More Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up (2024)

Book 2 is even better than the first book and so relatable. This takes us through Nell’s life after she thinks she’s finally figured it out and her life is back on track. It’s a reminder that we never really get there and it’s about the journey of life not the fantasy of finally getting to that ‘goal’ so as to be happy.
It’s packed with fun characters I.e Cricket!, quotes and humor. Highly recommend this duet

"More Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up" by Alexandra Potter is an absolute gem that had me hooked from the very beginning. Having thoroughly enjoyed the first installment, I was eager to dive into Nell's world once again, and I can confidently say that this sequel did not disappoint. Potter's portrayal of Nell, a never-married, childless, forty-something podcaster and obituary writer, is both hilarious and relatable.
The story takes us through Nell's ups and downs, from her eccentric group of friends to her intriguing relationship with Edward, the boyfriend who maintains spreadsheets for everything. Amid the laughter, tears, and unexpected turns, the author masterfully tackles deeper themes with sensitivity, giving the characters depth and authenticity.
As Nell navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery, I found myself nodding in agreement, pausing to reflect on my own life and decisions. Potter's witty prose and insightful exploration of life's messiness make for an unputdownable read that's both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
This novel isn't just a sequel; it's a continuation of a journey that reminds us that life's path is rarely linear. Through Nell's adventures, we learn that it's okay to fk up, figure it out, and embrace the chaos. The laughs are abundant, the characters are unforgettable, and the emotions are genuine. "More Confessions of a Forty-Something Fk Up" is a must-read that reminds us that amidst life's curveballs, there's always room for growth, laughter, and a touch of glamour. Alexandra Potter's writing has once again left me thoroughly entertained and introspective.

After thoroughly enjoying Confessions of a 40-Year-Old F***Up, I was thrilled to hear there was a sequel.
picking up around 18 months after the end of the first book, we are reintroduced to Nell, who seems to be settling into life better than she was before,
She is engaged to Edward, they are living together, and she has her trusted friendships, as well as her new best friend, Cricket, the octagenarian who she met in the first book.
The thing is, no matter how settled you think you are, life always has alternative plans, and Nell's life is no different.
From that late urge to want motherhood to dealing with the beginnings of Perimenopause, friendships becoming fragile as everyone is dealing with their own issues and realising you might not actually have it all together, despite being closer to 50 than before.
I loved getting back in touch with Nell and her life, and though our situations are different, there was still plenty I could relate to, as a woman of a similar age.
And I just LOVE Cricket! Her character develops in a brilliant way, too, showing us that age should never be a factor that writes you off.
Fantastic sequel!
Many thanks to NetGalley and PanMacmillan for an ARC.

Mainly read this whilst recovering from an op so whilst the book is all about life, real life, perhaps I should have picked something a little less ordinary and something a little more escapism. Regardless this is a good sequel to Confessionsso if you liked the first one then go aheqd and dive into this one becauseits more of the same basically. It does strike me through that although it is supposed to be a humour type book. I did not laugh or chuckle once.
I still love Cricket. I think she should get her own book.
Also does anyone else picture Richard Osman (yes author of the Thursday murder club and game show host) as Edward??
Entirely relatable if not for Nell then one of her friends.
Will we see even more confessions in the future? And how old is forty something exactly?

More Confessions of a Forty-Something F*** Up by Alexandra Potter
I give this book 5 stars

Nell’s back. Her life still isn’t going to plan and she’s asking the big questions like:
When everything goes tit* up, do you fall apart or jump on a plane to LA with Cricket (an eighty-something widow and your BFF)?
Join her for more laugh-out-loud lessons to be learned,truths to be told, adventures to go on and joys to discover.

I can’t tell you how happy I was to catch up with Nell and Cricket they have such an endearing friendship and all the other familiar characters in this sequel,they truly feel like old friends!
Told in a diary style format by Nell (first person) be prepared to embrace what everyday life throws at you and how you deal with it . . . . . family,friends,laughter,sadness,gratitude.
It’s rare for any book to actually make me laugh out loud like this one did (more than once) and for a book to resonate on so many levels with me.
Brilliantly written, extremely relatable, honest, full of humour and totally uplifting, Everyone needs to read this (you don’t have to be forty-something) and realise it’s never too late to change what you don’t like in your life and their are tons of women dealing with the same thoughts and feelings.
With thanks to Netgalley,Alexandra Potter and Pan MacMillan for my chance to read and review this book.

