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Ever After
Tess and Gus are strangers when their lives collide one sun-drenched morning in Florence, but it feels as if fate has brought them together.
One their return to rainy London, will their love be strong enough to survive the challenges of their complicated lives?
Is it even possible for two such different people to live happily ever after?
One their return to rainy London, will their love be strong enough to survive the challenges of their complicated lives?
Is it even possible for two such different people to live happily ever after?
448 pages, Paperback
Published July 2, 2024
31 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Kate Eberlen
13 books221 followersKate Eberlen grew up in a small town thirty miles from London and spent her childhood reading books and longing to escape. She studied Classics at Oxford University before working in publishing and as a teacher. Kate now lives on the south coast of England, but spends as much time as she can in Italy, a country she loves. She is married with one son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 31, 2023
Such a beautiful book. I so loved the concept of it - that the writer didn’t focus on the lead up to the happily ever after, as a normal romance novel would. Obviously the expectation would be that the story would follow all of Tess and Gus’s missed chances for years, which in itself is gripping, but the fact that the author starts right when they finally meet properly, and instead only briefly references all those twists of fate throughout, is fascinating. Because Tess’s mum and auntie are correct - falling in love is just the beginning, and it’s what comes after that’s important.
Tess and Gus’s after is the story, and it’s a heartbreaking one. Despite all that goes wrong and the novel’s poignant portrayal of illness, family issues and class differences, there is such a clear love between the characters.
Overall, this is a stunning book and a story that I know I’ll always remember. You know it’s a good novel when you have to immediately flick back to the beginning to reread some bits to help you process the ending, which is exactly what I had to do!
What to expect:
- missed chances
- mental illness/depression
- cancer
- Asperger’s
- loss/bereavement
- family issues
- dual POV
- soulmates/meant to be
Tess and Gus’s after is the story, and it’s a heartbreaking one. Despite all that goes wrong and the novel’s poignant portrayal of illness, family issues and class differences, there is such a clear love between the characters.
Overall, this is a stunning book and a story that I know I’ll always remember. You know it’s a good novel when you have to immediately flick back to the beginning to reread some bits to help you process the ending, which is exactly what I had to do!
What to expect:
- missed chances
- mental illness/depression
- cancer
- Asperger’s
- loss/bereavement
- family issues
- dual POV
- soulmates/meant to be
October 3, 2023
cuando han empezado a hablar del covid...they lost me
July 11, 2023
This book hit very close to home with cancer, mental health issues, and neurodivergence. It made for a tearful read, but I couldn't stop reading. Beautifully written and such a study of the highs and lows of family, lovers and life.
August 11, 2023
Actual rating 4.5.
Well this was just an absolutely beautiful romance which swept me away to one of my favourite places, Italy 🧡
Set between London and Italy across many years, this is the complex love story of Tess and Gus, who have to overcome so many differences and outside forces to be together, but who seem to somehow be fated.
Now despite the intoxicating Florence and Sicily settings which had me *this* close to booking a flight, this isn’t always an uplifting love story without heartache and tragedy - it’s complex and devastating at times (that ending 😭). I loved the complex family relationships which Kate explores so well, as well as loss and mental illness. It was such a finely balanced novel, with lots of darkness but also the beauty of art, food, music and of course, love! I absolutely adored it and can’t wait to read more from Kate now 🥰
Well this was just an absolutely beautiful romance which swept me away to one of my favourite places, Italy 🧡
Set between London and Italy across many years, this is the complex love story of Tess and Gus, who have to overcome so many differences and outside forces to be together, but who seem to somehow be fated.
Now despite the intoxicating Florence and Sicily settings which had me *this* close to booking a flight, this isn’t always an uplifting love story without heartache and tragedy - it’s complex and devastating at times (that ending 😭). I loved the complex family relationships which Kate explores so well, as well as loss and mental illness. It was such a finely balanced novel, with lots of darkness but also the beauty of art, food, music and of course, love! I absolutely adored it and can’t wait to read more from Kate now 🥰
January 7, 2024
This book is a MASTERPIECE. I found this book by chance and I’m glad I bought it. First of all, I travelled all along Gus and Tess in this book and it was a pleasure to discover Italy through Kate Eberlen’s descriptive words. 🥹🥹
Secondly this book made smile, cry and laugh at the same time. This story is beautiful yet heartbreaking. You see how complicated love can be in different ways and I love it. I think it’s one of those few books that makes you realise how blessed you are when you receive love from the people you care the most about in your life 🥹🥹 We take it too much for granted unfortunately 🥺🥺
In other words, read this book, feel this book and start enjoying the little things and the little moments with your dear ones 🫶🏿
Secondly this book made smile, cry and laugh at the same time. This story is beautiful yet heartbreaking. You see how complicated love can be in different ways and I love it. I think it’s one of those few books that makes you realise how blessed you are when you receive love from the people you care the most about in your life 🥹🥹 We take it too much for granted unfortunately 🥺🥺
In other words, read this book, feel this book and start enjoying the little things and the little moments with your dear ones 🫶🏿
October 1, 2024
(4.5/5) - Be warned if you expect a sweet romance, it is not!
