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Nice Work, Nora November
After a near death experience, one woman creates her "reverse" bucket the things she wants to do after death.
Nora November was living life on autopilot before she nearly died in a surfing accident. When she recovers, she realizes how close she came to the end of her life and regrets that she let so many wishes and dreams go undone. There are reasons for that--a pressure-filled career working for her impossible-to-please father and chronic depression to name a few. But with a renewed sense of vigor, she sets out to do all the things she never did before she died. Her "reverse bucket list" includes ordinary aspirations like learning how to cook and cleaning out her late grandpa's garden. But it also includes finding the man she was unexpectedly locked for hours with in a backroom while being held hostage in a corner store holdup . . . the one who got away.
From New York Times bestselling author Julia London comes an uplifting and heartwarming story of second chances and the power of finding out what makes life worth truly living.
Nora November was living life on autopilot before she nearly died in a surfing accident. When she recovers, she realizes how close she came to the end of her life and regrets that she let so many wishes and dreams go undone. There are reasons for that--a pressure-filled career working for her impossible-to-please father and chronic depression to name a few. But with a renewed sense of vigor, she sets out to do all the things she never did before she died. Her "reverse bucket list" includes ordinary aspirations like learning how to cook and cleaning out her late grandpa's garden. But it also includes finding the man she was unexpectedly locked for hours with in a backroom while being held hostage in a corner store holdup . . . the one who got away.
From New York Times bestselling author Julia London comes an uplifting and heartwarming story of second chances and the power of finding out what makes life worth truly living.
368 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2024
About the author
Julia London
165 books2,996 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
June 4, 2024
Nice Work, Nora November by Julia London
Contemporary women’s fiction with secondary romance focus.
After experiencing a near death situation, Nora November has a whole new outlook. She also has a bucket of regrets and a bucket list of changes or things she wants to do this time around. She wants to learn to cook. Play basketball. And find the man she spent hours with during a hostage situation. This time, she’s going to work against the chronic depression and work towards happy.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook of this book narrated by Karissa Vacker who does a marvelous job on the performance. The pressure and happy come through clearly in the narration, as does the hope. Of course I cried along with Nora in certain points. Her strength also comes through effectively making me cheer her on all that much more. The story is easily followed in this narration, so recommend this format for an effortless but emotional wringing few hours of listening.
I did listen to this at my preferred speed of 1.5.
Nora finds out what’s important to her and goes after it this time around. It’s an emotional journey reconciling those she may have slighted in the before time against new priorities and a happier outlook. It’s not an easy journey but it is heartfelt. And heartbreaking. And ultimately, the feel-good path.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Harper Muse.
Contemporary women’s fiction with secondary romance focus.
After experiencing a near death situation, Nora November has a whole new outlook. She also has a bucket of regrets and a bucket list of changes or things she wants to do this time around. She wants to learn to cook. Play basketball. And find the man she spent hours with during a hostage situation. This time, she’s going to work against the chronic depression and work towards happy.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook of this book narrated by Karissa Vacker who does a marvelous job on the performance. The pressure and happy come through clearly in the narration, as does the hope. Of course I cried along with Nora in certain points. Her strength also comes through effectively making me cheer her on all that much more. The story is easily followed in this narration, so recommend this format for an effortless but emotional wringing few hours of listening.
I did listen to this at my preferred speed of 1.5.
Nora finds out what’s important to her and goes after it this time around. It’s an emotional journey reconciling those she may have slighted in the before time against new priorities and a happier outlook. It’s not an easy journey but it is heartfelt. And heartbreaking. And ultimately, the feel-good path.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Harper Muse.
April 7, 2024
3.5 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say I have mixed feelings about this book. It is written in a parallel perspective between the main character and the guy she fell for at the corner store during a robbery. Nora is struggling to find her way and most of this book is about her journey from broken to renewed.
One thing to mention is that there are a lot of triggers in this book. This character has been through the wringer, physically and mentally. We are witnessing her rebirth into who she really is as she sheds the life she hates and manages her clinical depression.
There are a lot of heavy pieces in this story as Nora works through finding herself with her reverse bucket list. But with the heavy, London adds in light and humor through quirky characters and warm memories. This is where my mixed feelings come in.
Throughout the journey, Nora is working on improving herself, healing relationships, struggling with horrible family emotional abuse, and still hoping to find “The Guy” who impacted her life that she met during a robbery.
We hear from “The Guy” throughout the chapters as he has his own story to tell, but in their parallel journey, they do not meet again until the very end. I cannot stop thinking that he would have been a great support system as she was struggling and changing. I really wish we had gotten more of them together!
Overall, London tackles loads of trauma in an inspirational way. It is difficult to change who you are and reinvent yourself. However, it is addressed in such a manner you find yourself firmly in Nora’s corner, cheering her on!
Nice Work, Nora November supports second chances, reinventing yourself, believing in, and learning to love yourself. You do need to be in a good place mentally to read this book, but it will inspire you!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/nice-work-no...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say I have mixed feelings about this book. It is written in a parallel perspective between the main character and the guy she fell for at the corner store during a robbery. Nora is struggling to find her way and most of this book is about her journey from broken to renewed.
One thing to mention is that there are a lot of triggers in this book. This character has been through the wringer, physically and mentally. We are witnessing her rebirth into who she really is as she sheds the life she hates and manages her clinical depression.
There are a lot of heavy pieces in this story as Nora works through finding herself with her reverse bucket list. But with the heavy, London adds in light and humor through quirky characters and warm memories. This is where my mixed feelings come in.
Throughout the journey, Nora is working on improving herself, healing relationships, struggling with horrible family emotional abuse, and still hoping to find “The Guy” who impacted her life that she met during a robbery.
We hear from “The Guy” throughout the chapters as he has his own story to tell, but in their parallel journey, they do not meet again until the very end. I cannot stop thinking that he would have been a great support system as she was struggling and changing. I really wish we had gotten more of them together!
Overall, London tackles loads of trauma in an inspirational way. It is difficult to change who you are and reinvent yourself. However, it is addressed in such a manner you find yourself firmly in Nora’s corner, cheering her on!
Nice Work, Nora November supports second chances, reinventing yourself, believing in, and learning to love yourself. You do need to be in a good place mentally to read this book, but it will inspire you!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/nice-work-no...
May 20, 2024
Nora November is a lucky woman. For several moments, she was clinically dead after drowning, but she’s brought back. During her near-death experience, she speaks with her beloved grandfather, who died the year before, and comes back filled with joy and hope. The problem? Her life is a mess. She has a difficult relationship with her domineering father, who is also her boss. Her mother only cares that she’s lost weight while in a coma. She’s a crappy sister and cousin, and never follows through on anything.
