Really Charming

Note To Self by Anna Bell is the most charming contemporary novel that will swell your heart and make you smile.

The premise is a wonderful idea – a thirty five year old character receives emails from her seventeen year old self. They are encouraging her to grab life and step out of her comfort zone. “Real living happens when you step outside it [your comfort zone] Remember, your comfort zone does not have a brick wall built around it.”

Too often in life we settle. Routine takes over and we lose sight of who we really are. Life is for living. If we are not careful, it will pass us by and we will be left with regrets. The novel shows what can happen when we decide to live and to have fun.

It is also a study in guilt and grief. The past cannot be altered. Guilt will always weigh us down. Grief threatens to drown a character. It never goes away. We just have to learn to live with it. I loved the idea of a memory jar.

We are never too old to have a fresh start and to start living our dreams.

All the characters are warm and welcoming, absolutely delightful and easy to visualize. They are a group of friends who always have each other’s back no matter how many years have passed or the distance involved. They support each other through life’s ups and downs.

I always love Anna Bell’s books. They warm my heart. Note To Self was positively charming and I am sorry it is ended.

I received a free copy from Harper Collins. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON