom.
Kim Jacobs has always believed that she was happily married – until her husband drops a bombshell that obliterates her safe little world: he’s leaving her! Shocked to her core, Kim finds herself having to revaluate her life just when her son is about to leave for university. Having lost everything, Kim doesn’t know which what the future will hold for her, however, she’s about to discover that she’s about to find everything she’s been looking for in the most unlikely of places.
Following her son to university and sleeping in the spare room of his flatshare might sound like every woman’s idea of hell, but Kim shocks everyone – including herself – when for the first time in a very long while she begins to feel things beginning to shift and her life about to take a sudden and unexpected turn that puts a spring in her step and a smile on her face. Kim’s new housemates will help her realise that there are better times ahead – but only if she believes in herself and finds the courage to embrace the opportunities and possibilities coming her way.
Fun, uplifting, inspirational and heartwarming, The Time of Her Life should be on every woman’s must-read list this year. Tracy Bloom writes with her trademark wit and humour and has penned a gorgeous feel-good read that will make readers laugh out loud on multiple occasions. In Kim, Tracy Bloom has created a flawed, believable and relatable heroine women everywhere will root for and find pieces of themselves in.
Fabulous as ever, The Time of Her Life is sure to be another hit for Tracy Bloom!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kim Jacobs has always believed that she was happily married – until her husband drops a bombshell that obliterates her safe little world: he’s leaving her! Shocked to her core, Kim finds herself having to revaluate her life just when her son is about to leave for university. Having lost everything, Kim doesn’t know which what the future will hold for her, however, she’s about to discover that she’s about to find everything she’s been looking for in the most unlikely of places.
Following her son to university and sleeping in the spare room of his flatshare might sound like every woman’s idea of hell, but Kim shocks everyone – including herself – when for the first time in a very long while she begins to feel things beginning to shift and her life about to take a sudden and unexpected turn that puts a spring in her step and a smile on her face. Kim’s new housemates will help her realise that there are better times ahead – but only if she believes in herself and finds the courage to embrace the opportunities and possibilities coming her way.
Fun, uplifting, inspirational and heartwarming, The Time of Her Life should be on every woman’s must-read list this year. Tracy Bloom writes with her trademark wit and humour and has penned a gorgeous feel-good read that will make readers laugh out loud on multiple occasions. In Kim, Tracy Bloom has created a flawed, believable and relatable heroine women everywhere will root for and find pieces of themselves in.
Fabulous as ever, The Time of Her Life is sure to be another hit for Tracy Bloom!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 27, 2024
“The Time of her Life” by Tracy Bloom was an utter joy to read and as the first book I’ve read by this author, I realise I’ve been missing out on so many of her refreshing and uplifting novels.
It was welcoming to learn that you’re not alone in parenting mishaps and that it’s quite normal to be found wanting or an embarrassment. I do believe all teenage kids to be alike and this was proven by the many similarities to the fictional students and students in real life. As a parent myself, my head was nodding in agreement at the many embarrassing situations Kim found herself in, in front of her teenage son. Kids really don’t believe that parents actually had a life pre children and it was pure magic to see Kim and Max ‘moshing’ to the music of their youth, all cares abandoned.
Although I’m not too sure hairdressers and chip shop employees would be too chuffed at being called ‘just’ hairdressers and ‘just’ chip shop workers but it was this ‘accusation’ that featured heavily in the book, as it was the crux of the story. Understanding the dynamics between Kim and her university lecturer husband was very important and it was portrayed perfectly, setting the scene for Kim to rebel. Although my kids never attended university, I felt I could still relate to the emotions of the parents leaving their kids in shared accommodation and to the varying attitudes between the mothers and fathers.
This book was genuinely funny in places, covering true emotional feelings of a marriage breakdown and parenting and revealed the satirical side of student life and accommodation. “The Time of her Life” is a must read for women’s fiction fans and for those still young at heart.
#TheTimeOfHerLife - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was welcoming to learn that you’re not alone in parenting mishaps and that it’s quite normal to be found wanting or an embarrassment. I do believe all teenage kids to be alike and this was proven by the many similarities to the fictional students and students in real life. As a parent myself, my head was nodding in agreement at the many embarrassing situations Kim found herself in, in front of her teenage son. Kids really don’t believe that parents actually had a life pre children and it was pure magic to see Kim and Max ‘moshing’ to the music of their youth, all cares abandoned.
Although I’m not too sure hairdressers and chip shop employees would be too chuffed at being called ‘just’ hairdressers and ‘just’ chip shop workers but it was this ‘accusation’ that featured heavily in the book, as it was the crux of the story. Understanding the dynamics between Kim and her university lecturer husband was very important and it was portrayed perfectly, setting the scene for Kim to rebel. Although my kids never attended university, I felt I could still relate to the emotions of the parents leaving their kids in shared accommodation and to the varying attitudes between the mothers and fathers.
This book was genuinely funny in places, covering true emotional feelings of a marriage breakdown and parenting and revealed the satirical side of student life and accommodation. “The Time of her Life” is a must read for women’s fiction fans and for those still young at heart.
#TheTimeOfHerLife - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 11, 2024
I've never read a book of Tracy Blooms before, but I definitely plan to seek out more in the future. This was a witty and heartwarming read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I felt the storyline was a superb & realistic portrayal of the messy thing we all call life. Nothing is as straight forward like the movies say, and this book shows us that.