This was a really good read, the audiobook narrators are good, they make the story come to life!
This book is about the ups and downs of life, about trying to make a relationship work while dealing with heavy topics such as: mental health, depression, cancer, grief.
All these topics are treated with care. The writing is beautiful and accurate.
It made me sad and happy, just like life itself.
(I would have loved for the last chapter not to happen if I may be honest... it was a lot to take after 400 pages of sadness / happiness, struggling, and love)
This was a really good read, the audiobook narrators are good, they make the story come to life!
This book is about the ups and downs of life, about trying to make a relationship work while dealing with heavy topics such as: mental health, depression, cancer, grief.
All these topics are treated with care. The writing is beautiful and accurate.
It made me sad and happy, just like life itself.
(I would have loved for the last chapter not to happen if I may be honest... it was a lot to take after 400 pages of sadness / happiness, struggling, and love)
April 25, 2024
Meeting back up with Tess & Gus who first came together in Miss You, back in about 2016.
A chance meeting in italy & their relationship takes off again, once more with obstacles in their way, work, marriage & kids - Gus is married but separated with two young girls & Tess is recovering after cancer treatment.
It’s a book about people,life, heartbreak but also hope & love.
Really enjoyed this follow up to Miss You but could easily be read as a stand alone.
4.5 stars
A chance meeting in italy & their relationship takes off again, once more with obstacles in their way, work, marriage & kids - Gus is married but separated with two young girls & Tess is recovering after cancer treatment.
It’s a book about people,life, heartbreak but also hope & love.
Really enjoyed this follow up to Miss You but could easily be read as a stand alone.
4.5 stars
September 6, 2023
Brilliant book that felt like the perfect conclusion to Tess & Gus’s story… right up until the last chapter. Sadly I’m left with the impression it wasn’t a happy one but I’m glad we got to hear the rest of their story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2025
Well written book about fate, love and how unfair life can be. Loved the realistic outlook on romance and love.
July 31, 2023
Enjoyed the story but disappointed by medical and other inaccuracies.
June 19, 2023
After kindly receiving the ARC on #NetGalley, I was excited to get reading 'Ever After' by Kate Eberlen.
To be honest, I struggled to get into it to begin with. But the further I got, the more I started to appreciate it. The story of Tess & Gus was beautiful, unexpected & deep.
This book was a true mixture of happiness & heartbreak & showing that relationships are never simple, they are complex & wonderful & sad & uplifting & a whole host of other things, all rolled into one.
'Ever After' is due to be published on 6th July 2023 & it will certainly make for a lovely summertime read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Eberlen & Orion Publishing Group for allowing me to read & review the ARC of 'Ever After'; all views are honest & my own.
To be honest, I struggled to get into it to begin with. But the further I got, the more I started to appreciate it. The story of Tess & Gus was beautiful, unexpected & deep.
This book was a true mixture of happiness & heartbreak & showing that relationships are never simple, they are complex & wonderful & sad & uplifting & a whole host of other things, all rolled into one.
'Ever After' is due to be published on 6th July 2023 & it will certainly make for a lovely summertime read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Eberlen & Orion Publishing Group for allowing me to read & review the ARC of 'Ever After'; all views are honest & my own.
