Daisy Settle and her husband Jack made a deal when they got married, starting a family would be delayed until Jack will be able to sell his successful but demanding hotel business assuring them of financial security and the time to devote to raising a child, or children. With the terms of the agreement now met, Daisy is thrilled to finally have the opportunity to fulfil her life long dream of motherhood, and as she celebrates her fortieth birthday among family and friends, her future looks golden…until the moment she stumbles upon her husband having sex with another woman in her front garden.

Devastated, Daisy is forced to make some difficult choices, and with the support of friends, if not her conservative family, and a F**k It list she decides that motherhood is one dream she refuses to let go of.

Daisy’s journey through heartbreak, regret, fear and triumph is sure to stoke empathy, especially among readers who can relate to the challenging circumstances Daisy encounters. Though Daisy is far from ‘broke’ and there are some legal issues related to IVF and marital status that are ignored, Cantor’s portrayal of Daisy is realistic. The authenticity of Daisy’s emotions, especially surrounding a particular event I unfortunately have experience of, resonated with me. I appreciated the candour with regards to Daisy’s flaws, she doesn’t have everything figured out but she’s brave enough to chase her dream anyway.

Though perhaps a tad long overall at 400+ pages, the pacing is good, as is the writing. The humour is perhaps less obvious than I expected from the blurb, and Cantor explores several sensitive subjects that may catch a reader unaware. There is no romance in the story, but there is the development of a special friendship which is charming.

I liked The F**k It List!, it delivers an encouraging and uplifting message about it never being too late to start over, this is chick lit for the mature women. ( )