How could I not love Sonny he was hilarious, and it would be ace if there was a novella or even a sequel dedicated to his story. All the characters were great, though... maybe not Richard, but that's kind of the point, right? lol.
Overall, it is a really easy, relatable read that is full of laughter, too.
Thank you to Randomthingstours and the author for the gifted book and tour opportunity.
I felt the storyline was a superb & realistic portrayal of the messy thing we all call life. Nothing is as straight forward like the movies say, and this book shows us that.
How could I not love Sonny he was hilarious, and it would be ace if there was a novella or even a sequel dedicated to his story. All the characters were great, though... maybe not Richard, but that's kind of the point, right? lol.
Overall, it is a really easy, relatable read that is full of laughter, too.
Thank you to Randomthingstours and the author for the gifted book and tour opportunity.
January 16, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this poignant book
harry is about to go to university
his parents are about to split up but only the husband knows it
kims world is about to split apart and all she can think about is getting her son harry to university before she disintergrates
what follows next is a series of blunders that see kim and harry living life off campus and sorting out their lives
its the stuff of dreams with a healthy dose of reality,,, sonny and angus the other students are brilliant characters.. think we all need a sonny in our lives he sounds amazing
i was wondering how this one would end and it doesnt disappoint will be recommending this one to my friends as a must read
harry is about to go to university
his parents are about to split up but only the husband knows it
kims world is about to split apart and all she can think about is getting her son harry to university before she disintergrates
what follows next is a series of blunders that see kim and harry living life off campus and sorting out their lives
its the stuff of dreams with a healthy dose of reality,,, sonny and angus the other students are brilliant characters.. think we all need a sonny in our lives he sounds amazing
i was wondering how this one would end and it doesnt disappoint will be recommending this one to my friends as a must read
February 11, 2024
On the day Kim plans a 50th birthday celebration for her husband, the unthinkable happens – he drops the bombshell that he's leaving her. To make matters worse, he confesses to having an affair with their next-door neighbor for the past year. Kim's world shatters, leaving her utterly lost. In her quest for solace, she accompanies her son Harry to campus as he embarks on his university journey. Encouraged by Harry and his supportive roommates and friends, Kim finds refuge in their company as she navigates the heartbreak and betrayal.
Kim emerges as a truly compelling character, and the narrative deftly unfolds over a concise period following her husband's revelation. I particularly appreciated the ending, which carries a powerful message – it's never too late to rediscover oneself. The author skillfully portrays Kim's healing process, introducing her to diverse individuals and new experiences along the way. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Kim emerges as a truly compelling character, and the narrative deftly unfolds over a concise period following her husband's revelation. I particularly appreciated the ending, which carries a powerful message – it's never too late to rediscover oneself. The author skillfully portrays Kim's healing process, introducing her to diverse individuals and new experiences along the way. I look forward to reading more from this author.
March 14, 2024
The book and story was okay with likeable characters but I didn’t rush to finish it.
February 20, 2024
Love Tracy's books, easy to read, funny and heart-warming
April 14, 2024
Thanks to Anne Rando Things Tours and Harper Collins for giving me the chance to take part in the blog tour for Tracy Bloom’s new release, The Time of Her Life.
The set-up of Kim living in a student accommodation with her son and his university friends as she sorts her life out was something I didn’t want to miss out on. The novel shines a light on how sexism is still prevalent, especially towards women over 40 and how society expects them to behave in a particular way because of their gender. Bloom’s narrative questions this throughout and portrays Kim as strong, feminist character. Kim’s son and his housemates add to the narrative. In particular, Sonny is the most amazing character I have read. He is so naive, innocent and pure but so fun at the same time. This book was billed as a romantic-comedy, but I would disagree and call it a comedy as the romance was merely hinted at.
The set-up of Kim living in a student accommodation with her son and his university friends as she sorts her life out was something I didn’t want to miss out on. The novel shines a light on how sexism is still prevalent, especially towards women over 40 and how society expects them to behave in a particular way because of their gender. Bloom’s narrative questions this throughout and portrays Kim as strong, feminist character. Kim’s son and his housemates add to the narrative. In particular, Sonny is the most amazing character I have read. He is so naive, innocent and pure but so fun at the same time. This book was billed as a romantic-comedy, but I would disagree and call it a comedy as the romance was merely hinted at.
December 30, 2023
I just wish there were more pages, I could have happily kept on reading this, but I appear to have reached the end. In fact I half wonder if there is the potential for a sequel.
I loved this book so much, it is classic Tracy Bloom, full of real normal sounding people, going through situations that are easy to relate to.
Although that being said not sure how many mums would end up living in their sons student share house, during the first semester of uni, having just found out her husband has been cheating on her with the next door neighbour.
But that is exactly the situation Kim finds herself in, and she is suddenly living with 3 barely adult boys, who are starting on their next phase of life, including her son Harry who is barely speaking to her.
And while Kim is retreating from the life she has known, she gets a job in a chippy to pay rent, and meets some truly lovely people.
My favourite character was Sonny, he just has a way a about him and he really grew over the course of the book. When we meet him he is a coddled mothers boy who has now idea about just about anything, and has a tendency to over explain things in a really endearing manner and he just develops so well in his first term at uni.
The other person in the flat share is Angus, who comes across initially as a jack the lad, but soon Kim gets to see another side to him.
And Kim it's like a coming of age story for her too, and it was so lovely to get to know her and as the story progresses sand she stops having a meltdown about the destruction of her marriage and starts to come into her own, it is really heartwarming.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading every page of this which I read incredibly quickly. I was so absorbed in the story that I was lucky not to miss my stop on the tube, and when I did look up was surprised that I had no recollection of stopping many times before that point, I was that interested in what I was reading.