Armed with her second change, Nora creates a reverse bucket list, which includes reconnecting with the sweet guy she met during a hilariously inept robbery at a convenience store. But Nora suffers from depression, and her attempts at recreating a better life are very realistically fraught with insecurity and questions. Julia London deftly balances Nora’s mental health struggles with her determination to live life to the fullest and come through for the people she loves. Nice Work, Nora November is the perfect blend of women’s fiction and romantic comedy.
June 10, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you, thank you, thank you HarperCollins Focus - Harper Muse and NetGalley for this perfect audiobook.
I really didn´t expect something like this.
Nice Work, Nora November presents itself like our friendly usual rom-com, but it´s much much more.
Nora died. She was considered dead for minutes, and when she came back, she knew her life could not continue as it was.
Before she struggled with depression, before she was in a job she hated, before she was fading away from life.
But now, she is in the After, and she will live at her best, care for the people around her, and find new passions and hobbies.
Unfortunately, it´s not that simple. Nora knows what she wants, but depression is a disease she will always have to battle, her family legacy is the only job she always knew and apparently, she cannot cook or garden, at all.
This book had so much mental health representation and it was done beautifully. I would still consider it as a ´light´ because the author manages the impossible.
Julia London writes about depression and loss, alcoholism, and burnout in a super delicate way, that sometimes made me smile even though the heaviness of the scene.
I loved how she didn´t redeem some characters who were too far away from redemption. It´s so classic in a book with a dysfunctional family that eventually the parents, or whoever it is the toxic part, have a change of heart and redeem themself, but London doesn´t do it. Nora´s father is a narcissist and so many other things and he will always be. Nora´s mother lived for what other people think of her and arriving at 60 with that mentality it´s difficult to change overnight, so she doesn´t.
And even Nora, after such a changing experience comes back in full swing, but she fails, and fails, and fails again, because that is life. Life is difficult.
Jack's character was refreshing and I even love how their love story didn´t really happen, but was just there, waiting to be found.
It´s funny how the two main characters actually never directly interact in the present and how they really just interacted once in the past. They are so utterly perfect for each other that it was obvious they were going to make it.
Regarding the audiobook, I love Karissa Vacker's voice and I have zero complaints. In this case, I didn´t even mind there wasn´t a male voice actor, because this book wasn´t written as a love story for two people, this book was about how complicated it is to be in this world and how easily we can be sinking in something we hate and fear.
Thank you, thank you, thank you HarperCollins Focus - Harper Muse and NetGalley for this perfect audiobook.
I really didn´t expect something like this.
Nice Work, Nora November presents itself like our friendly usual rom-com, but it´s much much more.
Nora died. She was considered dead for minutes, and when she came back, she knew her life could not continue as it was.
Before she struggled with depression, before she was in a job she hated, before she was fading away from life.
But now, she is in the After, and she will live at her best, care for the people around her, and find new passions and hobbies.
Unfortunately, it´s not that simple. Nora knows what she wants, but depression is a disease she will always have to battle, her family legacy is the only job she always knew and apparently, she cannot cook or garden, at all.
This book had so much mental health representation and it was done beautifully. I would still consider it as a ´light´ because the author manages the impossible.
Julia London writes about depression and loss, alcoholism, and burnout in a super delicate way, that sometimes made me smile even though the heaviness of the scene.
I loved how she didn´t redeem some characters who were too far away from redemption. It´s so classic in a book with a dysfunctional family that eventually the parents, or whoever it is the toxic part, have a change of heart and redeem themself, but London doesn´t do it. Nora´s father is a narcissist and so many other things and he will always be. Nora´s mother lived for what other people think of her and arriving at 60 with that mentality it´s difficult to change overnight, so she doesn´t.
And even Nora, after such a changing experience comes back in full swing, but she fails, and fails, and fails again, because that is life. Life is difficult.
Jack's character was refreshing and I even love how their love story didn´t really happen, but was just there, waiting to be found.
It´s funny how the two main characters actually never directly interact in the present and how they really just interacted once in the past. They are so utterly perfect for each other that it was obvious they were going to make it.
Regarding the audiobook, I love Karissa Vacker's voice and I have zero complaints. In this case, I didn´t even mind there wasn´t a male voice actor, because this book wasn´t written as a love story for two people, this book was about how complicated it is to be in this world and how easily we can be sinking in something we hate and fear.
June 2, 2024
A near death experience has Nora November re-evaluating her life decisions as she tries to track down the guy that got away and rectify past regrets. Moving, heartfelt and with AMAZING depression and anxiety rep, this book was great on audio and highly recommended for anyone who has struggled with life. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review. Perfect for fans of authors like Rachel Lynn Soloman!
CW: suicide attempt, alcoholic side character, infant SIDS death (occurs off page in the past)
CW: suicide attempt, alcoholic side character, infant SIDS death (occurs off page in the past)
September 24, 2024
A sweet story of a woman who had a near death experience that inspired her to reevaluate her life. She creates a reverse bucket list, leading her to new opportunities, possibilities, and a second chance at living life on her own terms.
April 29, 2024
An uplifting message underneath this story, but the journey to get there was a bit tedious for me. After a near-death surfing accident, Nora November uses her second chance at life to complete her "reverse" bucket list. And objectively I loved the endearing simplicity of said list. But with so much focus on restoring her grandfather's garden, it wasn't very riveting to read about.
The romance had a lot of potential. The fate-like way Jack was unknowingly there with Nora throughout the book was precious. But with their chemistry based on only a few hours of interaction from the past—during a hostage situation, I must add (so odd?)—it all came together in a way that felt too good to be true.
And lastly, her family was the epitome of awful. I loved seeing Nora stand up for herself, but these people felt like caricatures. It cheapened the emotional connection I was so desperately trying to feel. On top of that, the insensitive reveals used to emphasize Nora's mental health only added to my frustration. Sadly, I was not a fan of this one.
(heat level: kissing only)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
The romance had a lot of potential. The fate-like way Jack was unknowingly there with Nora throughout the book was precious. But with their chemistry based on only a few hours of interaction from the past—during a hostage situation, I must add (so odd?)—it all came together in a way that felt too good to be true.
And lastly, her family was the epitome of awful. I loved seeing Nora stand up for herself, but these people felt like caricatures. It cheapened the emotional connection I was so desperately trying to feel. On top of that, the insensitive reveals used to emphasize Nora's mental health only added to my frustration. Sadly, I was not a fan of this one.
(heat level: kissing only)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
June 6, 2024
This was a lot to unpack. You know how they say, "It's about the journey, not the destination." I think that applies to this book. Alot of unpacking of very triggering topics that some may not be able to handle reading about (d3ath, su!c!de, d3ath of parent, depression, etc). It's deep, the author tries to "lighten it up", but again a lot to unpack. Poor Nora has been through so much in every sense of the word. This is her journey to becoming renewed while working through things she wishes she did when she could have. While it's a decent story with deep meanings, I feel like it was a bit stretched out. I also feel the guy from the robbery could've been a great help along the journey, but he comes in at the end. I feel his character could've changed the whole dynamic and helped support Nora through the process of everything, but again, it wasn't written that way. It's a lot, it's deep, and has good deep meanings underneath it all... but it's also a long journey, so I now understand and see why many gave 2-3 star reviews. I enjoyed the premise just execution made it quite extensive to push through.
