On a Beautiful Day - Lucy Diamond

Available here on Amazon 

I was very excited to spot ‘On a beautiful day’ in the library and loved that it was a 7 day chart topper – meaning I had to get it done and dusted as I can’t renew it. It wouldn’t ever take me that long to read a book I started but having already got Milly Johnson's ‘The Perfectly Imperfect Woman’ in my hands, could I rise to the challenge of two chart toppers?! (Silly question really)

‘On a Beautiful Day’ is set in Manchester and explores the unexpected turns life can take and how you must accept the bad along with the good. It shows how a person can face things bravely and find a way to survive when your world turns upside down.

We meet four friends enjoying a birthday lunch, all smiles and seemingly without problems but after they witness a shocking accident, each begins to unravel and it is clear all is not well in each of their lives.

We have Laura, a likable, married, career woman who has suffered miscarriages and is desperate to have a baby. The accident is the wake-up call to heed the ticking of her biological clock. Jo, a nurse, gets involved in the aftermath of the accident and strikes up a connection with one of the casualties. She is in the early stages of a new relationship and decides she has to seize the day and throw all caution to the wind, ignoring the warning signs. Self-controlled mum Eve has been trying to ignore the lump in her breast. For once she feels helpless and out of control. Finding support in an unexpected place, Eve knows she needs to face things head on before too long. Happily married, mum of three, India is drawn to one of the victims of the accident and it causes long hidden emotions to bubble to the surface. Also, a chance encounter with someone from her past reignites old feelings and makes India take stock of how her life is turning out.

The aftermath of the accident and how each of the group changes makes an intriguing story and Lucy Diamond has given us four interesting and likable leads that are different, yet have such endearing qualities that make you want the best for each of them. The accident shakes up their friendship and their relationships, but we see that this can only make things stronger as we read how each character looks at themselves and their lives in a new way. All four women and their situations are entirely realistic - a credit to the wonderful writing of Lucy Diamond. She has created four diverse stories but pulled them together beautifully in one especially so the reader sees from each of their perspectives. It is easy to follow, which is often difficult in a multiple narrative

‘On a Beautiful Day’ is an emotional and at time, sad, read yet it is also full of moments that show pure love and devotion to friends and family alike. It is funny in parts and powerfully thought provoking. An uplifting read essentially that emphasises the idea that you do get a second (and third, fourth etc.) chance and stresses the importance of friendship and support.

I liked the characters within the book, not one stood out more than another. I’m so happy each character got the ending they deserved, albeit probably not what was expected in some cases. It took me a few chapters to get fully hooked but once I was, I couldn’t wait to keep reading more. Although the conclusions within the story are there, I feel there is potential for each character to be revisited in the future (maybe?!) because I would love to see how their lives all continue.

I’ve read several of Lucy Diamonds books before but this is a stand out one for me now. I recommend any of her previous books if you haven’t had the pleasure yet but especially this one.

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