Just fabulous and I do hope there might be a sequel, I feel like there could be more to come from these characters.
Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I loved this book so much, it is classic Tracy Bloom, full of real normal sounding people, going through situations that are easy to relate to.
Although that being said not sure how many mums would end up living in their sons student share house, during the first semester of uni, having just found out her husband has been cheating on her with the next door neighbour.
But that is exactly the situation Kim finds herself in, and she is suddenly living with 3 barely adult boys, who are starting on their next phase of life, including her son Harry who is barely speaking to her.
And while Kim is retreating from the life she has known, she gets a job in a chippy to pay rent, and meets some truly lovely people.
My favourite character was Sonny, he just has a way a about him and he really grew over the course of the book. When we meet him he is a coddled mothers boy who has now idea about just about anything, and has a tendency to over explain things in a really endearing manner and he just develops so well in his first term at uni.
The other person in the flat share is Angus, who comes across initially as a jack the lad, but soon Kim gets to see another side to him.
And Kim it's like a coming of age story for her too, and it was so lovely to get to know her and as the story progresses sand she stops having a meltdown about the destruction of her marriage and starts to come into her own, it is really heartwarming.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading every page of this which I read incredibly quickly. I was so absorbed in the story that I was lucky not to miss my stop on the tube, and when I did look up was surprised that I had no recollection of stopping many times before that point, I was that interested in what I was reading.
Just fabulous and I do hope there might be a sequel, I feel like there could be more to come from these characters.
Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 25, 2024
Chirpy hairdresser Kim Jacobs loves everything about life with Richard, her stuffy intellectual husband. For his fiftieth birthday, which falls the day before son Harry leaves their home in Lancaster to go to university in Nottingham, Kim throws a big surprise party. She makes a long speech praising Richard and tells their friends and relations she cannot wait to spend all his future birthdays with him. She is understandably devastated when, after the party is over, Richard announces he is leaving her for the woman next door.
Kim drives Harry to Nottingham, insisting that Richard stays at home to deal with ‘congealed dip and hardened birthday cake’. In Harry’s student house there is a spare room where Kim stays while she sorts her life out. After certain house rules are put in place Kim is accepted by Harry’s housemates, who learn to appreciate her practical skills. The descriptions of Kim’s efforts to keep the kitchen and bathroom clean, in a house occupied by man-babies, are realistic. As the first term wears on Kim’s natural talent for counselling helps her young flatmates to negotiate problems with love affairs, studies – and hairstyles.
Sonny, who is eccentric and sweet-natured, persuades the others to let Kim stay. He cannot see having a mate’s mother living in his student house as anything other than a good thing. Posh Angus, who Kim thinks has lovely manners, appreciates her housekeeping abilities, even though she keeps drinking his wine. Predictably it is Harry who has a problem with his Mum’s presence. Max and Annie, Kim’s colleagues when she gets a job at the local chip shop, add a real-world element to the academic atmosphere.
I really like author Tracy Bloom’s funny and original premise for The Time of Her Life. It will resonate with those mothers who feel jealous when their teenagers head off to university, but all mothers of young adults beginning to make their way in life will enjoy this novel.
Kim drives Harry to Nottingham, insisting that Richard stays at home to deal with ‘congealed dip and hardened birthday cake’. In Harry’s student house there is a spare room where Kim stays while she sorts her life out. After certain house rules are put in place Kim is accepted by Harry’s housemates, who learn to appreciate her practical skills. The descriptions of Kim’s efforts to keep the kitchen and bathroom clean, in a house occupied by man-babies, are realistic. As the first term wears on Kim’s natural talent for counselling helps her young flatmates to negotiate problems with love affairs, studies – and hairstyles.
Sonny, who is eccentric and sweet-natured, persuades the others to let Kim stay. He cannot see having a mate’s mother living in his student house as anything other than a good thing. Posh Angus, who Kim thinks has lovely manners, appreciates her housekeeping abilities, even though she keeps drinking his wine. Predictably it is Harry who has a problem with his Mum’s presence. Max and Annie, Kim’s colleagues when she gets a job at the local chip shop, add a real-world element to the academic atmosphere.
I really like author Tracy Bloom’s funny and original premise for The Time of Her Life. It will resonate with those mothers who feel jealous when their teenagers head off to university, but all mothers of young adults beginning to make their way in life will enjoy this novel.
June 5, 2024
This was so cute. I read it because of a negative review I read that still made it sound interesting. Shows not to fully go by others' reviews. I have had a few poor ratings lately, maybe those will be good for someone else.
Kim's husband leaves her for the woman next door. She ends up moving into her son's university apartment with his two roommates, naive Sonny and spoiled Angus. She doubts herself since her ex is a professor whereas she is a hairdresser. The rest of the story is her sorting out things in the aftermath and the absolute mess she makes in the process.
Parts of this were cringe. The mom in the apartment.... the sad crying part right after she finds out about his affair lasts a bit too long, but it got better after and there were hilarious bits in between. I loved the part where Sonny's mom gave her condoms to hang on to for him. Tears in my eyes from laughing.
The chip shop and way the characters cane together in the middle was great, it's when I decided I liked the book. April and Mac at the chip shop are father daughter goals.