August 6, 2023
Such a good book, and so joyful and uplifting and so heartfelt I also think it’s very relatable 💛 I loved it so much 💗
October 4, 2025
Ich muss ehrlich sagen: dieses Buch hat mich massiv überrascht. Es ist kein typisches TamTam-Liebesbuch, wo alles ständig perfekt läuft oder übertrieben dramatisch ist. Es ist einfach bodenständig, echt und erzählt auf ruhige, manchmal fast schon langsame Art – aber genau das macht’s so besonders. 💭
Klar, an ein paar Stellen hab ich mir gedacht: Okay, das zieht sich jetzt ein bisschen – aber ich konnte es trotzdem nicht aus der Hand legen. Ich weiß nicht mal warum. Es war einfach dieses Gefühl, dass man drinbleibt, weil sich alles so realistisch anfühlt. Keine überzogenen Charaktere, keine unrealistische Lovestory – einfach zwei Menschen, die ihren Weg gehen, mit allen Fehlern, Zweifeln und kleinen Momenten dazwischen. ✨
Und dann dieses Ende … oh man. Das hat mich richtig zerrissen. 🥺
Ich hab echt ein paar Tränen verdrückt, weil die Geschichte einen einfach emotional komplett mitnimmt.
Kurz und knapp: eine unglaublich schöne und prägende Geschichte 😮💨
Klar, an ein paar Stellen hab ich mir gedacht: Okay, das zieht sich jetzt ein bisschen – aber ich konnte es trotzdem nicht aus der Hand legen. Ich weiß nicht mal warum. Es war einfach dieses Gefühl, dass man drinbleibt, weil sich alles so realistisch anfühlt. Keine überzogenen Charaktere, keine unrealistische Lovestory – einfach zwei Menschen, die ihren Weg gehen, mit allen Fehlern, Zweifeln und kleinen Momenten dazwischen. ✨
Und dann dieses Ende … oh man. Das hat mich richtig zerrissen. 🥺
Ich hab echt ein paar Tränen verdrückt, weil die Geschichte einen einfach emotional komplett mitnimmt.
Kurz und knapp: eine unglaublich schöne und prägende Geschichte 😮💨
July 12, 2023
Ever After is such a beautiful story, but be prepared to have your heart broken more than once.
Tess and Gus have crossed paths so many times in their lives but its not until 2013 that they finally speak. Their connection is instantaneous and felt authentic. They fell deeply in love, but this didn't mean there weren't massive obstacles they sometimes didn't manage to overcome. The way the author writes about conflicting emotions, and adversity is so well crafted that you can't help but feel the same emotions the characters are feeling.
No doubt there is a lot of sadness in Ever After. But it's also a book that implores us to be in the present, to love wholeheartedly and also that while we may not have ever after, we can still have happily.
Tess and Gus have crossed paths so many times in their lives but its not until 2013 that they finally speak. Their connection is instantaneous and felt authentic. They fell deeply in love, but this didn't mean there weren't massive obstacles they sometimes didn't manage to overcome. The way the author writes about conflicting emotions, and adversity is so well crafted that you can't help but feel the same emotions the characters are feeling.
No doubt there is a lot of sadness in Ever After. But it's also a book that implores us to be in the present, to love wholeheartedly and also that while we may not have ever after, we can still have happily.
February 6, 2024
I was not aware that this was a sequel until the very end, having not read (or heard of) Miss You. Even a reference part way through the novel didn't click it with me (I just thought it was the author being a bit meta).
I think if I had, I may have enjoyed this more. As it was, I felt like I had been dropped into a world where I was expected to know everyone and what drives them (in retrospect, maybe that should have been a hint to it being a sequel, I just thought it was the Author's choice of showing rather than telling!) Instead it was mostly quite a sad read, and without that back story, I struggled to find any affinity for either character, despite many things I feel like I should have been sympathetic towards them for.
I think if I had, I may have enjoyed this more. As it was, I felt like I had been dropped into a world where I was expected to know everyone and what drives them (in retrospect, maybe that should have been a hint to it being a sequel, I just thought it was the Author's choice of showing rather than telling!) Instead it was mostly quite a sad read, and without that back story, I struggled to find any affinity for either character, despite many things I feel like I should have been sympathetic towards them for.
July 30, 2023
Emotional romantic read.
Falling love is just the beginning. Despite all that goes wrong - illness and family issues, it is obvious there is a deep love between the two main characters - Tess and Gus and that fate brought them together.
Loved the location setting of Italy which added to the emotion of the book.
Felt the author dealt with all the serious topics within the book sympathically, making it more than just your average love story, showing that relationships are never simple and straightforward.
A perfect holiday read.
