Then There Was You: Captivating true life stories of self-discovery and reinvention

by Sophie Cachia

Then There Was You is the eagerly awaited follow-up to Sophie Cachia’s bestselling memoir Then There Was Her.

In Then There Was Her, Sophie Cachia revealed how falling in love with a woman turned her whole world upside down. Her story inspired thousands of readers to reach out, wanting to share their own journeys of sexual and romantic discovery.
 
Then There Was You is a captivating true life collection of stories told to Sophie about heartbreak, passion, bravery and the healing power of shared experiences. After 18 years (and two kids) with her male partner, a woman finds her missing puzzle piece following a chance encounter with a beautiful woman at a wedding. A woman and her husband are house-hunting for a bigger place ... so her boyfriend can move in with them all.Her first serious relationship was toxic, and emotionally and psychologically abusive – and it ends in tragedy.

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, LGBT

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2023

Reviews

[Jenna Beatson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than her first novel by a country mile. The first is both an incredibly basic and incredibly difficult read, mainly due to the lack of any style, substance, and editing. Around half the stories in this collection are genuinely interesting, with the others being simply "a bunch of stuff that happened" with nothing particularly groundbreaking in them. While the women who shared are brave for undertaking this journey, I don't think they've been done justice by the writing style, and once again, the editing leaves a lot to be desired. Many times I found myself having to re-read entire sentences or paragraphs because the prose is just... weird. The most redeeming feature of this book is that you can knock it over in an evening. I'd have been annoyed if it had taken much more time off me.

[Larissa Larin · Rating 2 out of 5]

interesting. i feel bad for giving this book a proper rating cause it’s a book full of women’s personal stories, but it wasn’t written well, felt like i was reading sophie’s personal instagram DM’s.

[Chelsea Hazendonk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similarly to Sophie’s last book, this one was again poorly edited which isn’t a good look for someone who is supposedly an author. Although I thoroughly enjoyed reading the women’s stories who are spotlighted throughout this book, hence the 4 stars, I felt as though it was only published to heighten Sophie’s social status and self praise. I also felt as though her contribution in the way of author’s notes were completely unnecessary and didn’t add to the value of the book. I still love Sophie and all that she stands for as an individual, and will still follow / support her as I do now however, but writing books is certainly not her forté.

[Lisa Mc · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories themselves are interesting but the writing style is very simple and mundane

[Kerissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thankfully I loaned this book from the library. I actually enjoyed Sophie’s first book so thought I would enjoy this one.
This book is a collection of stories told to Sophie. I thought they would have been more enlightening or inspiring, however they were practically all the same. Someone leaving a toxic relationship and falling in love with their friend or colleague etc.
I think we all have left a bad relationship especially in our younger years, so this book really isn’t anything new to most people’s experiences.
I liked the idea of the book but it just didn’t meet my expectations sadly.

[Demi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the stories interesting but unfortunately it was very poorly written & edited. I also think all the stories should have been longer and more in depth to really connect to the woman telling them. It felt very rushed.

I also got a little annoyed with the quote “Andrea’s story is not unique”. I personally think all stories and experiences are unique. No experience is ever the same. I do get what she means but I think it should have been worded differently.

[Jemma Bishop · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I like the concept of this book, and think that the women who shared their stories are brave and commendable for doing so, I don’t think they were done justice in this book. The editing style didn’t allow any emotional connection to the stories and felt very much like a recount rather than the telling of what was promoted as turning point moments in these women’s lives. It was disappointing because I felt Sophie’s first book was quite emotionally powerful.

[Issy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories in this book are absolutely beautiful. Fourteen incredible women share their stories of self exploration, in particular with regards to their sexuality. I wish I could give the book 5 stars, just for these women! However, the grammar snob in me can’t overlook the typos and missed words! I also find the author’s pre-amble at the start of each section unnecessary 😅

[Zoe Clavant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book full of personal stories from multiple people.
Some very emotional but also inspiring and some showing the courage of some women growing and learning about themselves.


It was beautiful, emotional and inspiring.
I’m yet to read Sophie’s first book so I can’t compare the books, but I really enjoyed this one.

[Monica Naumovski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each of the women who shared their stories are truly powerful and really showed the impacts of self-discovery in their journeys. However, the book did have some poor edits where parts were repeated throughout the sections and sometimes context was not given in the timeline.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Sophie! Reading these women’s stories and finding myself relating to most of them makes me realise we all aren’t alone in the world feeling how we feel!

[Dani Em · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not good. Poorly edited. Dislike the way these peoples stories were used. If you’re after a book on peoples journey ‘out’ there are an infinite number of better options.

[Eloise Tink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick and easy book to read. Nice hearing different stories from different women with different backgrounds.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn’t a bad book, I’ve just listened to many podcasts similar so the reading experience didn’t feel new to me.

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant, easy read about the lives of 14 Aussie women, short stories about self-discovery and relationships

[Paris Hardwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m glad Sophie allowed people to share their journey. I didn’t love it but I can understand how many people would read this and connect to someone else’s story.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading these stories from women who have all experienced such differing life circumstances

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF - this book is multiple short stories of peoples lives and their adversities. I enjoyed a few stories but honestly couldn’t get into it so put it down.