The ending was a bit cheesy. I also didn't like her career change because it ruined her gaining confidence after calling herself and being called, "just a hairdresser." Having her shift almost bought into that she needed to be more, and she didn't. She was great as was. It left a sour taste for me. But it was so briefly mentioned that I didn't feel this ruined the book or is a spoiler because the change is not a big plot point and almost comes from nowhere.
Overall, although I had some complaints I really did enjoy this read.
Kim's husband leaves her for the woman next door. She ends up moving into her son's university apartment with his two roommates, naive Sonny and spoiled Angus. She doubts herself since her ex is a professor whereas she is a hairdresser. The rest of the story is her sorting out things in the aftermath and the absolute mess she makes in the process.
Parts of this were cringe. The mom in the apartment.... the sad crying part right after she finds out about his affair lasts a bit too long, but it got better after and there were hilarious bits in between. I loved the part where Sonny's mom gave her condoms to hang on to for him. Tears in my eyes from laughing.
The chip shop and way the characters cane together in the middle was great, it's when I decided I liked the book. April and Mac at the chip shop are father daughter goals.
The ending was a bit cheesy. I also didn't like her career change because it ruined her gaining confidence after calling herself and being called, "just a hairdresser." Having her shift almost bought into that she needed to be more, and she didn't. She was great as was. It left a sour taste for me. But it was so briefly mentioned that I didn't feel this ruined the book or is a spoiler because the change is not a big plot point and almost comes from nowhere.
Overall, although I had some complaints I really did enjoy this read.
January 23, 2024
The Blurb :
The worst day of her life could be the best thing that’s ever happened.
Kim Jacobs believes that she is happily married, until her husband tells her he is leaving her. Forced to re-evaluate her life on the same day that her son leaves for university, Kim is shocked to find herself sleeping in the spare room of his college flatshare.
She never imagined her prime would be spent with a bunch of man-babies, but amongst the empty pizza boxes and unwashed laundry, Kim can feel something starting to happen.
Can her unlikely new housemates help her realise that maybe the best is yet to come?
My Thoughts :
We meet hairdresser Kim Jacobs, who has been happily married to Richard for 20 years. They have a son Harry who is due to start at Nottingham uni any day.
When Kim decides to throw Richard a party for his 50th Birthday, things couldnt of gone any better, that is until later that night Richard tells Kim he is leaving her as he has been having an affair with the next door neighbour.
Kim is devastated, the next day she is due to take Harry off to uni. A rash decision sees Kim deciding to stay with Harry at uni, taking the spare room and living in the student house share with Harry and 2 others, Angus and Sonny.
She believes it will only be for a few days or so until she sorts herself out and decides what she wants to do next.
As Kim navigates through the next chapter in her life, we see her dealing with campus life and all that it throws at her.
Can she pick up the pieces and start a fresh or is she just masking what life and running away from what has been thrown at her!?.
Tracy Bloom once again pulled this out of the bag, not often I say I wish there were more pages but this story was one of them. The pages were full of fun, laughs, entertainment and much more.
The story will draw you in and make you fall in love with the characters from the off, especially Kim.
Would love a sequel to this.
The worst day of her life could be the best thing that’s ever happened.
Kim Jacobs believes that she is happily married, until her husband tells her he is leaving her. Forced to re-evaluate her life on the same day that her son leaves for university, Kim is shocked to find herself sleeping in the spare room of his college flatshare.
She never imagined her prime would be spent with a bunch of man-babies, but amongst the empty pizza boxes and unwashed laundry, Kim can feel something starting to happen.
Can her unlikely new housemates help her realise that maybe the best is yet to come?
My Thoughts :
We meet hairdresser Kim Jacobs, who has been happily married to Richard for 20 years. They have a son Harry who is due to start at Nottingham uni any day.
When Kim decides to throw Richard a party for his 50th Birthday, things couldnt of gone any better, that is until later that night Richard tells Kim he is leaving her as he has been having an affair with the next door neighbour.
Kim is devastated, the next day she is due to take Harry off to uni. A rash decision sees Kim deciding to stay with Harry at uni, taking the spare room and living in the student house share with Harry and 2 others, Angus and Sonny.
She believes it will only be for a few days or so until she sorts herself out and decides what she wants to do next.
As Kim navigates through the next chapter in her life, we see her dealing with campus life and all that it throws at her.
Can she pick up the pieces and start a fresh or is she just masking what life and running away from what has been thrown at her!?.
Tracy Bloom once again pulled this out of the bag, not often I say I wish there were more pages but this story was one of them. The pages were full of fun, laughs, entertainment and much more.
The story will draw you in and make you fall in love with the characters from the off, especially Kim.
Would love a sequel to this.
Read
January 23, 2024The Time of Her Life is a book about endings, readjustments, friendship and discovering who you really are. I loved the vivid characters and relationships,
Kim throws her husband, Richard, a huge birthday party at their beautiful house and gives a gushing speech about how wonderful he is, only to find out later that night that he’s leaving her for their next door neighbour. Richard seems to live in a world of his own and he just assumes they will still travel as a family to take Harry, their son, to university the next day. But Kim has other ideas and leaves without him, taking Harry to University by herself, and then falling asleep in the spare bedroom.
Leaving her hairdressing job behind, Kim decides to stay with Harry for a while. Getting a job at the chip shop down the road, she negotiates the tricky process of living in her son’s Uni house share, trying her best to avoid embarrassing him and annoying their housemates. This is both sad and funny as she tries to adjust and find her way in a new, temporary life, whilst figuring out what to do about everything she left at home.
