From the bestselling author of The Authenticity Project comes a brand-new uplifting and feel-good novel that everyone is falling in love with…

Nobody speaks to strangers on the train. But what would happen if they did?

Every day at 8:05, Iona Iverson boards the train to go to work. Every day, she sees the same people and makes assumptions about them, even giving them nicknames. But they never speak. Obviously.

Then, one morning, Smart-but-Sexist-Surbiton chokes on a grape right in front of Iona. Suspiciously-Nice-New Malden steps up to help and saves his life, and this one event sparks a chain reaction.

With nothing in common but their commute, an eclectic group of people learn that their assumptions about each other don’t match reality.

But when Iona’s life begins to fall apart, will her new friends be there when she needs them most?

Delightfully Delicious!

The warmest, most uplifting novel I’ve read lately – and I loved it!

Each morning, Iona boards the train to the city and spots the same fellow-travellers; she has noticed them so often that she has coined her own names for them all but, naturally, would never dream of speaking to any of them. After all, that’s the law of commuting, isn’t it? Then one morning ‘Smart-but-Sexist Surbiton’ chokes right in front of her and, as he turns blue in the face, Iona stands up and with a booming voice appeals for medical help. Life on the 8.05 to London is never quite the same again . . .

This is my first encounter with Clare Pooley’s work but, based on this one, I have already added her previous novel, The Authenticity Project, to my wishlist. This is such a marvellous read; a fabulous array of characters coping with the vagaries of everyday life and, as a collective, showing warmth, humour and love for their fellow man (and woman). The author created such a wonderful story that I really didn’t want it to end and found myself continually trying to set it aside to make it last, then failing to leave it alone as I was enjoying it so much! Absolutely terrific all the way through – every single detail has been well considered and adds to the overall delight that this delicious novel delivers; if you pack books for your holiday, then please don’t leave this one out! There is no doubt that this is a five star read – it is worth each and every one along with my recommendation!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is – as always – my honest, original and unbiased review.

Tags: women’s fiction

• Format: ebook, hardcover, audiobook
• Size: 384 pages
• Publisher: Transworld Digital
• Publication Date: 26 May 2022
• Book Links:
• https://www.goodreads.com
• https://play.google.com
• https://www.foyles.co.uk
• https://www.kobo.com
• https://www.whsmith.co.uk
• https://www.waterstones.com
• https://www.amazon.co.uk

Author Details

Clare Pooley graduated from Newnham College, Cambridge and spent twenty years in the heady world of advertising before becoming a full-time writer.

Clare’s memoir – The Sober Diaries – has helped thousands of people worldwide to quit drinking.

Clare’s first novel – The Authenticity Project – was a BBC Radio 2 Bookclub pick, a New York Times Bestseller and the winner of the RNA debut novel award. It has been translated into 29 languages. Her second novel is coming Spring 2022.

Clare lives in Fulham, London with her long-suffering husband, three children and two dogs.

• Website: https://clarepooley.com
• Twitter: @cpooleywriter
• Instagram: @clare_pooley