I received this ARC audiobook from NetGalley and Harper Muse to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this audiobook.
I received this ARC audiobook from NetGalley and Harper Muse to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this audiobook.
January 4, 2024
➛ 4 stars!! ⭐️
❤️🩹 ”it was a great surprise, therefore, to discover that death was, in fact, deliciously warm, like the first spring day after a long winter or the warmth she remembered feeling in her grandmother's kitchen.”
this book hit me hard, you know? unexpected tears and all. nora, the female main character, felt like a mirror of my struggles. reading this was like a wakeup call. it made me realize it's time to take charge of my life, make my own decisions, and be true to myself 🙃. julia london's got some magic in those pages ❤️🩹🫂
writing 👼 . . . refreshing and easy. it felt like a long text from a friend. but, damn, the ending was rushed 😭. i loved the beginning, but the pacing in some spots and the finale needed some extra love. still, i'd give it a solid 4 stars 💓
plot 👼 . . . nora had an accident while surfing and almost died, and now she's on a mission to live her best life ✨. the reverse bucket list – cooking, being a better sister, ditching a terrible job, reviving grandpa’s garden – it's a journey of self-discovery and reckoning with the truth. it's powerful stuff.
norajack 💌 . . . cute, but not the main focus. they met during a robbery, missed their chance at love, but nora's determined to find him. her social media quest to locate him is heartwarming. they're adorable, even if we didn't get enough of them ☹️💘
nora 💌 . . . loved her. i related to her struggles, the parental pressure, and feeling like you haven't accomplished much. her journey after the near-death experience was inspiring 🤲🏾. she made her own decisions, took risks, and stood strong. i'm taking a page from london’s book for my own bucket list! 😋
jack 💌 . . . a bit more like a side character to me, but still charming. the story's more about nora's growth than their romance.
🧸 overall, choose your peace over everything. it's a heartwarming, uplifting story about self-discovery with a touch of romance. julia london, you created a wonderful character in nora november, and i'm grateful for that 🥹. this book's a gem for those in the mood for some soul-searching 💕
so, if you're feeling stuck and want a change, nora's journey is like a kick in the inspiration pants. totally recommend it, but hey, if you can't relate, might not hit the same 🤷🏾♀️
🎧 notes !! . . . i would like to thank netgalley, harper muse, and the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own! ❤️🩹
❤️🩹 ”it was a great surprise, therefore, to discover that death was, in fact, deliciously warm, like the first spring day after a long winter or the warmth she remembered feeling in her grandmother's kitchen.”
this book hit me hard, you know? unexpected tears and all. nora, the female main character, felt like a mirror of my struggles. reading this was like a wakeup call. it made me realize it's time to take charge of my life, make my own decisions, and be true to myself 🙃. julia london's got some magic in those pages ❤️🩹🫂
writing 👼 . . . refreshing and easy. it felt like a long text from a friend. but, damn, the ending was rushed 😭. i loved the beginning, but the pacing in some spots and the finale needed some extra love. still, i'd give it a solid 4 stars 💓
plot 👼 . . . nora had an accident while surfing and almost died, and now she's on a mission to live her best life ✨. the reverse bucket list – cooking, being a better sister, ditching a terrible job, reviving grandpa’s garden – it's a journey of self-discovery and reckoning with the truth. it's powerful stuff.
norajack 💌 . . . cute, but not the main focus. they met during a robbery, missed their chance at love, but nora's determined to find him. her social media quest to locate him is heartwarming. they're adorable, even if we didn't get enough of them ☹️💘
nora 💌 . . . loved her. i related to her struggles, the parental pressure, and feeling like you haven't accomplished much. her journey after the near-death experience was inspiring 🤲🏾. she made her own decisions, took risks, and stood strong. i'm taking a page from london’s book for my own bucket list! 😋
”be a good daughter. be a november. doesn't matter how you feel. doesn't matter what you want. what matters is that you are a november.”
jack 💌 . . . a bit more like a side character to me, but still charming. the story's more about nora's growth than their romance.
🧸 overall, choose your peace over everything. it's a heartwarming, uplifting story about self-discovery with a touch of romance. julia london, you created a wonderful character in nora november, and i'm grateful for that 🥹. this book's a gem for those in the mood for some soul-searching 💕
so, if you're feeling stuck and want a change, nora's journey is like a kick in the inspiration pants. totally recommend it, but hey, if you can't relate, might not hit the same 🤷🏾♀️
🎧 notes !! . . . i would like to thank netgalley, harper muse, and the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own! ❤️🩹
June 12, 2024
I enjoyed this, but it wasn't completely satisfying.
After nearly dying, Nora decides to change her life. She stands up to her abusive father and pushy mother, looks for a new job, tries to find the man who got away, takes up basketball again, and gardens.
There were definitely some wins. I loved how she stood up to her parents, but her father was both physically and emotionally abusive and NO ONE TALKS ABOUT IT! Like, seriously, why did no one talk about this? I wanted her father to get his comeuppance so bad, but there are NO CONSEQUENCES for him!
Jack is lovely and we get to hear about him in parallel with Nora... but this isn't really a romance. There isn't much to their relationship other than flashbacks at a fated meet-cute and Nora trying to find him again. They don't meet up until the very very end.
I hated the way the author addressed mental health in relation to Nora's responsibility towards her alcoholic cousin. It felt so unhealthy. In general, the mental health rep was a bit sketch. She had chronic depression but just got over it after her near death experience. I can't tell you how many times she said "I've changed"... and she really had.
The money stuff doesn't make sense. I kept thinking that someone was doing some unethical crap and we'd learn there was something going on with why she wasn't getting jobs or why certain bills were coming or something... but we don't.
The narrator does a great job at voicing the characters. This is dual 3rd person POV with a single female narrator.
I received this audiobook for free as an advanced reader copy.
After nearly dying, Nora decides to change her life. She stands up to her abusive father and pushy mother, looks for a new job, tries to find the man who got away, takes up basketball again, and gardens.
There were definitely some wins. I loved how she stood up to her parents, but her father was both physically and emotionally abusive and NO ONE TALKS ABOUT IT! Like, seriously, why did no one talk about this? I wanted her father to get his comeuppance so bad, but there are NO CONSEQUENCES for him!
Jack is lovely and we get to hear about him in parallel with Nora... but this isn't really a romance. There isn't much to their relationship other than flashbacks at a fated meet-cute and Nora trying to find him again. They don't meet up until the very very end.
