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​​​Praise & Reviews
 

‘Smart, authentic and full of heart.’

– Graeme Simsion, internationally bestselling author of The Rosie Project

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‘[A] heartfelt story centered on family, aging, and the complicated ways people protect the ones they love . . .  
Johnston thoughtfully explores grief, loneliness, aging, and sibling relationships while leavening with warmth and humor.
Readers who enjoy emotionally driven fiction with memorable characters and layered family dynamics will find much to appreciate in this tender and engaging novel.’

– Booklist

'For the burnt-out and world-weary, Anna Johnston’s novels offer essential therapy – wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to restore our faith in each other.'

– Kirsten Miller, author of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books

'Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth, tenderness and singularity that makes them irresistible.

A charming tale of redemption, complex sibling bonds and the joy of a meal cooked with love, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.'
– Mikki Brammer, internationally bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover

'A delicious treat of a novel, rich with the complex flavours of love, loss, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.'
– Emma Grey, internationally bestselling author of Pictures of You

'Written with empathy, insight and authenticity, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt, funny and uplifting.'

– Julietta Henderson, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman

'An absolute chef's kiss of a novel, prepared with heart and humour, guaranteed to please your palate.'
– Troy Hunter, author of Gus and the Missing Boy
 

‘A gorgeous, moving, life-affirming tale of second chances, redemption and the power of love in its many forms. I absolutely adored it. It's like the sun breaking through the clouds!’
– Matt Cain, author of The Secret Life of Albert Entwhistle 

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‘Johnston's rejuvenating sophomore novel is gratifyingly performed by two fellow Australians who thoroughly embody her mismatched sibling protagonists. Griff and Lisa, born 13 years apart with different fathers, have complicated history—and conflicting memories. Distance was how Griff protected Lisa. Now at 64 and 51, silent Griff is trapped in the dementia ward, where Lisa regularly visits. But Griff doesn’t have dementia; what he does have is a heartbreaking secret. Suicide might be the only antidote to Griff’s loneliness, but not before the former Michelin-star chef makes himself a final lemon tart. His sneaky return to the kitchen reawakens his will to cook and eventually brings him back to life. Otto is a gruff Griff, his humanity simmering just under the mask he wears to survive. McGlynn earnestly ciphers Lisa’s personal chaos, including a recent ADHD diagnosis and navigating a promising relationship while desperate to bond with Griff. The pair gifts listeners an unforgettable audiobook, rich with rewarding reveals.’
– Booklist USA • Audiobook 

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