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My Pear-Shaped Life

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What to expect

‘So many women will find this book speaks to them.  It makes you laugh and cry but it is truly inspiring’ Katie Fforde

‘Sweet, sad, insightful and joyful – this book pressed all the emotion buttons and I’m so glad it did’ Milly Johnson

A beautiful, tender and joyful story.’ Susan Lewis

Meet Greta.

She’s funny.

She’s flawed.

She’s hiding so much behind her big smile she’s forgotten who she is.

But Greta is about to discover that the key to being happy is…being yourself.

Greta Gale has played the part of the funny fat one her entire life, hiding her insecurities behind a big smile. But size doesn’t matter when you can laugh at yourself, right?
Until Greta realises she’s the only one not laughing. And deep down, she’s not sure if she’ll ever laugh again.

But Greta is about to discover that sometimes the best moments in life come when it’s all gone a bit pear-shaped…

‘Poignant and profound, warm and witty, Carmel’s brilliant writing invites us to look beyond the smiley face to the complex tangle of emotions inside us all. I absolutely adored it’ 
Sunday Times bestseller Cathy Bramley

‘Warm, engrossing storytelling at its best
Irish Times bestseller Sheila O’Flanagan

Critics Review

  • ‘Uplifting and powerful…I loved it’ Cathy Kelly

    ‘Greta is everywoman, laugh, love and cry with her. I truly couldn’t stop reading. A beautiful, tender and joyful story.’ Sunday Times bestseller Susan Lewis

    ‘This upbeat romance will leave you smiling’ Daily Mirror

    ‘Warm, moving and life-affirming…Greta is a gorgeous character that you will fall in love with’ Sinead Moriarty

    ‘This book has given me life’ Trish Hannon, reader review

    ‘Original, funny, moving and brutally honest…perfect for fans of Ruth Jones’ Debbie Johnson

    ‘Funny, warm, heartbreaking – and so real and honest…You’ve never met a heroine quite like Greta Gale and you are going to LOVE her
    USA Todaybestseller Catherine Ryan Howard

    ‘There’s something about Greta we can all relate to, and her story has, perhaps, never been more relevant or important… a novel full of heart, wisdom, and courage
    New York Times bestseller Hazel Gaynor

    ‘Will make you see life in a different way.’ WOMAN’S WAY

    ‘Convincing characters, always gripping, endearing, with a cracking pace.’
    IRISH INDEPENDENT

    ‘Heartwarming & heartbreaking.’ EVENING HERALD

    ‘A popular voice in Irish publishing, often compared to the beloved Maeve Binchy, Harrington focuses her books on relationships, with a strong emotional overlay.’
    LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW

    ‘Her books are like a hug, they envelop you … clever, finely honed, they make you think & make you grateful.’ IRELAND AM BOOK CLUB

    ‘An uplifting, relevant must-read.’ IMAGE MAGAZINE

    ‘Heartwarming & emotional.’ IRISH COUNTRY MAGAZINE

    ‘Get your tissues ready!’ BEST MAGAZINE

    ‘Touching, heart-aching, yet feel good read, full of love & humour.’ LOVEREADING.CO.UK

    ‘Quietly brilliant, will make you cry, laugh & cry all over again.’ FEMALE FIRST MAGAZINE

    ‘One of Ireland’s most talked about female authors.’ THE IRISH WORLD

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