I hated the way the author addressed mental health in relation to Nora's responsibility towards her alcoholic cousin. It felt so unhealthy. In general, the mental health rep was a bit sketch. She had chronic depression but just got over it after her near death experience. I can't tell you how many times she said "I've changed"... and she really had.
The money stuff doesn't make sense. I kept thinking that someone was doing some unethical crap and we'd learn there was something going on with why she wasn't getting jobs or why certain bills were coming or something... but we don't.
The narrator does a great job at voicing the characters. This is dual 3rd person POV with a single female narrator.
I received this audiobook for free as an advanced reader copy.
August 13, 2024
Nora November wakes up from an NDE (near-death experience) and has a new lease on life. She creates a "reverse bucket list" with things that she wanted to do after she died (since technically she was dead for a few moments after the NDE surfing accident). This list includes playing basketball, learning how to cook, gardening, and quitting her job... Oh, also-did I mention that her boss is her dad? Nora is a lawyer at November & Sons, established by her grandfather and currently managed by her father. Nora had a twin brother who died when they were very young, so Nora felt a responsibility to be the son her father lost and take over the company from him one day. However, she realized that she didn't like it and decided to do something about that. Nora adored her grandfather, and embraces the hopes he had for her when he was still alive. That's the ultimate plot of this story: thirty one-year-old Nora November growing into the person she wants to be and I loved it.
There was no part of it that ever felt like it dragged for me. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it! I thought that Nora and Jack's side story was sweet! The old neighbors in the community garden were probably some of my favorite characters-the lady was so sassy hahaha! This was a nice, easy story to listen to and I'd recommend it everyone!
There was no part of it that ever felt like it dragged for me. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it! I thought that Nora and Jack's side story was sweet! The old neighbors in the community garden were probably some of my favorite characters-the lady was so sassy hahaha! This was a nice, easy story to listen to and I'd recommend it everyone!
May 31, 2024
Thank you so much to Harper Muse/Harper Colllins Focus for the audiobook!
THIS BOOK! If the song LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING by Tim McGraw was a book, it would be this book.
The moment that stopped Nora November on a dime was a NDE (near death experience, often abbreviated as such in the book), a surfing accident. When she wakes up and realizes how close she came to death, she decides it's time to really start living and makes what she calls a "reverse bucket list" of things she wants to do after she (almost, but technically kind of already) died.
Nora November is a name and a character I definitely won't forget. I went into this blind and was SO surprised by how DEEP this book was. The cover is fun and cutesy, but this book was rich and emotional in so many unexpected ways. It's not often that a romance/women's fiction book has a twist that shocks me (esp when my fav genre is thriller), but I did NOT see this coming!
In my opinion, the romance was a side-plot but it still was adorable, swoon-worthy and closed-door. Another side-plot had to do with some seriously toxic family drama (my fav), so with all that going on, I was never bored!
Like I said, this book dealt with HEAVY topics and contains a lot of content that could be very hard for some readers! Feel free to reach out to me for specific CW.
I definitely recommend for a thought-provoking and ultimately uplifting read!
The audiobook was narrated by Karissa Vacker who, like always, knocked it out of the park and took it to the next level! I 100% recommend the audio version of this one!
This will be available on June 4th!
THIS BOOK! If the song LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING by Tim McGraw was a book, it would be this book.
The moment that stopped Nora November on a dime was a NDE (near death experience, often abbreviated as such in the book), a surfing accident. When she wakes up and realizes how close she came to death, she decides it's time to really start living and makes what she calls a "reverse bucket list" of things she wants to do after she (almost, but technically kind of already) died.
Nora November is a name and a character I definitely won't forget. I went into this blind and was SO surprised by how DEEP this book was. The cover is fun and cutesy, but this book was rich and emotional in so many unexpected ways. It's not often that a romance/women's fiction book has a twist that shocks me (esp when my fav genre is thriller), but I did NOT see this coming!
In my opinion, the romance was a side-plot but it still was adorable, swoon-worthy and closed-door. Another side-plot had to do with some seriously toxic family drama (my fav), so with all that going on, I was never bored!
Like I said, this book dealt with HEAVY topics and contains a lot of content that could be very hard for some readers! Feel free to reach out to me for specific CW.
I definitely recommend for a thought-provoking and ultimately uplifting read!
The audiobook was narrated by Karissa Vacker who, like always, knocked it out of the park and took it to the next level! I 100% recommend the audio version of this one!
This will be available on June 4th!
July 6, 2024
4.5⭐️
Nice Work, Nora November is a lovely story of second chances and realizing what’s really important in life, exploring the past and mental health issues along the way. I was entertained all throughout, and by the end, thoroughly moved as well.
Karissa Vacker did an excellent job narrating the audiobook.
Thank you Julia London, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
Nice Work, Nora November is a lovely story of second chances and realizing what’s really important in life, exploring the past and mental health issues along the way. I was entertained all throughout, and by the end, thoroughly moved as well.
Karissa Vacker did an excellent job narrating the audiobook.
Thank you Julia London, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 14, 2024
Nothing like a near death experience to help you change your life. I liked how the FMC really developed and found herself over the course of the book. Sure, she had chemistry with the MMC when they first met but I don’t think she would have been truly happy with anyone back in those days because she wasn’t truly happy with her life. It was a great reminder that timing is everything and sometimes having to wait is great because you’re much more ready for something later on.
June 25, 2024
4.5 STARS
What would you do differently if you were given an unexpected second chance at life? That’s exactly the scenario that main character Nora November finds herself in after a near death experience gives her a whole new perspective on life.
As she recovers from nearly dying, Nora starts to think about her life and feels like all she really has is a long list of regrets and missed opportunities. She decides to make it her mission to live a better life moving forward. To accomplish this, she creates a reverse bucket list filled with all of the things she has always wanted to do, including learning how to cook, learning how to take care of her late grandfather’s garden, and perhaps most importantly, try to find a man she felt a deep connection to when a robbery at the corner store forced them into close proximity for hours. He’s the one who got away and Nora deeply regrets not seeking him out sooner.
I really loved everything about this story. Nora’s journey gave me so much to think about with respect to my own life. I think her regrets are just so easy to relate to, which made it all the easier to root for her to accomplish everything on her list, especially finding that second chance at love. The story does tackle some weightier topics such as depression, but it’s also a story that is full of heart and humor.
Karissa Vacker narrates the audiobook and does an amazing job, as always. I listened at 1.75x and found it to be both entertaining and easy to follow along with.
Because of the way it resonated with me emotionally, Nice Work Nora November is one of my favorite reads of the month and I highly recommend it!
Thanks to HarperMuse for the gifted review copies.
