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When Lemons Give You Life

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When Lemons Give You Life

By: Anna Johnston
Narrated by: Ainslie McGlynn, Socratis Otto
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Summary
Redemption is a dish best served warm . . .

Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite. He's done with grief, guilt and the beige slop they dare call food at Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility, where he now resides.

Life's given him all the lemons he can handle - so he breaks into the nursing home kitchen to bake himself one last tart. It's supposed to be his final meal but the act of cooking stirs a dormant joy. Soon, he's regularly sneaking in after dark, serving up flavour and comfort to fellow residents. Yet behind the apron is a lie so big it could destroy the one thing he has left to protect .

Meanwhile, Griff's younger sister Lisa is navigating a new ADHD diagnosis and the spark of an unexpected romance. Despite their fractured sibling relationship, she dutifully visits Griff, though she knows hope of a reconciliation is gone, buried in the silence between them.

But the truth has a way of boiling over - and when secrets, souffl�s, and second chances collide, they may discover a recipe for forgiveness.

Anna Johnston's second novel is an enchanting story that will appeal to fans of Richard Osman, Joanna Nell and Amanda Hampson.

'Smart, authentic and full of heart.' Graeme Simsion, author of the international bestseller The Rosie Project

'Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth, tenderness, and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption, complex sibling bonds, and the joy of a meal cooked with love, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.' Mikki Brammer, author of the international bestseller The Collected Regrets of Clover

'A delicious treat of a novel, rich with the complex flavours of love, loss, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.' Emma Grey, international bestselling author of Pictures of You.

'Written with empathy, insight and authenticity, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt, funny, and uplifting.' Julietta Henderson, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman

'An absolute chef's kiss of a novel, prepared with heart and humour, guaranteed to please your palate.' Troy Hunter, author of Gus and the Missing Boy

'For the burnt-out and world-weary, Anna Johnston's novels offer essential therapy-wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to restore our faith in each other.' Kirsten Miller, author of Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books
Literature & Fiction Heartfelt Feel-Good
All stars
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This book is extremely moving yet surprisingly funny. The characters feel so authentic, their journeys are both inspiring and relatable.
I highly recommend it.

Full of heartfelt emotions

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The characters and plot very well fleshed out. Some funny moments. I didn't pick quite where the plot would go .. there was a relationship formed and I was yelling at the author .. don't you dare trash these two!!!

Great story great performances

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Loved her first book and this one was better. The narrators did a fantastic job.

Excellent narration

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Great character development, a tad slow off the mark but man it came home with the goods

Another great story from Anna

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I absolutely loved this story. The moving between now and past helped to develop the final ending for the characters. I cried, laughed and smiled throughout the whole book. Highly recommend.

This is one of my favourite books

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