Book Review: How Not To Fall In Love, Actually by Catherine Bennetto 

I've had some fairly busy days during the school holidays, but I always love to unwind with some reading when I can, and the latest book I've read is How Not To Fall In Love, Actually by Catherine Bennetto.
I really enjoyed this book; it was light-hearted, highly humorous, and definitely worth a read!


The main character in this novel is a woman named Emma, who works in television, but it is proving that it is not as glamorous as it is cracked up to be. 
She is in a relationship with Ned, who, although a very decent sort of gent, doesn't contribute anything financially to their relationship as he is always trying to come up with new ideas that will hopefully make him a fortune. Sadly, up until this point, his ventures have proven fruitless. 
When Emma discovers that she is pregnant, she goes into panic mode.
She decides that she is better off just being friends with Ned, quits her job, (blame the pregnancy hormones!), and realises that she doesn't have all that much time to create an environment that is stable for not only herself, but for when her little bundle of joy arrives. 
After her grandmother passes away, Emma is left a share of her home. (Her sister Alex is the other beneficiary but is busy travelling the world helping out those less fortunate in third world countries.) 
Emma moves into the home, and is introduced to her adorable, quirky octogenarian neighbour, Harriet, who, along with her Doberman Brutus, sees it her duty to protect the neighbourhood from criminals and any unusual behaviour in the area.
She is just one of the many characters that I adored. 
The way that Catherine describes each character gives them real personality; I could picture every single character in my mind.
There's Alex, Emma's sister, as I have mentioned. She is Emma's best friend and a great support for her sister.Their bond reminded me of the relationship I have with my sisters. That unconditional, non-judgemental, but tell-you-how-it-is relationship.
There's Emma's mum, Diana, who wears designer brands, and never has a hair out of place. But behind it all, she has Emma's best interests at heart, and I adored her. Plus, her efforts to maintain her youthfulness really had me laughing out loud. (Colonic irrigation anyone?!)
We also meet Joe, who shows up drunk on Emma's doorstep one night, and who ends up becoming her accidental tenant. Joe added a lot of heart to the story, and whilst I was wary of him at the start, we soon discover that he is a real gentleman. 
There are many more great characters in this story, which left a lasting impression after I had finished the book. 
I felt that Emma's journey through her pregnancy was paced well, and accurate. I particularly enjoyed the labour scene. It's well worth the wait!!

This is a really heart-warming and delightful story that I'm sure many of you will enjoy.
It is due for release very soon, so be sure to keep an eye out for it!

Disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way. I have not been paid for this review.