What would you do differently if you were given an unexpected second chance at life? That’s exactly the scenario that main character Nora November finds herself in after a near death experience gives her a whole new perspective on life.
As she recovers from nearly dying, Nora starts to think about her life and feels like all she really has is a long list of regrets and missed opportunities. She decides to make it her mission to live a better life moving forward. To accomplish this, she creates a reverse bucket list filled with all of the things she has always wanted to do, including learning how to cook, learning how to take care of her late grandfather’s garden, and perhaps most importantly, try to find a man she felt a deep connection to when a robbery at the corner store forced them into close proximity for hours. He’s the one who got away and Nora deeply regrets not seeking him out sooner.
I really loved everything about this story. Nora’s journey gave me so much to think about with respect to my own life. I think her regrets are just so easy to relate to, which made it all the easier to root for her to accomplish everything on her list, especially finding that second chance at love. The story does tackle some weightier topics such as depression, but it’s also a story that is full of heart and humor.
Karissa Vacker narrates the audiobook and does an amazing job, as always. I listened at 1.75x and found it to be both entertaining and easy to follow along with.
Because of the way it resonated with me emotionally, Nice Work Nora November is one of my favorite reads of the month and I highly recommend it!
Thanks to HarperMuse for the gifted review copies.
March 15, 2024
It was an uncommon read for me.
On one hand, I really liked the dysfunctional family’s dynamic and all the drama that unfolded throughout the story. Nora’s parents and sister, especially, are sometimes horrible to her but it did not bother me with the sister as much as it did with the parents. I thought the sister was rude but honest and I valued her honesty. Nonetheless, her parents were just terrible to her. There was nothing but selfishness and concern for their image behind their rough words. Nora’s relationship with her grandfather was healthier and sweeter. Nora’s evolution throughout the story was also interesting to read, even though she was sometimes a bit too optimistic for me. It felt forced.
On the other hand, I did not care very much about the «romance» aspect of the plot. It disconnected me from the plot a little, and it felt way too rushed and insta-lovey for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
On one hand, I really liked the dysfunctional family’s dynamic and all the drama that unfolded throughout the story. Nora’s parents and sister, especially, are sometimes horrible to her but it did not bother me with the sister as much as it did with the parents. I thought the sister was rude but honest and I valued her honesty. Nonetheless, her parents were just terrible to her. There was nothing but selfishness and concern for their image behind their rough words. Nora’s relationship with her grandfather was healthier and sweeter. Nora’s evolution throughout the story was also interesting to read, even though she was sometimes a bit too optimistic for me. It felt forced.
On the other hand, I did not care very much about the «romance» aspect of the plot. It disconnected me from the plot a little, and it felt way too rushed and insta-lovey for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 17, 2024
Thank you Harper Muse Audiobooks and netgalley for the advanced reader copy of this audiobook. This novel is a sweet and relatable story about finding yourself and a second chance at happiness (& love). I loved reading about Nora's personal growth and as she stepped into her confidence.
Note mental health is a large part of this storyline
Note mental health is a large part of this storyline
March 9, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest review! Meet Nora November: lawyer in her father's law firm, daughter to smothering/indifferent/judgmental parents, grieving her grandfather's death, and generally stuck in her unhappy life until she has an NDE (near death experience). We follow her as she adjusts to her new "After," and as she struggles to remember just how and why she died. As she works to reconcile her new lease on life with her old self, she comes to understand that her old "Before" life is like a familiar but ill-fitting coat that everyone seems to want her to continue to wear. Those readers who struggle with the lows of depression will recognize Nora's constant fight to pull herself out of her self-doubt and sadness. In her "After," Nora looks for Jack, having met and clicked with him during a hostage situation in her "Before." Jack, who works as a hospice/palliative care aide, has his own difficulties coping with the heaviness of his job, and also must strive to look for brightness in the dark. With two elderly parents in hospice I may not have been in the best headspace for this book, with its themes of death and sadness and regret. But I couldn't help but focus instead on the inter-twined themes of love and hope and redemption in amongst the despair. I feel, so much, for Nora and I so admire her perseverance in the darkness. I was rooting for her to keep going and find her way, and to keep looking for the silver linings even when life threatens to drag you down. Both she and Jack are aided by a great cast of supporting characters as they both work towards becoming who they want to be. I loved this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2024
I was so excited to read this book since both the cover and the description made it seem like it was going to be a light and flirty comedy- it was not.
Nora November is recovering from a near death experience and has realized she hated her life in the Before (before her NDE). She makes a list of all the things she wishes she had done before her life almost ended, a Reverse Bucket List, and sets out to accomplish them. Amongst things on the list like learn to paint and learn to cook is also find the guy with whom she shared a connection while they were both held hostage during a corner store robbery hold up.
I found this book to be so depressing. One of the hot topics this deals with is clinical depression, but that’s not why it’s depressing. In every instance where something can go wrong, it does. It feels like Nora just gets kicked over and over by everything and everyone.
In addition to that, there are quite a few chapters that feature a guy who is a hospice nurse. All of his parts start with him ruminating over the death of another patient and how the family they left behind interacted with them at the time of death. Those parts also became tedious and this book would have flowed just fine without their inclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an advanced copy of this. Nice Work, Nora November hit the shelves on June 4th.
Nora November is recovering from a near death experience and has realized she hated her life in the Before (before her NDE). She makes a list of all the things she wishes she had done before her life almost ended, a Reverse Bucket List, and sets out to accomplish them. Amongst things on the list like learn to paint and learn to cook is also find the guy with whom she shared a connection while they were both held hostage during a corner store robbery hold up.
I found this book to be so depressing. One of the hot topics this deals with is clinical depression, but that’s not why it’s depressing. In every instance where something can go wrong, it does. It feels like Nora just gets kicked over and over by everything and everyone.
In addition to that, there are quite a few chapters that feature a guy who is a hospice nurse. All of his parts start with him ruminating over the death of another patient and how the family they left behind interacted with them at the time of death. Those parts also became tedious and this book would have flowed just fine without their inclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an advanced copy of this. Nice Work, Nora November hit the shelves on June 4th.
September 8, 2024
Loved this story. You meet Nora when she wakes up after a Near Death Experience, as she tries to rejoin the living she makes a Un bucket list of things to do and try now. I felt her depression and the search for Jack were real. I kept thinking of her after I finished. Super good.
June 6, 2024
Nora November nearly drowned, in fact she was clinically dead for a few minutes. When she emerges from her coma she decides she needs to do things differently, to really live her life now that she has a second chance, so she creates a reverse bucket list of things she wants to do after she (technically) died.
She wants to make peace with the memory of her late grandfather by tending his garden patch (allotment) which she has shamefully neglected since his death. She wants to learn to cook, to be a better friend to her sister Lacey and to her cousin Gus, who struggles with addiction. She wants to find the guy she met in a corner shop during a robbery and reconnect, she wants to start playing sport again. But most of all, she wants to leave her soul-destroying job at her family's personal injury law firm where her father has dictated her life.
