Life is Yours by Abi Yardimci. Ooh, now here’s a book which took me by surprise. It reached out from my Kindle screen and pulled me right into its gloriousness. Its words were magical, soothing, almost poetic. And yet it was full of fire and emotion. Life is Yours is a rollercoaster of a thing, and it’s pretty damned brilliant.
Fussy – Who Me?!
For those of you who’ve read my book reviews on my other blog Brazen Mummy Writes (eg the lovely Lucy Keeling’s Make It Up To You), you’ll know I’m a fussy reader. It takes a special book to grab me, and an even better one to keep me reading until the end. Life is short and I only want to bask in places where I feel at home. And Life is Yours wrapped me up like a blanket and wouldn’t let go.
Now I knew I wanted to read Life Is Yours, as I know the author Abi Yardimci from the mum blog circuit. She’s also a bubbly member of my Facebook community Chick Lit and Prosecco. (If you’re not there yet, what are you waiting for – the party is on!)
I also love Abi’s blog, full of honesty, beautiful writing and fabulous pics of Brixham (best seaside town ever – fish, chips, pirate ships and sea views to stun your socks off).
Like a Fish, I Was Hooked…
But I wasn’t expecting Life is Yours to hook me quite so instantly. Not because I didn’t trust Abi’s writing, just that I was in one of those fidgety, restless, ‘no book is going to be the right book’ kind of moods. Do you get those? Usually just after you’ve finished another great read, and you’re convinced no novel will ever be the same.
And then there was Life is Yours.
This book is the first in a series of three, which follows a year in the life of our main character, Jess. Even more juicily, Abi admits the story is based on a year in her own life. One that actually happened – albeit with a few little tweaks.
So it’s not just make-believe.
The Journey is Real
You feel like you’re going on a real journey – because you are. From Jess having her heart smashed in two and her relationship and business falling apart, to seeing those tiny glimmers of hope as she begins to rebuild herself. The story is compelling. Addictive, even.
The descriptions are so vivid, you feel like you’re living it too. (There’s a scene where heartbroken Jess is sinking into the bath, with the bubbles crackling around her ears. I just love it.)
And the narrative is so insightful, like this part about Jess’s heartache: “It was about this time I realised it was possible to be overwhelmed with nothingness. It can actually fill you up.”
Yet the story is uplifting because you know Jess has it in her to fight this thing. You are rooting for her. She can do this.
There’s fun and friendship too, as Jess’s girlfriends bundle her up, take care of her, and whisk her away on holidays. There’s also talk of meditation and a new spiritual side as Jess searches for ways to cope and make sense of her new world.
Donning my Writer’s Hat
When I think about this book with my writer’s hat on, the author has effortlessly ticked all of the boxes. She hooked me from page one with an intriguing situation and mesmeric writing, she gave me a main character to fall in love with, and she kept me reading way past my bedtime with pacey chapters and a whole lot of soul.
So those are my thoughts on Life is Yours – but you don’t need to take my word for it. Go and grab a copy!
You can even order a free sample from Amazon, so you can marvel at that hypnotic writing for yourself. And once you’ve fallen in love with it, you might still be able to nab a copy on Kindle Unlimited, or even buy a signed one from Abi’s website. She also makes beautiful, bookish merch. Isn’t she just a gem?
Anyway, I’ll pop some links below for you. Now shop, shop, shop!
(Keep scrolling for the book blurb and some insider goss on the gorgeous Abi too – with pics!)
I Would Love to Know…
Before you hurry off to buy this lovely chunk of happiness, I’d be delighted if you’d pop a little comment in my box. Do you find it tricky to settle on a book in this increasingly busy world? Which books have kept you hooked lately?
And as always, thank you so much for reading. You’re my pineapple in a world of apples.
Big love
Anita
Writer, Blogger, Author of Funny Love Stories
Life Is Yours Shopping Links
Amazon UK (Paperback):
Amazon UK (Kindle):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07WHKCN1Q
Amazon US (Kindle):
Life is Yours Online Boutique (signed copies, original artworks, tote bags, badges, postcards etc):
https://www.abigailyardimci.com/shop
Good Reads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48312908-life-is-yours
The Official Blurb
LIFE IS YOURS
From heartbreak to heart awake . . .
Who can say what has brought Jess and Lindy together? Maybe it’s the beach, the stars and the warm Turkish night air. But they may as well get settled for the night, because Jess has a story to tell and Lindy is ready to listen . . .
Jess had life sorted. A gang of great mates, an adoring fiancé and a thriving business – she couldn’t have asked for more. But the proverbial rug is whipped out from under her feet when the fiancé makes a sharp exit on New Year’s Eve. Therein follows the Week From Hell, eternally streaked mascara and Chardonnay-a-plenty.
But this is the story of a woman on a path. Sure, there are a number of trips and falls along the way but Jess is on a journey that will change her life. On a boring business course, she remembers what she really wants. Strange new friendships are made, new ideas grow; and a last-minute discount holiday to Turkey helps her heart wake up to a whole new rhythm. A rhythm that is just beginning to get going . . .
The Author – Abigail Yardimci
Author Bio
Abigail Yardimci is an author, blogger and creative mindfulness practitioner. She is a Geordie girl living by the sea in South Devon with her Turkish husband and two terrifying kids. She loves to blog and gets her kicks through mindful parenting styles, creative living and chocolate.
Her writing inspiration comes from scratching the surface of everyday life to find the underlying magic that connects us all. The fire beneath the frustration, the creativity beneath the boredom, the stillness beneath the chaos.
Abigail’s debut novel, ‘Life Is Yours’ is published as the first of a trilogy by BNBS Books and was released on Amazon on 30th September 2019.
Sounds like a fab read. I struggle to find books that are different as I tend to read all the same genre!
It really is a fab read. I know what you mean – it’s tricky to break free. But so good when you do! xx
This book sounds amazing! I love reading other people’s journeys – definitely checking this one out. And yes, I also have a hard time choosing books that will keep me captive 🙂
Another restless reader! I always love the PD book choices on your blog though. Thanks for reading, lovely lady. xx
Life is yours sounds like a great book! I love books that keep me captivated till the end. A book I recently enjoyed reading was Outliers by Malcom Gladwell.
Ooh, I haven’t heard of that one – will have to check it out. Thanks for dropping by, sweet lady. xx