But of course things can’t be that simple, and Kim is forced to face even more shocks and upheavals before she finds her feet.
This is a story about being blindsided, over and over again. About being misunderstood and unappreciated. But it’s also about a woman who rediscovers herself, her own power and worth, and who finally stops believing the put-downs from those around her.
Kim throws her husband, Richard, a huge birthday party at their beautiful house and gives a gushing speech about how wonderful he is, only to find out later that night that he’s leaving her for their next door neighbour. Richard seems to live in a world of his own and he just assumes they will still travel as a family to take Harry, their son, to university the next day. But Kim has other ideas and leaves without him, taking Harry to University by herself, and then falling asleep in the spare bedroom.
Leaving her hairdressing job behind, Kim decides to stay with Harry for a while. Getting a job at the chip shop down the road, she negotiates the tricky process of living in her son’s Uni house share, trying her best to avoid embarrassing him and annoying their housemates. This is both sad and funny as she tries to adjust and find her way in a new, temporary life, whilst figuring out what to do about everything she left at home.
But of course things can’t be that simple, and Kim is forced to face even more shocks and upheavals before she finds her feet.
This is a story about being blindsided, over and over again. About being misunderstood and unappreciated. But it’s also about a woman who rediscovers herself, her own power and worth, and who finally stops believing the put-downs from those around her.
February 10, 2024
Rounded up to 4 stars
I've seen this book be advertised somewhere as a romantic comedy. I wouldn't call it a romantic comedy at all. I mean, there is comedy, the book has some laugh out loud moments for sure! But it also has its fair share of heartbreaking moments. I guess I would call it adult contemporary fiction.
The romance is only hinted at but never really comes to fruition. In hindsight, I didn’t really mind that because it would've been rather quick after a marriage of 20 years to dive into a new relationship after only a few weeks or months.
Just don’t be like me. Don’t go into this book thinking it’s a romcom and find out it’s something completely different.
I enjoyed the story. I found the premise quite unique, although some parts were quite predictable. The side characters were really lovely and well written (I bet everyone reading this book will fall in love with sweet naïve Sonny).
I loved that we got to see Kim really stand on her own two feet, pick up the pieces and turn her life around with the help of her new found-family! You can’t help but root for Kim!
The book starts really sad and heartbreaking, with Kim finding out that her husband cheated on her, but ends on a really uplifting note.
Thank you HarperCollinsUK HarperFiction, Tracy Bloom and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book, in exchange for this honest review.
I've seen this book be advertised somewhere as a romantic comedy. I wouldn't call it a romantic comedy at all. I mean, there is comedy, the book has some laugh out loud moments for sure! But it also has its fair share of heartbreaking moments. I guess I would call it adult contemporary fiction.
The romance is only hinted at but never really comes to fruition. In hindsight, I didn’t really mind that because it would've been rather quick after a marriage of 20 years to dive into a new relationship after only a few weeks or months.
Just don’t be like me. Don’t go into this book thinking it’s a romcom and find out it’s something completely different.
I enjoyed the story. I found the premise quite unique, although some parts were quite predictable. The side characters were really lovely and well written (I bet everyone reading this book will fall in love with sweet naïve Sonny).
I loved that we got to see Kim really stand on her own two feet, pick up the pieces and turn her life around with the help of her new found-family! You can’t help but root for Kim!
The book starts really sad and heartbreaking, with Kim finding out that her husband cheated on her, but ends on a really uplifting note.
Thank you HarperCollinsUK HarperFiction, Tracy Bloom and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book, in exchange for this honest review.
December 5, 2023
The Time of her Life
The day after Her husbands 50th surprise party Kim’s husband Richard tells her he has been having an affair for the past year with their next door neighbours wife and will be leaving Kim
Completely blindsided and devastated by this especially as that day they were taking their son Harry to start at university she just gets in her car with Harry to take him to university by herself.
When they arrive at the rented house Harry with be sharing with two other students Angus and Sonny there is a spare room Kim so asks if she could stay with them for a few days to try sort herself out. The scenes here are full of humour, with three boys not used to cooking and cleaning after themselves and leaving everywhere an absolute shambles plus there only being one bathroom you can imagine the carnage and odours.
With Kim being heartbroken and Harry also blindsided there are many emotions to navigate. Gradually though Kim finds a part time job and is helping the others with her no nonsense advice.
I did keep waiting for ‘the time of Kim’s life’ to get going but this is a slow burn as she slowly realises what she actually wants and needs to do with her life now.
A satisfying and entertaining read.
My thanks to netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
The day after Her husbands 50th surprise party Kim’s husband Richard tells her he has been having an affair for the past year with their next door neighbours wife and will be leaving Kim
Completely blindsided and devastated by this especially as that day they were taking their son Harry to start at university she just gets in her car with Harry to take him to university by herself.
When they arrive at the rented house Harry with be sharing with two other students Angus and Sonny there is a spare room Kim so asks if she could stay with them for a few days to try sort herself out. The scenes here are full of humour, with three boys not used to cooking and cleaning after themselves and leaving everywhere an absolute shambles plus there only being one bathroom you can imagine the carnage and odours.
With Kim being heartbroken and Harry also blindsided there are many emotions to navigate. Gradually though Kim finds a part time job and is helping the others with her no nonsense advice.
I did keep waiting for ‘the time of Kim’s life’ to get going but this is a slow burn as she slowly realises what she actually wants and needs to do with her life now.
A satisfying and entertaining read.