Jack Moriarity is a hospice and palliative nurse, helping those with incurable diseases take their final breaths. Although it is his calling, he finds the deaths can take an emotional toll. One of his patients left him a plot of the local community garden and Jack has found it therapeutic to garden. He regrets losing the number of the woman he met at a convenience store one night, they really connected in a way he's never felt before.
So we see Nora and Jack leading parallel lives, always close but never quite managing to meet, while Nora attempts to put her reverse bucket list into action. But things never go quite to plan and she is in imminent danger of slipping back into her former depression, especially when her parents refuse to acknowledge the truth about her accident.
This was a weird book for me to review, not least because I had imagined that this was more of a romance than women's fiction, which having reread the blurb was 100% my own imagination. It was very slow, at about 85% on my Kindle everything was still going wrong. And yet ... it rang true, far truer than a romance where everything would miraculously work out perfectly in the end. Overall, it wasn't what I thought it was going to be, but I enjoyed it.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Bumped for release.
She wants to make peace with the memory of her late grandfather by tending his garden patch (allotment) which she has shamefully neglected since his death. She wants to learn to cook, to be a better friend to her sister Lacey and to her cousin Gus, who struggles with addiction. She wants to find the guy she met in a corner shop during a robbery and reconnect, she wants to start playing sport again. But most of all, she wants to leave her soul-destroying job at her family's personal injury law firm where her father has dictated her life.
Jack Moriarity is a hospice and palliative nurse, helping those with incurable diseases take their final breaths. Although it is his calling, he finds the deaths can take an emotional toll. One of his patients left him a plot of the local community garden and Jack has found it therapeutic to garden. He regrets losing the number of the woman he met at a convenience store one night, they really connected in a way he's never felt before.
So we see Nora and Jack leading parallel lives, always close but never quite managing to meet, while Nora attempts to put her reverse bucket list into action. But things never go quite to plan and she is in imminent danger of slipping back into her former depression, especially when her parents refuse to acknowledge the truth about her accident.
This was a weird book for me to review, not least because I had imagined that this was more of a romance than women's fiction, which having reread the blurb was 100% my own imagination. It was very slow, at about 85% on my Kindle everything was still going wrong. And yet ... it rang true, far truer than a romance where everything would miraculously work out perfectly in the end. Overall, it wasn't what I thought it was going to be, but I enjoyed it.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Bumped for release.
March 24, 2024
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through Edelweiss
I enjoyed this book. It's very down to earth, but the challenges the main character faces don't get wholly magically resolved. Even after the happy ending, she needs to face reality, which was refreshing for me in a book that's about changes, a new lease on life and finding that special person. It had some good themes about change and how hard to can be, and I found some things very relatable. It was a good read.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
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I enjoyed this book. It's very down to earth, but the challenges the main character faces don't get wholly magically resolved. Even after the happy ending, she needs to face reality, which was refreshing for me in a book that's about changes, a new lease on life and finding that special person. It had some good themes about change and how hard to can be, and I found some things very relatable. It was a good read.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
January 7, 2024
What an unlikable cast of characters… it’s hard to say who is worse, honestly. I wanted to sympathize with Nora but I don’t feel we get a good understanding of who she was before the accident - everyone accuses her of letting them down and being scatterbrained and it feels almost out of character for a lawyer (even a begrudging one) and also for a 32 year old. The romance in the story was outlandish and silly in my opinion and almost unnecessary. Having Jack as a subnarrative also felt unneeded and I really disliked Catherine as a character, who then becomes the glue to bring them together. All in all, this just was not the book for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2024
Fans of Emily Henry will appreciate this story, which also reminded me a bit of Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson.
"Nature seeks to heal what is broken."
Nora November has died and come back to life. Literally.
After waking up in the hospital after a drowning accident, Nora has clear recollections of seeing her beloved (though deceased) grandfather on the other side. The time she spent with him inspires her to begin her second chance at life with a new outlook, and a revived determination to make her life matter.
Before her accident, Nora was working a passionless job in her father's law firm, battling severe depression, regularly letting the people she cares most about down, and bending to all the whims and demands of her condescending and belittling parents. She had not held up her promise to her late grandfather of keeping up with his beloved community garden plot, and worst of all: she missed out on the chance with who she believes might be the man of her dreams.
After her accident, Nora is determined to set things straight. She sets out on a mission to find the guy she met (and had incredible chemistry with) during a hostage situation a few years prior, gets to work in her grandfather's garden, and explores all the other hobbies and talents she's put off for so many years.
Will Nora find love, meaning and purpose to her life? Are the relationships she let sour during her bouts of extreme depression salvageable? Will she find the courage to stand up to her parents and pave her own road ahead into her future?
The book also has chapters told form the perspective of the "one who got away," Jack. Despite this, he still felt like a secondary character in the story arch, and that was ok. Jack is every girl's dream: sensitive, hard-working, compassionate, and funny. You are definitely rooting for this couple to reunite throughout the entire book.
This book was a "fluffy" read, but a well-written one and thoroughly enjoyable. A true Rom-Com of a novel, it was also refreshing to find a love story that was still PG rated and focuses more on character development without filling the pages with sex. The book could honestly have been a little shorter than what it was, but I never got bored or wanted to quit on it.
I want to thank the author for painting what it's like to suffer from clinical depression in a very honest light. I think it's hard for outsiders to understand the catatonia that often comes with depressive spells, and this author does the condition justice in a respectful, honest, yet hopeful way.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
TW: depression, verbal abuse, alcoholism, domineering father
"You can't grow the good stuff when life is choked out by weeds."
"Nature seeks to heal what is broken."
Nora November has died and come back to life. Literally.
After waking up in the hospital after a drowning accident, Nora has clear recollections of seeing her beloved (though deceased) grandfather on the other side. The time she spent with him inspires her to begin her second chance at life with a new outlook, and a revived determination to make her life matter.
Before her accident, Nora was working a passionless job in her father's law firm, battling severe depression, regularly letting the people she cares most about down, and bending to all the whims and demands of her condescending and belittling parents. She had not held up her promise to her late grandfather of keeping up with his beloved community garden plot, and worst of all: she missed out on the chance with who she believes might be the man of her dreams.
After her accident, Nora is determined to set things straight. She sets out on a mission to find the guy she met (and had incredible chemistry with) during a hostage situation a few years prior, gets to work in her grandfather's garden, and explores all the other hobbies and talents she's put off for so many years.
Will Nora find love, meaning and purpose to her life? Are the relationships she let sour during her bouts of extreme depression salvageable? Will she find the courage to stand up to her parents and pave her own road ahead into her future?