I can't tell you how happy I was to be able to catch up with Nell - I adored "Confessions of a Forty - Something..." some time ago.

However, I am not sure what I think about this book. It for sure gives you with it promises in the title: more confessions. This novel simply follows Nell and her opinions about life. Some are brilliant, some are not, I agree with some, with some I don't agree... But altogether, for me, the plot was not strong and felt mixed up. On the other hand, there are many, many points that resonated with me and there are for sure many, many women out there with same thoughts and feeling.

Nevertheless, there is everything in this book. Laughter, tears, hope, break - ups, second chances, gratitude, family, friends, enemies... But it still felt as if it was written for the sake of being written.

This is an absolutely fantastic follow up to Confessions of a 40 Year Old F*** Up, I knew before going into this one that I was going to love it just as much as the first book. Once again Alexandra Potter had me howling with laughter until I had to stop because I couldn’t see through my tears. I don’t think I’ve related to a more chaotic book in my life thus far., but one of the shining moments in both books is the friendship between Nell and Cricket.

If you’re looking for a laugh out loud until you snort and can’t breathe anymore then definitely pick this one up.

Thank you to Chloe at Pan MacMillan for sending me a proof of this hilarious read.

Life is definitely not a fairytale! I absolutely loved the first book and ‘more confessions’ was just as good… what I like about the writing is the raw and real life approach, as someone in her 40s this book resonates with me, relationships take work, nothing is as perfect as people make it out to be on social media and this confronts that!

With lots of humour and amazing characters, we all need a bestie like Cricket!! This book tackles some deep subjects and somehow can keep it lighthearted.

Recommended by me!! Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the digital arc… 5 stars!!!!

It was fun being back with Nell Stevens and her friends but for me this follow up to Confession of a Forty Something F##k Up lacked in comparison to the first. It still touched on a number of themes and had the same funny, lighthearted humour sprinkled in with some more heartfelt moments that I’ve come to love about Alexandra Potter’s writing but the plot was not as strong. I hate to say it but I think Potter was riding the wave of the success of the first book from her adoring fans but sometimes it’s best to know when to leave well enough alone. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that this was a bad book it just lacked the luster and shine of the first one.
Sally Phillips narrators both audio books and did a great job.

I will continue to read Alexandra Potter’s books, as from the 3 books I’ve read so far by her, I thinks she does a great job at capturing the trials and tribulations of women in their 40’s.

Quotes:

**My bookclub friends will appreciate this one. ——‘When did I stop buying expensive lingerie and start buying expensive hoovers? Worst still when did I start getting excited about my new hoover?’

**’No old lady hair’ should have been included in our wedding vows as my husband has made me promise this on numerous occasions. 🤣 ——‘I might be in my eighties but I’m not having a cauliflower head….That’s what my friend Una called old lady hair. At my age you have to on guard against a short curly perm.’

‘It’s easy to fall in love, but it’s staying in love when that love is tested that’s hard.’

‘You can’t let go of grief, you have to wait until it lets go of you.’

‘It’s not getting what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got.’

‘Loving someone is the hardest thing you’ll ever do….it’s also the BEST.’

‘Sometimes it’s got to all fall apart so you can put it back together better.’

Side Note: I was excited to hear that the first book got picked up for a tv series but then became very disappointed to see that it’s by a US network. First off the title is terrible ‘Not Dead Yet’. Second off, from the trailer I watched they butchered the story….instead of Nell just writing an obituary column and interviewing a family member to do so as the book has it, in the show she can see and talk to the dead people. Some people may like this trope but I don’t need any more ‘ghost whisperers’ in my life. Third and probably my biggest complaint of all (and once again going by the trailer I watched) by going with a US network they lost all the British humour. They’re just something about British humour.

At the end of Confessions Of A Forty Something F##k Up, Nell Stevens seems as though she has finally met the one. After years of a rollercoaster journey, this was it. Now she’s back in MORE Confessions, to show us that life rarely takes a linear path. It isn’t just a straight line to happily ever after, where everything remains a constant, and break ups don’t happen, illnesses don’t exist, etc etc.

I absolutely LOVE the realistic, raw storytelling from Alexandra Potter, in both of the books. In the social media fuelled world that we now live in, having it all is very much perceived to be the end goal - the marriage, the children, the house, the career. But it’s unrealistic and it’s not the truth. Life looks different for everyone and falling in love with the life that you lead is the most important thing, not always striving for the life that you believe you should be leading. I love how this book and Nell’s story, and the stories of her friends too, dispel this myth that life should look a certain way.