Thanks @kateeberlen @orionpublishing & @netgalley for the eARC
Falling love is just the beginning. Despite all that goes wrong - illness and family issues, it is obvious there is a deep love between the two main characters - Tess and Gus and that fate brought them together.
Loved the location setting of Italy which added to the emotion of the book.
Felt the author dealt with all the serious topics within the book sympathically, making it more than just your average love story, showing that relationships are never simple and straightforward.
A perfect holiday read.
Thanks @kateeberlen @orionpublishing & @netgalley for the eARC
September 6, 2024
Foi um bom mergulho de volta novamente a história de amor de Tess e Gus desta vez de volta as vidas normais de cada um deles e com todo o passado difícil que inclui ex mulher, filhas, melhor amiga complicada, irmã com espectro, pai alcóolico, divórcio ou seja toda uma panóplia de temas controversos a juntar a remissão de cancro de Tess, a depressão de Gus e um amor por Itália sempre presente mas que nunca conseguem concretizar de todo.
Passamos por várias fases do casal, juntos, separados, novamente juntos ao longo de vários anos incluindo uma pandemia o que acaba por tornar a narrativa interessante porque nunca sabemos de vão ficar juntos porque há sempre algo a impedir o felizes para sempre. Tem um final atípico para mim, não estava a espera de algo meio aberto, foi uma boa leitura.
Passamos por várias fases do casal, juntos, separados, novamente juntos ao longo de vários anos incluindo uma pandemia o que acaba por tornar a narrativa interessante porque nunca sabemos de vão ficar juntos porque há sempre algo a impedir o felizes para sempre. Tem um final atípico para mim, não estava a espera de algo meio aberto, foi uma boa leitura.
July 2, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. This book holds a true mix of emotions from absolute happiness to absolute heartbreak. It is definitely more than just your average love story! It deals with a lot of serious topics including depression and mental health. I was not expecting this book to be so deep and interesting so I was pleasantly surprised and impressed at how well the author dealt with complicated relationship dynamics. A fabulous read which I will definitely be recommending. A high 4 stars from me.
September 1, 2023
Good. Sequel to Miss You. Loved returning to the characters as you got to go further into their story. Even though at times I felt like this was a sequel that wasn't needed as it felt like filler and mundane but in a way this is the beauty of the book as it shows what happens after a whirlwind romance when the shine goes off. Also I got the feeling towards the end that it was also a bit autobiographical.
December 27, 2024
Blev så glad när jag hittade denna bok då jag precis hade läst om del 1. Den här boken tar vid där första delen slutar. Boken är verkligen stark och lyckas verkligen beröra många olika tuffa ämnen förutom en fantastisk kärlekshistoria. Psykisk ohälsa, cancer, alkoholism sam aspergers syndrom är några av ämnena. Det känns som att boken även behöver en del 3. För helt klart vill man veta mer om denna fantastiska historias fortsättning.
January 19, 2024
Os encontros e desencontros de Tess e Gus, ao longo dos anos, até que finalmente se conhecem e apaixonam.
O ponto de partida é excelente e promete, mas a verdade é que não cumpre.
E não é pela história, é porque tudo o que existe para ocorrer de depressivo, tem lugar.
Não é um mau livro mas não é para mim.
O ponto de partida é excelente e promete, mas a verdade é que não cumpre.
E não é pela história, é porque tudo o que existe para ocorrer de depressivo, tem lugar.
Não é um mau livro mas não é para mim.
July 13, 2023
I absolutely loved this book a beautiful story but my heart it was nice to catch up with Tess and Gus again I loved Miss you so didn't know what to expect but this one didn't disappoint I actually loved this one more easy 5 stars
June 11, 2023
I’ve waited years to find out what happened next to Tess and Gus - and it really didn’t disappoint!
September 16, 2023
3.5 stars
September 18, 2023
I didn’t love this as much as the first one… pretty sad and the ending felt rushed.
February 7, 2024
Odeio a mãe dele!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
4.5 stars ✨
April 19, 2024
Easy romantic read
Wish I had a summary of Miss You . Enjoyed the 2 handed charcters telling the story. What happens next?
Wish I had a summary of Miss You . Enjoyed the 2 handed charcters telling the story. What happens next?
September 11, 2024
A long book that focuses on the characters' lives, feelings and relationships.
June 27, 2025
Loved Ever After. What a lovely second instalment for Tess and Gus, triumphant against all odds. Real and vulnerable characters you can cheer for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews