Book Review: The No-Show by Beth O’Leary

Posted April 12, 2022 by WendyW in Book Review, bookblogger / 20 Comments

The No-Show
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

One FlameHalf a Flame

by Beth O'Leary
Publication Date April 12, 2022
Published by Penguin
Purchase Here Buy on Amazon US - Buy on Apple - Buy on Kobo - Buy on Google - Buy at Barnes and Noble - Buy on Waterstones - Buy on Audible - Buy on Amazon UK
Goodreads
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy, Fiction / Women
Pages: 352
Format: ARC

***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***


Three women who seemingly have nothing in common find that they're involved with the same man in this smart new rom-com by Beth O'Leary, bestselling author of The Flatshare.

Siobhan is a quick-tempered life coach with way too much on her plate. Miranda is a tree surgeon used to being treated as just one of the guys on the job. Jane is a soft-spoken volunteer for the local charity shop with zero sense of self-worth.

These three women are strangers who have only one thing in common: they've all been stood up on the same day, the very worst day to be stood up--Valentine's Day. And, unbeknownst to them, they've all been stood up by the same man.

Once they've each forgiven him for standing them up, they are all in serious danger of falling in love with a man who may have not just one or two but three women on the go....

Is there more to him than meets the eye? Where was he on Valentine's Day? And will they each untangle the truth before they all get their hearts broken?


The No-Show by Beth O’Leary is an emotional story about three women who were all stood up by Joseph Carter on Valentine’s day.   I read the blurb for this book, and wasn’t sure it was for me, but, I hung in there and I absolutely loved this book.  I ran through all the emotions while reading The No-Show, and it’s one of my favorite books of 2022.  

Joseph Carter ends up standing up three women on the very worst day to be stood up, Valentine’s Day.  All three women eventually forgive him and give him a second chance, and eventually let Joseph Carter back into their lives, with varying degrees of success.  

Siobhan is a busy life coach who is also a workaholic.  She’s determined to grow her business and doesn’t have time for a personal life.  Miranda is a tree surgeon, who is viewed as just one of the guys among her all-male co-workers.  She loves climbing trees and can’t imagine a job at a desk.  Jane suffers from low self-esteem due to a past relationship and works at a local charity shop.  All three women have one thing in common.  They were stood up on Valentine’s day by Joseph Carter. 

I will say that at more than one point in the book, I was angry with Joseph, and couldn’t imagine why he was so terrible at relationships.  But, I hung in there and trusted the author, and the payoff at the end of the book was worth it.  Even when I was angry with Joseph, I still wanted him to be happy, and I was rooting for all three women all throughout the book. I love an emotional book, and this was heartbreaking, heartwarming, and joyful all at the same time.  

I recommend this book to anyone who loves an emotional book about relationships.  I received a complimentary copy of this book.  The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

International Covers:

UK Version
German Version

About Beth O'Leary

Beth O’Leary is a Sunday Times bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than 30 languages.
She wrote her debut novel, The Flatshare, on her train journey to and from her job at a children’s publisher.
She now lives in the Hampshire countryside and writes full time.

Have you read The No-Show by Beth O’Leary? What cover do you like the best?

20 responses to “Book Review: The No-Show by Beth O’Leary

  1. Kim

    Another wonderful review, Wendy.

    I am impressed that Beth O’Leary managed to keep you reading AND give you an ending that you enjoyed.

  2. I can’t imagine how a plot with three women all being led on by the same man can turn out happy for anyone! Good review. You made me want to read this, but did include any spoilers.

  3. I’m so excited to read this! I absolutely adored The Flatshare. I think I’ll anything Beth O’Leary writes, tbh. I’m glad you hung in there and ended up loving it.

    • I recently listened to The Flatshare and just adored it! I hope you enjoy The No-Show when you get a chance to read it.

  4. This is the second favorable review on this one that I have seen in as many days. It does spark my interest, but not sure if I would enjoy it. I still need to read Beth O’Leary and she is one I forgot to put on my Top Ten this week, LOL.

    • I really enjoyed it, but it’s not for everyone. I think some readers might have a tough time getting through the beginning where it’s a bit confusing and Joseph kind of seems like a jerk. But, because I’ve read quite a few books by this author, I trusted her to finish the story in a good way, and she did.

  5. So glad to see positive reviews for this one, which I’m really looking forward to! Sadly I didn’t receive an ARC so I’m waiting for the U.S. release date.