The book was full of wit and humour - Nell and Cricket together are just delightful. I want a best friend like Cricket!! But alongside the humour, it was also very thoughtful and very poignant, lots of very wise remarks and takes on things that I will be taking away with me.

I loved the spotlight on the friendships in this book too, all of them really showed up for each other in their hardest moments and I just loved the warmth that they showed each other.

Another fantastic instalment of what is a truly superb series. Everybody can relate to this book - whether you’re in your forties like Nell, or twenties like me, or eighties like Cricket. I would highly recommend!

Nell and Cricket are back and I’m so pleased, these two are a fabulous double act. Nell thinks she’s found her happy ever after, but can it be that simple? Or will an ‘unexpected item in the bagging area’ upend everything she had to follow a possibly unattainable dream. Cricket is, as usual, her irreverent, fearless self from wild swimming to ‘build your own coffin’ classes - the latter doubling up as a great home bar - whilst muddling through her own issues.

In this book the pair decide not just to help each other but through their column in a newspaper magazine they’re sharing their experience, humour and common sense with the world in general. I’ll leave you to find out if they both get their happy ever after..

I know this is a tv series in the US - would love to see it televised here in the U.K. I pictured Dame Judi Dench as Cricket as I read.

4 stars for this highly enjoyable sequel.

With thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and author for the ARC in return for my honest, personal opinion.

Thank you Netgalley for my ARC copy.

I hadn't read the first book but I don't think that spoiled it for me.

This was billed as humorous and it was in parts but I expected more. What I hadn't expected was some of the sensitive topics that were covered. I did feel they were dealt with very well.

I liked the format of the book especially Nell's Things I Am Grateful For at the end of each chapter.

When it comes to characters, what can I say. I absolutely loved Cricket and think we all need someone like that in our lives. I did feel there was a good range of characters.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. This is my honest review and all opinions are my own.

Pirmā grāmata patika tik ļoti, ka nenoturējos ļoti drīz pieķerties arī turpinājumam. Jāsaka, ka tie reti ir tikpat spēcīgi kā pirmā grāmata un, lai arī man patiešām patika arī šis, par mata tiesu tomēr šis kaut ko ir zaudējis - 4.5 zvaigznes apaļotas uz augšu.
Galvenokārt man ne līdz galam patika tas, ka viss Penelopes un Edvarda attiecībās notika tādā kā paātrinājumā.
Kriketas līnija šoreiz man patika vēl jo vairāk - ir iedvesmojoši domāt, ka viss notiek un nav par vēlu arī tad, kad tev jau ir 80+, ne tikai 40+.
Kopumā gan arī šajā daļā es brīžiem smējos un no sirds jutu līdzi grūtajiem, sāpīgajiem lēmumiem. Šoreiz arī daudz uzskatāmāki piemēri tam, cik ļoti visi mēdz kļūdīties un justies kā neveiksminieki tad, kad visi citi domā, ka tev ir viss ir ļoti labi.

This is a great follow-up to the first book set 2 years on as Nell continues with her podcast and still struggles with life.
Nell records her podcast whilst struggling with her life choices. She is in a relationship, but is she really happy? Are her friends happy?
I find Nell just such a relatable character. She has faults, but she is loveable, and is just a great side character (still want her to have her own spin off)
There is lots crammed into this book, and it's a chunk at 500 pages. There is fun and laughter, but also tears and tough times as in most lives. There may be some triggers for people, and I may have shed a small tear or two at times.

The up and down of this sequence almost let me lose hope again, esp when her friends' marriage encountered all kinds of problems. And whenever Annabel showed up, I'd thought, come on, not her again! Thankfully, there's hea in the end.

Just as entertaining as the first one, loved them both

I liked the first quarter but then it got very repetitive, especially as I read the first one not that long ago. It was a nice easy read that I could just pick up whenever and not rush to finish

Nell is as funny and relatable as she is in the first book, I loved it!

Love, love this follow-up book of the further adventures of Nell and Co. Easy to read, warm and funny. Hoping there may be a 3rd!!!!

Really enjoyed reading this. Very relatable and funny with it

So funny and very relatable. I felt like Nell’s friends were my own. Everyone needs a Cricket in their life! She was absolutely my favourite character.

Lots of wonderful quotes, life lesson one-liners and I loved the happy ending.
Easy to read and very entertaining.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for advanced copy.