The book also has chapters told form the perspective of the "one who got away," Jack. Despite this, he still felt like a secondary character in the story arch, and that was ok. Jack is every girl's dream: sensitive, hard-working, compassionate, and funny. You are definitely rooting for this couple to reunite throughout the entire book.
This book was a "fluffy" read, but a well-written one and thoroughly enjoyable. A true Rom-Com of a novel, it was also refreshing to find a love story that was still PG rated and focuses more on character development without filling the pages with sex. The book could honestly have been a little shorter than what it was, but I never got bored or wanted to quit on it.
I want to thank the author for painting what it's like to suffer from clinical depression in a very honest light. I think it's hard for outsiders to understand the catatonia that often comes with depressive spells, and this author does the condition justice in a respectful, honest, yet hopeful way.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
TW: depression, verbal abuse, alcoholism, domineering father
"You can't grow the good stuff when life is choked out by weeds."
June 2, 2024
I loved this big-hearted, thoroughly sweet book about second chances, fate and what we make of our one - or more - chance(s) at life.
Nora November has just survived a near-death experience (NDE) after drowning in the ocean. The brief time she spent in the afterlife was beautiful, with visits from her grandfather and childhood dog. But it wasn’t her time, and soon she finds herself waking up in a hospital room, where her wealthy, vapid family seems mostly happy to have her back, if only so she can get back to work at the family law firm, an ambulance-chasing outfit that she’s in line to take over one day, though this doesn’t exactly align with her personal values. She also knows that she is a somewhat sorry stand-in for the heir her father actually wanted, her twin brother who died as an infant and is now the name behind much performative philanthropy from her family.
With a second chance at life — time is now divided distinctly into “the before” and “the after” — Nora decides to make a reverse bucket list. What did she want to do before dying that she hadn’t gotten around to? And then she goes for it, all of it, often with stunningly terrible and hilarious results. But hey, she’s trying. And she’s trying hardest to find Jack, the guy she met in a corner store robbery/hostage situation and should have called. She’s trying to find him so hard that her story eventually ends up on the news and Taylor Swift’s social media. Their meet cute and missed connections are delightful. The senior thespian/gardening group with which both become involved separately are delightful. Nora standing up for herself, her values and who she wants to become in “the after” is everything.
There were several moments where I could picture a theater audience standing up and cheering for this heroine. This, much like Nora’s fictional story in the book, would make a great movie. I also want to call out Karissa Vacker’s perfect narration. She is one of the best. This publishes this week on June 4. Thank you, #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsFocus, #HarperMuse and #JuliaLondon for this terrific advance listen!
Nora November has just survived a near-death experience (NDE) after drowning in the ocean. The brief time she spent in the afterlife was beautiful, with visits from her grandfather and childhood dog. But it wasn’t her time, and soon she finds herself waking up in a hospital room, where her wealthy, vapid family seems mostly happy to have her back, if only so she can get back to work at the family law firm, an ambulance-chasing outfit that she’s in line to take over one day, though this doesn’t exactly align with her personal values. She also knows that she is a somewhat sorry stand-in for the heir her father actually wanted, her twin brother who died as an infant and is now the name behind much performative philanthropy from her family.
With a second chance at life — time is now divided distinctly into “the before” and “the after” — Nora decides to make a reverse bucket list. What did she want to do before dying that she hadn’t gotten around to? And then she goes for it, all of it, often with stunningly terrible and hilarious results. But hey, she’s trying. And she’s trying hardest to find Jack, the guy she met in a corner store robbery/hostage situation and should have called. She’s trying to find him so hard that her story eventually ends up on the news and Taylor Swift’s social media. Their meet cute and missed connections are delightful. The senior thespian/gardening group with which both become involved separately are delightful. Nora standing up for herself, her values and who she wants to become in “the after” is everything.
There were several moments where I could picture a theater audience standing up and cheering for this heroine. This, much like Nora’s fictional story in the book, would make a great movie. I also want to call out Karissa Vacker’s perfect narration. She is one of the best. This publishes this week on June 4. Thank you, #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsFocus, #HarperMuse and #JuliaLondon for this terrific advance listen!
April 6, 2024
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
Trigger Warnings for this novel and review:
Physical/emotional/financial abuse, diet culture, disordered eating habits, infant death, alcoholism, depression, anxiety, near-death experience, drowning, death (of beloved family member and patients), and .
Nora November has been gifted a second chance. After drowning on the coast of Texas, Nora was miraculously brought back to life and, after her Near Death Experience (NDE), she has decided to create a reverse bucket list to try and experience her life to the fullest. This includes the expected: take a cooking class, rediscover her love of basketball, and grow a garden in her grandfather's community plot; and some unexpected: find the man she'd had a connection with during a bodega robbery.
This book had some really powerful aspects; the depiction of taking the incredibly difficult leap to create a new life and the journey of a woman finding her passion for life again (albeit a bit awkwardly at times) were beautifully done. Nora was a compelling character, and I loved the romantic plot line!
I think the majority of my concerns would be addressed by giving the readers an opportunity to get to know Nora in the Before-- one of the biggest components of Nora's transformation is her focus on her relationships with her younger sister and cousin. However, she's continually shot down and brushed aside because of her previous habit of not following through (mostly due to her clinical depression, which of course doesn't mean they should forget their past hurts but also has anyone heard of support and forgiveness in that family???). The only Nora the readers know is the After Nora-- full of optimistic hope and good intentions, so I found myself getting tired of the continual refusals and bashings.
Overall, NICE WORK, NORA NOVEMBER was a good read and a fun concept!
Trigger Warnings for this novel and review:
Physical/emotional/financial abuse, diet culture, disordered eating habits, infant death, alcoholism, depression, anxiety, near-death experience, drowning, death (of beloved family member and patients), and .
Nora November has been gifted a second chance. After drowning on the coast of Texas, Nora was miraculously brought back to life and, after her Near Death Experience (NDE), she has decided to create a reverse bucket list to try and experience her life to the fullest. This includes the expected: take a cooking class, rediscover her love of basketball, and grow a garden in her grandfather's community plot; and some unexpected: find the man she'd had a connection with during a bodega robbery.
This book had some really powerful aspects; the depiction of taking the incredibly difficult leap to create a new life and the journey of a woman finding her passion for life again (albeit a bit awkwardly at times) were beautifully done. Nora was a compelling character, and I loved the romantic plot line!
I think the majority of my concerns would be addressed by giving the readers an opportunity to get to know Nora in the Before-- one of the biggest components of Nora's transformation is her focus on her relationships with her younger sister and cousin. However, she's continually shot down and brushed aside because of her previous habit of not following through (mostly due to her clinical depression, which of course doesn't mean they should forget their past hurts but also has anyone heard of support and forgiveness in that family???). The only Nora the readers know is the After Nora-- full of optimistic hope and good intentions, so I found myself getting tired of the continual refusals and bashings.
