Books like The Only Way Is Up by Carole Matthews

Lily and Laurence Lamont‑Jones thought they had it all: exotic holidays, a top‑tier private school for their children, and a sprawling Buckinghamshire estate with stables and horses. But fortune turns when Laurence loses his job. Returning from vacation, they discover their home and all possessions have been repossessed. Stripped of status and security, the couple must survive in a council house on one of Milton Keynes’ roughest estates. Through hardship, the Lamont‑Joneses learn that life’s toughest moments can spark true growth. With the help of loyal friends, a touch of luck, and unwavering determination, they find that when you hit rock bottom, the only path is upward. The story explores themes of self‑realisation and the emotional rollercoaster of unexpected life changes, set against the backdrop of British urban and rural life.

First publish date: 2010