Actual rating 4.5.

So full *ahem* confession - I still hadn’t read the first book when I picked this up and assumed that because I’d watched the TV series based on it, I’d be good to go. Turns out, there are quite a few big differences 🤣🤣

Thankfully it was easy enough to catch up and work most of it out, except now I want to read book one because what a TREAT! This is just that kind of warm, hilarious, insightful and relatable read which I love, and Nell and her friends are now firm favourites - the friendships really were the heart of this for me 🫶

Alexandra’s novel, One Good Thing, is still one of my forever favourites, and I loved how different this book was to it, whilst still being every bit as wonderful and addictive. You’ll laugh, cry and possibly rage a few times whilst reading this, but what’s reading for if not to make you feel something?! Absolutely loved it!

Just as fantastic as the first. Full 5 star review to follow.

More Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up by Alexandra Potter is a delightful continuation of Nell's journey, capturing the essence of life's unpredictable twists with humour and honesty. Following the much-loved first book, this sequel finds Nell, a quirky and endearing podcaster and obituary writer, as she meanders through the complexities of modern relationships and personal growth.

Potter's narrative sparkles with wit as we dive deeper into Nell's interactions with her eccentric circle of friends and her detail-obsessed boyfriend, Edward, who brings spreadsheets into their relationship dynamics. The characterisation is rich and lively, making each person Nell encounters memorable, vibrant, and distinctly real.

The novel's charm lies in its blend of light-hearted banter and profound insights into the human condition. Nell's experiences deeply resonate, mirroring the doubts and decisions that shape our lives. Potter skillfully balances humour with the emotional weight of themes like love, loss, and self-acceptance, making the reader laugh one moment and reflect the next.

What makes this book particularly captivating is its portrayal of life not as a series of milestones to be achieved by a certain age but as a more fluid journey of continual discovery and acceptance of one's imperfections. Through Nell's misadventures, Potter encourages readers to embrace life's messiness and to find joy and authenticity in being perfectly imperfect.

Overall, More Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up is not just entertaining; it's a heartfelt reminder of the beauty in chaos and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst life's curveballs—a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh mixed with genuine life lessons.

I’m grateful for:
1. For picking up the first book - “Confessions of a forty-something f##k up” and starting reading other books by Alexandra Potter.
2. For “More confessions of a forty something f##k up” and meeting again my favorite characters. Although, I cannot even call them “characters” as Neil, Cricket, Edward, Fiona, and especially Holly are all very vivid people. As if those people really exist. Because truly, who doesn’t have an Anabel in their lives?
3. Also for MY sense of humor, which helped me with Neil‘s sense of humor , which most of the times was sarcastic.
4. For reading and enjoying this book. And I knew they must be together in the end!!!

Even better than the first one. Nell is one of the most relatable characters ever created.

If you have ever felt even a little bit like an eff-up or imperfect compared to everyone's perfect social media lives, this book will make you feel seen.

It made me laugh out loud and cry at the same time. Potter's wit and sarcasm jump off the page and wrap you up in a warm hug. I hope their is another installment of Nell's journey to come, but even if there isn't, I know she will have a great imperfect life!

All the characters have their own issues that make them relatable in their own way, and I was invested in everyone's story. Such a wonderful and beautiful story.

Would recommend for everyone!

Such a fun book, loved the first one for its humor and the ability to talk about the realness of being an adult. The important topic that was discussed was that it’s okay if you’re not on the „perfect“ or „ideal“ journey because you go your own way in your own time. Everyone struggles with it which is an important part that the book tries to convey, it doesn’t matter how perfect everything looks online, everyone has their struggles.

The second instalment of Nell’s life, I loved the first book and this one was no different. Really good easy reading that I really enjoyed reading. I like that this is a realistic and relatable book with characters that are experiencing the same problems as all the rest of us. Nell and Crickets friendship is just priceless and I wouldn’t complain if there was ever a book 3!

I LOVED the first instalment of this, and I did enjoy this sequel, but it wasn’t as good as the original in my eyes. I don’t think it was entirely necessary to write another, but I do love Nell and Cricket and the lessons you learn in these books. It’s the perfect easy read and lush when you just want a read that’s going to cheer you up!

A continuation of book #1, reminding us that there is never really a happy ever after and life always comes with it's up and downs (and it's f###k ups).

Like the first book, the shining moments were once again the wonderful friendship between Nell and Cricket.

Potter pulled off another thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.