My thanks to netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
December 5, 2023
Kim and Richard Jacobs have a nice life. She is a hairdresser, who loves to chat and socialise. He is a professor at Lancaster University, a bit of an egg head, and very reserved. Not a match made in heaven, but after twenty years together, Kim feels they have life sussed. With son Harry due to go off to Nottingham University, their lives are entering a new phase. For Richard’s fiftieth birthday, Kim throws a surprise party, something he would definitely shy away from, so she has sworn all the guests to secrecy. The party goes very well, even though Richard was more than a little shocked. Kim puts this down to the way Richard is, a bit reclusive, doesn’t want a fuss. Little does she realise that the shock is because of a secret that Richard blurts out when they are doing the after party tidy!
I loved this book, a real cracker. The writing immediately drew me in, confident, exceptional, and the characters were excellent (oh Sonny, bless him!). Not a speedy storyline, but there wasn’t a wasted page, and the plot flowed beautifully. What starts off as quite sad soon develops into the most joyful story. Chasing those rainbows is definitely worthwhile.
A treasure of a book.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins.
I loved this book, a real cracker. The writing immediately drew me in, confident, exceptional, and the characters were excellent (oh Sonny, bless him!). Not a speedy storyline, but there wasn’t a wasted page, and the plot flowed beautifully. What starts off as quite sad soon develops into the most joyful story. Chasing those rainbows is definitely worthwhile.
A treasure of a book.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins.
January 19, 2024
Many thanks to @randomttours @traceybloom2021 @harpercollinsuk for the chance to review this book.
When your only child fly's the nest and goes to university; most are ready to step onto the next part of their life and enjoy some alone time. Well that is what Kim thought in this book, but how wrong she was! When her reliable husband leaves her for the next door neighbour, Kim escapes to Nottingham and ends up staying with her son in his university digs! What happens next is the hilarious tale of Kim trying to piece her life back together!
I really enjoyed this book; the characters were lovable (Sonny!) and I was really routing for Kim. There are ups and downs along the way as expected; but this heart warming novel had me cringing, laughing and emotional in different measures! I feel that this novel left the door open for a potential sequel. I also loved that this book showed that even at any age, there are always opportunities to start a fresh and do something new; even if you think you are unable to.
Highly recommended, will definitely be reading some of Tracey's back catalogue as I think this is the first time I have come across her books!
When your only child fly's the nest and goes to university; most are ready to step onto the next part of their life and enjoy some alone time. Well that is what Kim thought in this book, but how wrong she was! When her reliable husband leaves her for the next door neighbour, Kim escapes to Nottingham and ends up staying with her son in his university digs! What happens next is the hilarious tale of Kim trying to piece her life back together!
I really enjoyed this book; the characters were lovable (Sonny!) and I was really routing for Kim. There are ups and downs along the way as expected; but this heart warming novel had me cringing, laughing and emotional in different measures! I feel that this novel left the door open for a potential sequel. I also loved that this book showed that even at any age, there are always opportunities to start a fresh and do something new; even if you think you are unable to.
Highly recommended, will definitely be reading some of Tracey's back catalogue as I think this is the first time I have come across her books!
December 30, 2023
Tracy Bloom is back with her new release, and she's always a treat. I absolutely enjoyed this lovely and original story - finally something new, completely, not something that I had a feeling I've read more than thousands time. The plot was like a breath of fresh air, really. It's a rather slow burner, but there are a lot of things happening, so no low moments. There are some really cringy moments that will make you smile or nod in agreement and I think this is Tracy Bloom's power, to write about normal things, normal life in such an entertaining way, often giving you a different view of things, making you stop for a moment and think things over. And she does it with humour.
The characters were great, escpecially those from Nottingham, although the main characters will quickly grow on you.
It's about finding yourself and second chances. You'll have to wait for Kim's great awakening, as it takes her almost the whole book to realise what she's worth, but it is brilliant and entertaining, so you'll enjoy the waiting, trust me. And perhaps you'll chase a rainbow or two.
The characters were great, escpecially those from Nottingham, although the main characters will quickly grow on you.
It's about finding yourself and second chances. You'll have to wait for Kim's great awakening, as it takes her almost the whole book to realise what she's worth, but it is brilliant and entertaining, so you'll enjoy the waiting, trust me. And perhaps you'll chase a rainbow or two.
December 31, 2023
Book Review 📚
The Time of Her Life by Tracy Bloom - 4.5/5 ⭐
Firstly, let me just say how much I love the "real-life" theme to this book. I zoned out and dived in and yet there were so many times where I thought it was real life, without it being real life?! Yes that makes no sense but that's exactly how the book made me feel!
This is a first time read for me, I have never read something even a tiny bit similar. So I adore the individuality of it. It's definitely one of a kind, and in such a good way. It was so good, I could easily have read another 2-3 books about it! Loved it.
Note to self - I will be hunting down previous books from Bloom to read because her writing style engaged me from start to finish!
Characters - FANTASTIC. Development - BRILLIANT. Description - PHENOMENAL. Can you tell I really enjoyed it?! Honestly, don't wait. Just go and read it. You wont regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.
The Time of Her Life by Tracy Bloom - 4.5/5 ⭐
Firstly, let me just say how much I love the "real-life" theme to this book. I zoned out and dived in and yet there were so many times where I thought it was real life, without it being real life?! Yes that makes no sense but that's exactly how the book made me feel!
