Book Review: The Only Way Is Up by Heidi Stephens

Posted November 24, 2022 by WendyW in Book Review, bookblogger / 37 Comments

Before the review, I’ll like to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my blogging friends who live in the US. We’re having a quiet holiday at home. We just took our son (our big eater!) to Montana earlier this week to start a new job, so it’s a small dinner with small portions for me, my husband, and my daughter.

The Only Way Is Up
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

by Heidi Stephens
Publication Date November 24, 2022
Published by Headline
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 / Holidays, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / General, Fiction / Romance / Holiday, Fiction / Romance / New Adult, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
Pages: 400
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.***


WHEN LIFE HAS YOU DOWN ON LOVE, SURELY THE ONLY WAY IS UP . . . ?
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Twenty-five years in showbiz is a good run, right? Because after tonight, when her small (read: huge) wardrobe malfunction was broadcast to the nation's living rooms, Daisy's time in the spotlight might be over.

It's all about damage control now, and Daisy needs an escape route. Fast. Especially when her sporting hero boyfriend publicly announces their engagement - the one she hasn't actually agreed to tell the world about.

All she needs is space from prying eyes and time for the press to get bored and move on. But the only place she can run to at such short notice is the Cotswolds cottage she used to own with her ex-husband. Not ideal, but at least it's in the middle of nowhere and close to her teenage daughter.

Seems like a perfect plan, apart from the person selling stories to the tabloids about her and Tom, the local headmaster.

But that's just a rumour, right?

The perfect uplifting and feel-good romantic comedy that will have you snorting with laughter. If you love Sophie Ranald, Catherine Walsh, and Mhairi Macfarlane, you won't want to miss this!
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The Only Way Is Up by Heidi Stephens tells a story of a woman who has an embarrassing moment and then finds out what she really wants out of life. 

Story Recap: 

Daisy has been in show business for 25 years and is one of Britain’s most well-known celebrities.  When she falls onstage while receiving an award, she inadvertently flashes the audience.  Then her younger, tennis star boyfriend declares their engagement on Twitter before she even accepted his proposal. She needs to lay low for a while until the gossip subsides so she decides to go to the Cotswolds where her ex-husband has a little cottage.  The small village is also close to her daughter’s school, and it seems like a perfect way to take some time for herself.  

But, Daisy finds she can’t escape the press, even in the tiny village of Highgate, someone is selling stories about her and the single headmaster of the local school.  But, are those stories true? 

My Thoughts: 

I don’t usually enjoy books about celebrities, but Daisy was very down to earth and seemed like someone I could be friends with.  When she had her dress malfunctioned on national TV, she was understandably embarrassed, but I like that she didn’t have a total meltdown over the possible loss of her career.  She just went away for a while while the gossip died down.  

Daisy and Tom were both sympathetic characters and obviously meant for each other.  But, it’s the side characters that really stole the show for me.  The quirky characters in the town, Daisy’s family and friends, all help keep this book lively and fast paced.  

I just loved this heartwarming story, it made me smile and swoon.  It was a joy to read. 

Recommendation: 

I highly recommend The Only Way is Up to anyone who enjoys fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book.  The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About Heidi Stephens

Hi! Thanks for coming, pull up a chair.

I'm a British marketing consultant-turned-romcom novelist - Two Metres From You is my debut novel, and my second, Never Gonna Happen, is out in all formats in May 2022 and available to pre-order now.

Since 2008 I’ve also written lots of of liveblogs for The Guardian, about everything from The Apprentice to Big Brother. Now I focus on two of my favourite things - the Eurovision Song Contest and Strictly Come Dancing.

I live in the lovely market town of Chippenham in Wiltshire with my boyfriend Pip and my dog Mabel. I have two grown-up children and can bake a very decent Victoria sponge.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram | Bookbub

Have you read The Only Way is Up?

37 responses to “Book Review: The Only Way Is Up by Heidi Stephens”

  3. Rolé @ Hooked By That Book

    Yes, celebrity stories sometimes feel a bit unrealistic, especially when they get together with an ordinary, unknown person. I don’t know how feasible such a romance is. Maybe I’m just too cynical for that. 🙂

  4. Katherine

    I’m not a big fan of celebrity books either but this sounds really good! Daisy sounds like the kind of character that really hooks me into a story.

  5. Jenny+McClinton

    I do love a heart-warming story. Great review & I hope you had a lovely thanksgiving 💕

  7. vidya

    I do love stories about little towns in the middle of nowhere (having grown up in one, maybe)… and this one sounds heartwarming.. Will look for it..

  13. Carla

    Happy Thanksgiving, Wendy. Enjoy your smaller celebration, more time to count your blessings. This story sounds fun. I love quirky characters. Great review.

  14. Anoushka

    HJFDBVHBFHJFNJ THIS SOUNDS AMAZING AND I’M SO SO GLAD YOU ENJOYED IT!! also omg daisy sounds fabulous I MIGHT READ THE BOOK SOLELY FOR HER 😭 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! HOPE YOU HAVE THE MOST FABULOUS DAY <33

  16. Mallika

    Happy Thanksgiving, Wendy🙂 This sounds a really fun read, and the characters seem all very likeable as well. Lovely review🙂

  20. Stephanie @ Bookfever

    Happy Thanksgiving. Obviously we don’t celebrate here in Belgium but we sure enjoy the Black Friday sales haha. This sounds like such a funny story and I love that it has some quirky characters too. Those tend to be the best often. Thanks for sharing!