The Life I Didn’t Plan, Paperback

Beth didn't expect to get pregnant at seventeen.

Nor did she think she'd lose the name and address of the father of her child. Swept up in romance on her French exchange, all she remembers is that his hair smelt like mangoes.

Now, in 2026, at her school reunion, she opens the time capsule she wrote to herself at that time. Inside she finds a letter that alters everything Beth thought she knew about her past, and provides an all important clue for finding the father of her 19-year-old daughter, Maisie.

Hit hard by the difference between the life she hoped for and the one she’s living, Beth is faced with a choice: chase the adventures she once dreamed of, or embrace the new opportunities life presents?

"Charlotte Butterfield writes intelligent headstrong female characters who don’t baulk at the fact their life may have turned out differently to how they perceived it. Sprinkled with sentimentality and a huge dose of humour I highly recommend this read." (NINA POTTELL, PRIMA MAGAZINE)

"Absorbing and poignant, The Life I Didn't Plan is a story about love, hope, and following your heart. This gorgeous novel perfectly captures the magic of discovering that sometimes, the joy of life lies in the unexpected. Filled with humour and warmth, it's book club fiction at its brilliant best." (HOLLY MILLER)

"You know it's good when you are snorting with laughter one minute and ugly crying the next!" (AMANDA PROWSE)

"Funny, warm, poignant – totally brilliant… Another triumph."(BECKY HUNTER)

"Charlotte Butterfield is a Queen of Contemporary Women's Fiction… An absolute must read." (JENNY BAYLISS)

"Funny, heartwarming and oh-so-relatable… a fabulously comforting and uplifting read!" (FIONA LUCAS)

"Extremely funny. This was a joy to read." (BELFAST TELEGRAPH)