This is a first time read for me, I have never read something even a tiny bit similar. So I adore the individuality of it. It's definitely one of a kind, and in such a good way. It was so good, I could easily have read another 2-3 books about it! Loved it.
Note to self - I will be hunting down previous books from Bloom to read because her writing style engaged me from start to finish!
Characters - FANTASTIC. Development - BRILLIANT. Description - PHENOMENAL. Can you tell I really enjoyed it?! Honestly, don't wait. Just go and read it. You wont regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.
January 18, 2024
Kim seems to have a good life, happily married with a son, what more could she ask for until one dreaded night her husband tells her something she could never imagine in her whole entire life. He is leaving her and been having an affair. Her son is moving out to College the next day and Kim cannot even comprehend what this means for her. When she finds out who her husband has been having an affair with, she decides its time to flee. With her son in tow she decides whilst getting back on her own two feet to stay with her son in College, which is a real eye opener for Kim. Can she ever find a way to be truly happy again? I liked this story I felt sad for Kim but I knew with her determination that she would be able to piece her life back together as us strong women do. It was a funny read with a few laugh out loud moments as I find Tracy's books always find a way to make you laugh. I enjoyed this read.
January 28, 2024
I know when I pick up a book by Tracy Bloom it’s going to be an entertaining read and her latest, The Time of Her Life, is no exception - a fun read with some likeable and relatable characters.
Kim is preparing herself for an empty nest as her only son heads for university in Nottingham - what she doesn’t expect is that the night before he leaves she discovers her husband is having an affair with the next door neighbour. Desperate to escape, she ends up moving in to the spare room in her son’s student house and finding herself as she begins her new life.
Whilst it does require some suspension of disbelief - I’m not sure my recently graduated son would have been quite so welcoming whilst he was at university- it was a joy to see Kim’s journey and I was 100% rooting for her. With a fabulous supporting cast and plenty of humour, it is a story of second chances that will be relatable for many whilst being a truly entertaining read!
Kim is preparing herself for an empty nest as her only son heads for university in Nottingham - what she doesn’t expect is that the night before he leaves she discovers her husband is having an affair with the next door neighbour. Desperate to escape, she ends up moving in to the spare room in her son’s student house and finding herself as she begins her new life.
Whilst it does require some suspension of disbelief - I’m not sure my recently graduated son would have been quite so welcoming whilst he was at university- it was a joy to see Kim’s journey and I was 100% rooting for her. With a fabulous supporting cast and plenty of humour, it is a story of second chances that will be relatable for many whilst being a truly entertaining read!
February 21, 2024
📖BOOK REVIEW📖
The Time of Her Life by Tracy Bloom
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@tracybloom
@randomthingstours
Review
Thanks so much to Anne @randomthingstoursforfor for organising a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
This book made me laugh so much and I had so much sympathy for Kim who's whole world was turned upside down. From living happily (or so she thought) married one day to finding that her husband is leaving her and she ends up sharing a flat with her son and his mates as he leaves for university.
The book is written in such a light hearted, jovial way however if you tease it apart you can see the depth at the centre of it all. Especially as a parent to two toddlers, it was comforting to read and relate to other mums that life isn't perfect and everyone is winging it in their own way.
I absolutely loved this book so much and will definitely be seeking out more by Tracy Bloom.
The Time of Her Life by Tracy Bloom
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@tracybloom
@randomthingstours
Review
Thanks so much to Anne @randomthingstoursforfor for organising a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
This book made me laugh so much and I had so much sympathy for Kim who's whole world was turned upside down. From living happily (or so she thought) married one day to finding that her husband is leaving her and she ends up sharing a flat with her son and his mates as he leaves for university.
The book is written in such a light hearted, jovial way however if you tease it apart you can see the depth at the centre of it all. Especially as a parent to two toddlers, it was comforting to read and relate to other mums that life isn't perfect and everyone is winging it in their own way.
I absolutely loved this book so much and will definitely be seeking out more by Tracy Bloom.
December 5, 2023
You know from the first page of reading a book whether you are in a confident pair of hands with an author, and Tracy Bloom is exactly that – a confident and experienced pair of hands.
I raced through The Time of Her Life, experiencing every emotion from gut wrenching heartbreak to laugh out loud and everything in between. I felt every second of the rollercoaster ride with Kim as she worked her through every person’s worse nightmare, rooting for her every step of the way.
#NoSpoilers, but see earlier point, this is Tracy Bloom at her best, she takes no prisoners tackling difficult situations with humour, but getting the balance with poignancy absolutely right.
A cracker of a story, one of the ones you slow down your reading as you approach the end because you don’t want to finish and say goodbye to characters who somehow along the way became friends.
Highly recommend.
I raced through The Time of Her Life, experiencing every emotion from gut wrenching heartbreak to laugh out loud and everything in between. I felt every second of the rollercoaster ride with Kim as she worked her through every person’s worse nightmare, rooting for her every step of the way.
#NoSpoilers, but see earlier point, this is Tracy Bloom at her best, she takes no prisoners tackling difficult situations with humour, but getting the balance with poignancy absolutely right.
A cracker of a story, one of the ones you slow down your reading as you approach the end because you don’t want to finish and say goodbye to characters who somehow along the way became friends.
Highly recommend.
December 10, 2023
The Time of Her Life by Tracy Bloom
Kim throws a surprise 50th Birthday party for her husband of 20 years and whilst clearing up afterwards he tells her he's leaving as he's been having an affair with the next door neighbour. Kim's son Harry is going to university the next day and she takes him to Nottingham and doesn't leave, unable to face her old life. As Kim tries to come to terms with what has happened she makes a new life for herself in Nottingham.
