Book Review: Anything Could Happen

By Becky Gulc

‘For Lara and her daughter Eliza, it has always been just the two of them. But when Eliza turns eighteen and wants to connect with her father, Lara is forced to admit a secret that she has been keeping from her daughter her whole life.

Eliza needs answers – and so does Lara. Their journey to the truth will take them on a road trip across England, and eventually to New York, where it all began. Dreams might have been broken and opportunities missed, but there are still surprises in store…

Anything Could Happen is a warm, wise, funny and uplifting novel about love, second chances and the unexpected and extraordinary paths life can take us down’. (Courtesy of Lucy Diamond's website.)

I love a Lucy Diamond novel but it’s been a while since I read one, I decided it’s been way too long, so I got hold of her latest novel, Anything Could Happen. I was reminded of how much I enjoy Lucy’s writing. I was quickly engrossed in the story and engaged with the three central characters of Lara, Ben and Eliza. 

Lara and Ben meet fleetingly in New York, there’s an instant connection and chemistry that means it has to be more meaningful than a one-night only situation doesn’t it? With a bit of a gap before their next encounter, only time will tell. 

This is everything I wanted in a novel at this time, it was an easy-to-read, thoughtful, emotional, and hopeful novel with character at its core. What I enjoyed about the novel was that it’s very mature, and felt realistic in its approach to the events that unfold with Eliza. The characters have morals and this is no easy situation to navigate. Sometimes there doesn’t need to be a ‘baddy’, and this is a well-crafted novel that simply doesn’t need one. Even though it’s hard to imagine being in this situation personally, it was still relatable and there were many aspects of the story that will resonate with people about the different paths we could have taken in life. It tugs at the heartstrings. 

I loved the characters all individually and the dynamics between them and how these develop through the story. Throw in a couple of trips to New York and it was a thoroughly pleasant read. I can’t wait for the next novel from Lucy.

More by Lucy Diamond:

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.