Lucy is fifty, frazzled and fed up. After spending half her life working, she’s tired, and her idea of inner peace involves a sofa, wine and a takeaway.
But when her boss announces his retirement, Lucy gears up for a well-earned promotion – that is until Tara, her annoyingly perfect colleague, swoops in, dazzling the CEO with her #BossBabe energy and commitment to a wellness bootcamp so hardcore it sounds like a cult.
Desperate to compete, Lucy lies about joining the same program — even though her body feels more landfill than temple. Now she’s trapped in four weeks of ice baths, crystals and green juices… not to mention jade eggs in unspeakable places.
As the wellness madness escalates and rivalries flare, Lu starts to wonder if she actually might be growing as a person – or if that’s just the kombucha talking? And why can’t she shake the feeling that maybe Tara isn’t as perfect as she seems?
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My Review
This is a sparkling, sharply observed novel that combines humour, heart, and social commentary in equal measure. It is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
At the centre is Lucy, a 53-year-old HR Manager whose wit, warmth, and relatability make her an unforgettable protagonist. Single, independent, and still grieving the loss of her father, Lucy is navigating both family distance and workplace politics. Ford sensitively incorporates themes of grief, self-worth, and the pressures of modern life without ever losing the novel’s buoyant, comedic tone.
The plot centres on Lucy’s rivalry with Tara, her wellness-obsessed colleague, as both compete for a much-coveted promotion. Determined not to lose, Lucy enlists the same glamorous wellness guru as her rival, leading to a series of brilliantly funny yet eye-opening encounters. Ford cleverly satirises the wellness industry—highlighting its allure, contradictions, and manipulative tendencies—while allowing Lucy to remain grounded and questioning.
Ultimately, Lucy’s journey is one of rediscovery: learning to embrace imperfection, value authentic friendships, and trust her own strength. Witty, wise, and refreshingly honest, this is an uplifting read that will resonate with many.
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