A Beautiful Story of Mothers, Daughters, and Life Worth Living
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The A to Z of Everything: A Novel of Sisters Book Cover The A to Z of Everything: A Novel of Sisters
Debbie Johnson
Family Life Fiction, Women's Domestic Life Fiction, Romantic Comedy
Harper Muse
March 10, 2026
Ebook, Paperback, Audiobook
400

"My darlings . . . Not to be too Hollywood about this, but if you're watching this tape, that can mean only one thing: I have shuffled off this mortal coil . . . and you two are going to need each other more than ever. You need to set aside your differences and look out for each other--just like you always used to."

Poppy and Rose used to be close as sisters could be--until everything went wrong. Now in their forties, they haven't spoken in years. But when their vivacious, glamorous, powerhouse of a mother dies, they are both faced with the shock of grief. However, their mother was not one to go shrinking into the night. No, their mother, Andrea, has left them a project to work on together: a sort of scavenger hunt through their lives, which she calls the A to Z of Everything. Her final wish: to heal the fractured relationship between her daughters that broke her heart.

A is for Ashes. C is for champagne. D is for Daddy Issues. But when they get to F for Forgiveness, can they make a start, even when they can barely look at each other?

With Andrea's wicked sense of humor and wild stories from her acting career, she has left the quest in a series of boxes filled with letters, recordings, videos, mementos, and instructions.

From Liverpool to London and even Paris, the sisters follow the trail toward a glimmer of hope: despite loss, there is room for laughter, love, and healing--and for second chances.

I read The A to Z of Everything by Debbie Johnson in one sitting—something I’ve never done before. But once I stepped into Andrea, Poppy, and Rose’s world, there was no walking away. I had to follow their journey all the way to the final page.

This is one of those rare, perfect reads. The premise alone is both beautiful and unforgettable: as she faces the end of her life, Andrea creates a final gift for her daughters—a carefully crafted project called The A to Z of Everything. Through it, she sends Poppy and Rose on an emotional journey designed to help them grieve, heal, and ultimately rediscover joy. The story unfolds like unwrapping something precious, each letter revealing a new layer of love.

Johnson tackles heavy themes—grief, guilt, forgiveness, and loss—but never lets the story become overwhelming. Yes, I cried. More than once. But I also laughed out loud. I paused to reflect. I found myself eagerly anticipating what wild, heartfelt, or unexpected idea Andrea would dream up for the next letter. The emotional balance is masterfully done.

What makes this novel truly stand out is the tenderness woven into every page. As a reader, I felt cared for—guided through sorrow with the same intention and love Andrea shows her daughters. Andrea is larger than life, yet in her final days we see her vulnerability: the fear, the gratitude, the fierce love of a mother trying to prepare her children for a world without her. That perspective—an intimate look at someone’s final chapter—feels like a gift in itself.

Wise, raw, and deeply moving, this story feels especially powerful for mothers and daughters, though its message of love and healing is universal. Debbie Johnson has written something truly special here. I can’t recommend it highly enough.