One Good Thing - by Alexandra Potter (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A heartwarming, feel-good novel about unexpected friendships and new beginnings.

"A life-affirming reminder that hope has a way of showing up exactly when we need it--and a celebration of the beautiful things worth waiting for. A true tonic for the soul." --Anna Johnston, author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

Liv Brooks is in shock. Newly divorced and facing an uncertain future, she impulsively trades her fast-paced London life for the tranquil hills of the Yorkshire Dales, determined to make a fresh start. But fresh starts are harder than they seem. Feeling lost and lonely, she adopts Harry, a grumpy old dog from the local shelter, to keep her company while she renovates the dilapidated cottage she has optimistically taken on.

However, Liv soon discovers she isn't the only one in need of a new beginning. During her and Harry's daily walks around the village, they meet Valentine, an old man perpetually gazing out his window, suffering from loneliness; Stanley, an introverted little boy hiding behind his garden gate; and Maya, a teenager at odds with the world. Gradually, as these unexpected relationships develop, they each begin to rediscover themselves, all with the help of the lovable Harry.

Utterly relatable and tender, this novel explores the beauty of friendship and the joys of living an unexpected life. When everything falls apart, sometimes all you need is one good thing to turn your life around and make it worth living again.

Review Quotes

"A life-affirming reminder that hope has a way of showing up exactly when we need it--and a celebration of the beautiful things worth waiting for. A true tonic for the soul."
--Anna Johnston, author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

"Takes you by the heart on page one and never lets go. Tender, emotional, and deeply satisfying. A delightful novel about how life after loss can get surprisingly full."
--Abbi Waxman, author of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill

"Sunday afternoon reading at its best! Warm, relatable, heartfelt, and hopeful. One Good Thing feels like a literary embrace."
--Emma Grey, author of The Last Love Note
"The queen of comfort. A delight."
--Mike Gayle, author of All the Lonely People

"A big dopamine hit of a book. Warm, wise, and lovely in every way."
--Jane Costello, author of It's Getting Hot in Here

"Pacy, absorbing, witty, and tender, it made me laugh out loud."
--Karen Swan, author of The Last Summer

"There is no direct route through grief, through life, and Alexandra Potter's One Good Thing is a heartwarming and hilarious celebration of that meandering journey, including unexpected diversions and the people met along the way who end up meaning everything. A perfect pick for fans of Clare Pooley, the good things about One Good Thing are plentiful, actually abundant."
--Kerry Clare, author of Definitely Thriving

Praise for So, I Met This Guy

"So, I Met This Guy . . . is a madcap adventure through Europe as one young journalist and one defrauded woman team up to track down the romance swindler who changed the course of their lives. Flick and Maggie are an unlikely pairing who shine on the page, and the twist at the end is chef's kiss. A perfect read for your next vacation!"
--Catherine Mack, author of Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies

"So, I Met This Guy . . . has everything I love: A con man, two spunky, clever women on a mission, a sparkling European chase, and a witty, empowering reminder that sometimes being scammed out of everything you have is exactly what it takes to find who you are."
--Ann Garvin, author of I Thought You Said This Would Work

"Alexandra Potter is a genius! So, I Met This Guy has two brilliant central characters, a rip-roaring plot, and some of the best twists I've ever read--there's no way you'll ever predict them! But I can confidently predict one thing--it is going to be THE mega hit of 2026!"
--Matt Cain, author of The Madonna of Bolton

"A thrilling chase through Europe to catch a romance fraudster, So I Met This Guy . . . will have you rooting hard for Maggie and Flick as they race through the streets of Rome and casinos of Monaco. This book is a celebration of friendship and all the unpredictable, messy joys that life contains, no matter what age we are."
--Sophie Wan, author of Women of Good Fortune

"Balancing humor with heart, this engaging blend of relationship fiction and travel adventure explores love, loss, self-discovery, and renewal with warmth and wit."
--Booklist

About the Author

Alexandra Potter is the bestselling author of numerous novels in the UK, including Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up, which is now the basis of a major TV series, Not Dead Yet. Her titles have sold in twenty-five territories and achieved worldwide sales of more than one million copies, making the bestseller charts across the globe.

Yorkshire born and raised, Alexandra lived for several years in LA before settling back in the UK. She currently lives in London with her Californian husband and their Bosnian rescue dog. When she's not writing or traveling, she's getting out into nature, trying not to look at her phone and navigating this thing called mid-life.