I absolutely loved this book - read it in one day as I couldn't put it down! It's so funny but also wise and poignant... the total package. I fell in love with all the characters and was really rooting for Kim - fab ending! Tracy Bloom is a genius - very VERY highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Kim throws a surprise 50th Birthday party for her husband of 20 years and whilst clearing up afterwards he tells her he's leaving as he's been having an affair with the next door neighbour. Kim's son Harry is going to university the next day and she takes him to Nottingham and doesn't leave, unable to face her old life. As Kim tries to come to terms with what has happened she makes a new life for herself in Nottingham.
I absolutely loved this book - read it in one day as I couldn't put it down! It's so funny but also wise and poignant... the total package. I fell in love with all the characters and was really rooting for Kim - fab ending! Tracy Bloom is a genius - very VERY highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
February 24, 2024
With its delightful blend of humour, heart, and poignant self-discovery, this was another great book from Tracy Bloom. The author's fast-paced dialogue and ability to capture comedic moments make for an engaging and enjoyable read.
I liked the main character, Kim, a spirited hairdresser thrown into turmoil when her husband admits he is having an affair. Forced to reassess her life, she finds solace in the company of her son and his eclectic housemates, each of whom I greatly enjoyed getting to know. Particularly memorable is Sonny, a character impossible not to adore.
With a refreshing spin on "starting over", The Time of Her Life contains a cast of characters who feel like old friends. It is a page-turner with a satisfying ending and a must-read for fans of witty dialogue, relatable characters, and heart-warming tales of self-discovery.
I liked the main character, Kim, a spirited hairdresser thrown into turmoil when her husband admits he is having an affair. Forced to reassess her life, she finds solace in the company of her son and his eclectic housemates, each of whom I greatly enjoyed getting to know. Particularly memorable is Sonny, a character impossible not to adore.
With a refreshing spin on "starting over", The Time of Her Life contains a cast of characters who feel like old friends. It is a page-turner with a satisfying ending and a must-read for fans of witty dialogue, relatable characters, and heart-warming tales of self-discovery.
March 21, 2024
Kim believes she's happily married until her husband drops the bombshell after his fiftieth birthday party, that he's been having an affair with the next-door neighbour, and he's leaving her. Forced to re-evaluate her life on the day her son is leaving for university, she finds herself staying in the spare room of his house share to get away from it all. Can her unlikely housemates show her the best is yet to come?
This was an enjoyable, fast-paced read about trying to find yourself again. With not only Kim trying to find herself after heartbreak but her housemates trying to find themselves after moving to new town and starting uni. Honestly, Sonny was my favourite character in this story, and he needs his own book. I didn't enjoy this as much as I've enjoyed previous Tracy Bloom novels, and I'm still not sure why I couldn't click as well with this one.
This was an enjoyable, fast-paced read about trying to find yourself again. With not only Kim trying to find herself after heartbreak but her housemates trying to find themselves after moving to new town and starting uni. Honestly, Sonny was my favourite character in this story, and he needs his own book. I didn't enjoy this as much as I've enjoyed previous Tracy Bloom novels, and I'm still not sure why I couldn't click as well with this one.
December 9, 2023
This is my second book by Tracy Bloom and it did not disappoint it was excellent.
The story is based on Kim whose husband Richard is having an affair with her friend and next door neighbour shattering her life into pieces. What follows is a brilliant story of friendship, moving on, second chances and taking new paths.
The story is heartbreaking in places but also hilarious and heartwarming, in some parts. The characters were excellent, I felt like I knew them all and was part of the household. Sonny was my absolute favourite and I hope there is a sequel to find out what happens to everyone in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins and Tracy Bloom for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The story is based on Kim whose husband Richard is having an affair with her friend and next door neighbour shattering her life into pieces. What follows is a brilliant story of friendship, moving on, second chances and taking new paths.
The story is heartbreaking in places but also hilarious and heartwarming, in some parts. The characters were excellent, I felt like I knew them all and was part of the household. Sonny was my absolute favourite and I hope there is a sequel to find out what happens to everyone in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins and Tracy Bloom for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
January 3, 2024
This book was fantastic!
Classic Tracy Bloom - packed full of laughs and a completely realistic portrayal of this messy thing called life.
Such a great cast of characters, I would be hard pushed to pick a favourite as they all brought something special to the story. I couldn't wait for Kim to realise her worth the whole way through and when she finally did it was all the more wonderful for the wait.
Whilst this is quite a comical tale, there is real power in the telling of Kim's story that I think a lot of women can relate to. Ladies - no matter whether you are a housewife, a mum, a hairdresser, work in a chippy or are even a professor. You are not "just" anything.
We are everything!
*Thanks to HarperCollins UK, via NetGalley, for this ARC*
Classic Tracy Bloom - packed full of laughs and a completely realistic portrayal of this messy thing called life.
Such a great cast of characters, I would be hard pushed to pick a favourite as they all brought something special to the story. I couldn't wait for Kim to realise her worth the whole way through and when she finally did it was all the more wonderful for the wait.
Whilst this is quite a comical tale, there is real power in the telling of Kim's story that I think a lot of women can relate to. Ladies - no matter whether you are a housewife, a mum, a hairdresser, work in a chippy or are even a professor. You are not "just" anything.
We are everything!
*Thanks to HarperCollins UK, via NetGalley, for this ARC*
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