Wow! Adele Parks really knows how to put her characters through it and to celebrate her 25th year of being a published author, she’s gone to the next level with OUR BEAUTIFUL MESS! Literally nearly anything life changing that could happen to a family happens in this book. It’s a complete rollercoaster of a family drama, layered with so many brilliantly executed elements of different genres Adele has written in. This truly feels like an amalgamation of on incredible career to date and I dare to say that this is Adele’s best book yet! I was completely hooked on Connie’s story and whilst I haven’t read PLAYING AWAY (Adele’s debut novel and our introduction to Connie), I felt like I knew her immediately and her backstory is woven into this narrative seamlessly. It can absolutely be read as a standalone and enjoyed in its own right. However, the rich history that these characters have certainly helps to create a vibrant, thought-provoking, and satisfyingly complex narrative here. I loved how this story builds at such a steady pace, introducing a sense of danger and anticipation from the opening chapter, whilst also taking its time to develop the characters and the various situations that are set to derail them all. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, but I will say that this story goes in so many different directions and is absolutely relentless in what it throws at the characters. That makes it a thrilling read, but lots of the themes also hit emotionally and this is as much a story about family, trust, integrity, and love. I really enjoyed the dynamics between Connie and her daughters, with lots of generational humour woven amongst the drama. The narrative builds to an explosive conclusion that is incredibly filmic and had my heart in my throat throughout reading. I can’t wait to see the adaptation of this one, because it’s going to be incredible! I can’t recommend OUR BEAUTIFUL MESS enough. It makes a particularly great antidote to the saccharine sweetness of the festive season, so if you fancy some Christmas domestic suspense…get this in your stocking!

Our Beautiful Mess is Adele Park's 25th book in 25 years and it is yet another cracker! I know when I pick up one of Adele’s books that life will get put on hold as I won’t want to put it down, and this is no exception. Connie is looking forward to having her whole family back for Christmas. She can’t wait to meet her daughter Fran’s new boyfriend Zac for the first time - but when she arrives, the surprises start as Fran reveals she is pregnant, and the surprises keep coming ….. and as for the secrets …. This is a book that starts at “The End” so we already know things don’t end well and then goes back to the days leading up to it. Told from the points of view of Connie, Fran and Zac, Parks creates very real feeling characters as always and as a reader you quickly become immersed in the world of Connie and her family as the spotlight is shined on the many challenges of parenthood. Knowing where things are headed but not how, I spent much of the book with my heart in my mouth as the days counted down. Add in the fact I was completely blindsided halfway through -

Our Beautiful Mess really is exactly that a beautiful mess in the best possible way. I absolutely loved this one. It reminded me why Adele is one of my favorite authors and why I always get so excited when I pick up one of her books. It was such a powerful, gripping read especially because everything that unfolds feels like it could actually happen. That realism made the tension so much better. The suspense never let up, and the plot was strong from start to finish. Adele truly knows how to write a story, and this one has easily landed into the top of my favourite reads of 2026. Why I waited this long to read it, I’ll never understand. And Connie? I’m genuinely going to miss her. She was an absolute queen. This book made me cry at the end.. and i am all here for it!!

Twenty Five years ago Adele Parks published her debut novel, Playing Away. I've been a huge fan of this fantastic author ever since, and have read all of her novels to date. Connie Baker (and friends) were first introduced to us then, and have appeared in various novels since, but this, this is just the most delicious of them all. An absolute triumph that I will struggle to do justice for with this review. Connie knows she is lucky, she has three fabulous daughters, a husband who she loves with all her heart. Connie couldn't be happier. She also absolutely loves Christmas, the chaotic family get togethers, the petty squabbling, the overindulging, the tackiness, nostalgia and everything in-between. When her eldest daughter Fran returns from University for the festive season, with her new boyfriend in tow, this should be the icing on the cake. But there is something about Zac that makes Connie uneasy. For a start he bears more than a striking resemblance to John Harding. Connie's ex - of sorts. John was Connie's one singular catastrophic mistake. An affair early in her marriage that nearly broke it, and her. Luke, Connie's husband found the love and strength he needed to forgive her, and their marriage has been practically perfect in the years since. Zac's appearance throws Connie off kilter, but no one else seems to notice her sudden derailment. After all, there is Christmas to focus on, and some wonderfully happy news that Fran and Zac bring with them. Unfortunately the happiness doesn't last for long. Connie's suspicions of Zac are entirely justified, but even she can't imagine the devastation and danger that is about to come their way. This is a thriller like no other, one that will appeal to regular Adele Parks fans, and hopefully bring an abundance of new ones. What a way to celebrate 25 years. Happy 25th Book Birthday Adele!

I know when I pick up one of Adele’s books that life will get put on hold as I won’t want to put it down, and this is no exception. Connie is looking forward to having her whole family back for Christmas. She can’t wait to meet her daughter Fran’s new boyfriend Zac for the first time - but when she arrives, the surprises start as Fran reveals she is pregnant, and the surprises keep coming ….. and as for the secrets …. This is a book that starts at “The End” so we already know things don’t end well and then goes back to the days leading up to it. Told from the points of view of Connie, Fran and Zac, Parks creates very real feeling characters as always and as a reader you quickly become immersed in the world of Connie and her family as the spotlight is shined on the many challenges of parenthood. Knowing where things are headed but not how, I spent much of the book with my heart in my mouth as the days counted down. Add in the fact I was completely blindsided halfway through -