Overall, NICE WORK, NORA NOVEMBER was a good read and a fun concept!
May 22, 2024
'You can't grow the good stuff when the life is choked out by weeds'
It's a story about Nora who almost died. Like literally she was dead for a short amount of time and then came back to life. But her life 'Before' was not that perfect as somebody could think. But maybe life just gave her a second chance and it is finally time to do something good and just for herself, not for anybody else?
I honestly really enjoyed this one. I am, too, a people pleaser and i know how hard it is to do something only for yourself or just simply to say 'no' to others. It is very hard actually. But i know it's important do do so, because while giving everything to others, you slowly loose yourself and at the end youd don't even know who you really are... and it sucks.
The idea of reverse bucket list was such a nice thing to do! The fact that it took a literal death experience to finally stand up for herself is saying a lot. But i hope that every other people pleaser will think about themself and that maybe, just maybe, life is not just about making the others happy - it's about YOU being happy (Not that we don't have to be too selfish - just a little bit is good too!).
I did also enjoy the fact that her story was not the only one here, we also saw a bits of life from Jack, the guy she briefly met while being held hostage - they were sad parts, but i loved it.
I only wish we would get them to meet sooner, but it was a nice story anyway. It was more like journey for Nora than a romance story i think.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
It's a story about Nora who almost died. Like literally she was dead for a short amount of time and then came back to life. But her life 'Before' was not that perfect as somebody could think. But maybe life just gave her a second chance and it is finally time to do something good and just for herself, not for anybody else?
I honestly really enjoyed this one. I am, too, a people pleaser and i know how hard it is to do something only for yourself or just simply to say 'no' to others. It is very hard actually. But i know it's important do do so, because while giving everything to others, you slowly loose yourself and at the end youd don't even know who you really are... and it sucks.
The idea of reverse bucket list was such a nice thing to do! The fact that it took a literal death experience to finally stand up for herself is saying a lot. But i hope that every other people pleaser will think about themself and that maybe, just maybe, life is not just about making the others happy - it's about YOU being happy (Not that we don't have to be too selfish - just a little bit is good too!).
I did also enjoy the fact that her story was not the only one here, we also saw a bits of life from Jack, the guy she briefly met while being held hostage - they were sad parts, but i loved it.
I only wish we would get them to meet sooner, but it was a nice story anyway. It was more like journey for Nora than a romance story i think.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
June 16, 2024
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The author has created an eclectic interesting cast of characters and a terrific story. Nora was born into a family that believes what people see is more important than the reality and flaws of any type are unacceptable. Her parents have spent and continue to spend their lives trying to get their 2 surviving daughters to fit the molds they want them to by bullying, intimidation, judgment, a whole lot of snarky comments and nastiness. They are so misguided and basically horrible people who believe they are right. All of the time. Nora was born with a twin brother who sadly passed away from SIDS. She has spent the entirety of her life being made to feel guilty for being the child who survived and she has finally had enough. After she has a near death experience, she is no longer willing to accept the way her parents treat her, ignore any and everything about her, her depression (sure, because telling people who suffer from mental health issues to buck up always works..yikes) and take a stand to live the life she wants. She is far from perfect, but keeps trying until she finally lets go of others expectations and figures out who she is, wants to be and starts to live her own life, flaws and all. Finally she understands what happiness is. I adored this book. The author has represented depression and addiction not as character flaws, but as what they are. Actual health issues that must be tended to through medications, therapy and acceptance. A wonderfully narrated book.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 4, 2024
Nice Work, Nora November by Julie London is a very different kind of take on near death experience and the aftereffects. Nora November has big plans for her After life but can she really do it all and get back her lost pieces? Including finding the corner store guy she got stuck with during a robbery.
This is more of a woman's fiction. It has few triggers like mental health issues, self harm, grief and dysfunctional family. Nora has been stuck in a colorless life. Trying to please everyone. Losing herself slowly. Depression took out all her energy. The drowning and subsequent self awakening lit a fire under her. She decide to be brave and a bit reckless and spontaneous. Reviving her grandfather's dying garden. Finding the corner store guy. Building back the burnt bridge with her sister and cousin. Learning to cook. But the most important part was to get away from the clutch of her manipulative, harsh and loveless parents.
It wasn't easy. The obstacles proved to be heavy. Nora messed up so many times. Her mental issues were dragging her down. But she kept on fighting even when she just wanted to give up sometimes. It was an inspiring story full of hope and resilience. It has adequate and well balanced humor with a vast and interesting group of secondary characters. I loved how the author connected and reeled in the thread between Nora and her corner Store guy aka Jack.This book was deeply emotional and equally entertaining.
Thanks for the review copy through Netgalley and the publisher.
This is more of a woman's fiction. It has few triggers like mental health issues, self harm, grief and dysfunctional family. Nora has been stuck in a colorless life. Trying to please everyone. Losing herself slowly. Depression took out all her energy. The drowning and subsequent self awakening lit a fire under her. She decide to be brave and a bit reckless and spontaneous. Reviving her grandfather's dying garden. Finding the corner store guy. Building back the burnt bridge with her sister and cousin. Learning to cook. But the most important part was to get away from the clutch of her manipulative, harsh and loveless parents.
It wasn't easy. The obstacles proved to be heavy. Nora messed up so many times. Her mental issues were dragging her down. But she kept on fighting even when she just wanted to give up sometimes. It was an inspiring story full of hope and resilience. It has adequate and well balanced humor with a vast and interesting group of secondary characters. I loved how the author connected and reeled in the thread between Nora and her corner Store guy aka Jack.This book was deeply emotional and equally entertaining.
Thanks for the review copy through Netgalley and the publisher.
June 24, 2024
Nice Work, Nora November covers many aspects of the human experience with love, grace, patience and a liberal dash of humor. Throw in a side of budding romance and you've got a great combination to create a really fun and feel good novel. Our main character Nora cannot seem to hit her stride in life. She is a lawyer in her fathers law firm, but secretly loathes the work. She has never had the courage to stand up to her family and their plans for her life and career. And then the unthinkable happens. Nora dies. She dies and comes back to life after a near death experience. She is now a completely different person with a reverse bucket list under her belt and she is determined to see it through come hell or high water. And it is hell trying to get through to her family about who she really is and what she really wants. But Nora, despite the obstacles thrown in her way perseveres and finds her true self with the help of an octogenarian thespian group and a few new gardening friends. This story touches on some heavy topics such as mental health, alcoholism, dysfunctional family dynamics and the like. The author did a fantastic job addressing these issues and moving us through them with Nora as our guide. I really enjoyed this novel and can highly recommend it. 4.5 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for a chance to read/ listen to an ARC copy of this wonderful book.
Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for a chance to read/ listen to an ARC copy of this wonderful book.
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