Too commercial for me and I probably would have only given it one star if it wasn't for the premise of Olive choosing not to have children. If I was her, or any of the women in her friendship group, I'd wager in real life they would definitely not all have gotten to 33 as pals.

What I think would have been braver was an exploration of how adult friendships change and moving away from people isn't a bad thing as your life priorities shift. Their lives together felt forced, and although I am still very close with one or two of my childhood friends, not seeing each other regularly but still being close and able to rely on each other is a big part of our friendship... I don't think my experience is the unusual one either?

War hero dog, local North East landmarks and war history - three niche areas which made it enjoyable for me but might not appeal to every reader.