Blog Tour Review: The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter (RIP)

Author: Kate Winter
Series: Standalone
Released: May 21st 2015
Publisher: Sphere
Length: 304 pages
Source: Publisher for review
Buy: The Book Depository

Falling in love is never simple. Especially when you're dead.

When Rosie Potter wakes up one morning with what she assumes is the world's worst hangover, the last thing she expects is to discover that she's actually dead. With a frustrating case of amnesia, suspicious circumstances surrounding her untimely demise, and stuck wearing her ugliest flannel PJs, Rosie must figure out not only what happened last night, but why on earth she's still here.

Slowly the mystery unravels, but there are many other secrets buried in the quiet Irish village of Ballycarragh, and nobody is as innocent as they first appear. Aided by the unlikeliest of allies in her investigation, Rosie discovers that life after death isn't all it's cracked up to be, particularly when you might just be falling in love . . .

In this hilarious, life-affirming and romantic journey through Rosie Potter's afterlife, she shares the ghostly tale of how she lived, she died, and she loved (in that order).

What could be better on a slow Sunday afternoon than a book that can make you smile and cry at the same time? With the protagonist dead on the very first page, one would assume this book to be gloomy and heartrending, but The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter is really the farthest thing from it. This heartfelt, hilarious story celebrates life as it’s meant to be lived, with no regrets and not a moment wasted.

We meet Rosie on the first day of her afterlife, but alas, she is stuck on Earth, and in the middle of Barrycalagh, Ireland, where her death happens to be the most exciting thing in years. Rosie isn’t at all concerned about herself. Her main worry is her family, including her best friend and her boyfriend. But Rosie’s in for a huge surprise; her beloved Jack isn’t the wonderful, kind boyfriend he appeared to be. Quite the contrary, in fact, and as his lies are slowly uncovered, Rosie’s love for him vanishes into thin air.

Rosie’s life looks a whole lot different from the other side and there are so many things she would love to change. But Kate Winter doesn’t focus on regrets in this charming story. Instead, she celebrates love as it truly is, flawed and filled with regrettable mistakes, but also perfect in its imperfection.

Rosie doesn’t wallow in self-pity, not for a second. It’s actually her most admirable quality, that and her very kind heart. Like her life, Rosie herself isn’t perfect at all, she's a small town girl with a huge heart and although she's flawed, her intentions are always good.She is painfully honest with herself in death, even if her life was full of denials. Finding your one true love when you’re already dead would be devastating for most people. So much time lost, so many opportunities missed. But Rosie and her perfect man aren’t most people, and instead of regrets, they celebrate the fact that they acknowledged their love at all.

Although bittersweet, The Happy Ever Afterlife is ultimately an enchanting story filled with hope. It’ll make you rush to hug your loved ones and to celebrate the life you’re living, no matter how hard it may seem at times. After all, every day is a new oportunity, and who better than Rosie to remind us of it.

A copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher for review purposes. No considerations, monetary or otherwise, have influenced the opinions expressed in this review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kate Winter is a journalist, novelist and storyteller from the North West of Ireland who was lucky enough to grow up with no TV (though she didn't consider it a lucky break at the time) and lots of books. After graduating from University of Ulster with first class honours and the Ulster Television Award for her BA in Media Studies, Kate promptly forged a glittering career for herself in waitressing. Then one day, beside a swimming pool in Australia, Kate decided it was time to write a book. The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter (RIP) is Kate's debut novel. 

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