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A World Without You
Five years ago, Olivia Baker was snowed in and stranded in a small town, unable to make it back to the city for Christmas. Five days later, she broke up with her corporate boyfriend in Seattle and made the rash decision to stay in the small town, promising to save the local paper and fall in love with the rugged country boy who knew how to sling an ax and make her weak in the knees.
Now, five years later, she’s miserable signing divorce papers and wanting back the life she had before that Christmas. But when she goes to sleep at night, a new world wakes up, and she gets to learn what would happen if she lived in a world with the man whose heart she broke five years ago on Christmas Eve.
Armed with her beloved camera, her childhood friend, Bennett Holland, and glimpses of what could have been, Olivia has to wade through the Christmas season as she rediscovers herself and rectifies a love she’s been missing for years. But as it starts to fall apart in the parallel universe, Olivia has to realize if they were never meant to be or simply meant for a second chance in a different world.
Now, five years later, she’s miserable signing divorce papers and wanting back the life she had before that Christmas. But when she goes to sleep at night, a new world wakes up, and she gets to learn what would happen if she lived in a world with the man whose heart she broke five years ago on Christmas Eve.
Armed with her beloved camera, her childhood friend, Bennett Holland, and glimpses of what could have been, Olivia has to wade through the Christmas season as she rediscovers herself and rectifies a love she’s been missing for years. But as it starts to fall apart in the parallel universe, Olivia has to realize if they were never meant to be or simply meant for a second chance in a different world.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2023
83 people are currently reading
1730 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Moss
11 books492 followersCaitlin Moss is the author of swoony romance books that give you all the feels.
She is a writer turned stay-at-home-mom turned author and currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three children, and two golden doodles.
Instagram: @caitlinmossauthor
Tiktok: @caitlinmosswrites
Threads: @caitlinmossauthor
https://linktr.ee/caitlinmoss
She is a writer turned stay-at-home-mom turned author and currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three children, and two golden doodles.
Instagram: @caitlinmossauthor
Tiktok: @caitlinmosswrites
Threads: @caitlinmossauthor
https://linktr.ee/caitlinmoss
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
December 5, 2023
i binged this in 24 hours! it was probably one of the more addicting Holiday books i’ve read. it had a very unique spin on those Hallmark holiday tropes (big town corporate girl gets stuck in a small town on Christmas during snowstorm with a hot small town man) that was so much fun to binge and certainly NOT as cheesy as the movies lol🤣🎄
this book is hallmark movie meets MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid. i’m always thinking about the “what if” plot… in real life and in books 😂 i love when authors explore that as it makes for such a fun story and makes you think. Caitlin Moss did such a great job fully building out both universes and making you root for/enjoy both (sometimes in these stories you really gravitate towards one plot/universe and don’t care as much about the other, but that wasn’t the case here for me!).
i could have used a bit more explanation on why the alternate universe/magical realism happened in dreams to tie that up a bit, but overall i enjoyed so much of this story!
i reaaaaally loved Bennett, the male MC. he was mature, charming, gave great advice and sounded like every girl’s wannabe guy best friend. turned…more?😏
what else to expect:
📚second chances—romance and general in life
📚friends to lovers
📚the best holiday vibes
📚growth and a “coming of age” almost from the MC
📚exploring the “what if” plot
📚genre bender—romance and alternate universe/magical realism
📚a perfect book for your holiday TBR!
this book is hallmark movie meets MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid. i’m always thinking about the “what if” plot… in real life and in books 😂 i love when authors explore that as it makes for such a fun story and makes you think. Caitlin Moss did such a great job fully building out both universes and making you root for/enjoy both (sometimes in these stories you really gravitate towards one plot/universe and don’t care as much about the other, but that wasn’t the case here for me!).
i could have used a bit more explanation on why the alternate universe/magical realism happened in dreams to tie that up a bit, but overall i enjoyed so much of this story!
i reaaaaally loved Bennett, the male MC. he was mature, charming, gave great advice and sounded like every girl’s wannabe guy best friend. turned…more?😏
what else to expect:
📚second chances—romance and general in life
📚friends to lovers
📚the best holiday vibes
📚growth and a “coming of age” almost from the MC
📚exploring the “what if” plot
📚genre bender—romance and alternate universe/magical realism
📚a perfect book for your holiday TBR!
November 13, 2023
Have you ever watched a cheesy Christmas movie where the heroine gets trapped in a small town for whatever reason, and by the end of the week she's broken off her engagement with her corporate hotshot fiancé and decided to stay in Nowhere, Nebraska, to live out the rest of her days, and wondered if, somewhere down the line--when the magic vanishes and the holidays are over--she regrets it?
(phew, talk about a run-on question)
Yeah, me too. This is that story.
I can't wait for you all to meet Olivia Baker and experience all the magic of Christmas... 🎄⛄️🎅
🎄Christmas magic
🎄parallel universe
🎄grumpy / sunshine
🎄single dad
🎄friends to lovers
🎄second chances
🎄🌶🌶 or 🌶🌶🌶
(phew, talk about a run-on question)
Yeah, me too. This is that story.
I can't wait for you all to meet Olivia Baker and experience all the magic of Christmas... 🎄⛄️🎅
🎄Christmas magic
🎄parallel universe
🎄grumpy / sunshine
🎄single dad
🎄friends to lovers
🎄second chances
🎄🌶🌶 or 🌶🌶🌶
December 12, 2023
I loved the concept behind this. It sort of felt like a continuation of a Hallmark movie. What happens to the woman who leaves her big-city life behind for the small-town hero? It was so unique!
Five years into a miserable marriage—and now a divorce—Olivia enters an alternate reality while asleep, one that shows her what life could have been. I'm a sucker for stories involving parallel worlds, and even though I knew who Olivia would end up with, this managed to keep me completely invested in both versions of her life.
With this being a love triangle (square?), I don't want to spoil the fun of the romance. It had the perfect touch of angst, and I appreciate that all three men were great in their own ways. Of course there is only one that can lead Olivia down a path of peace and happiness … and he was downright perfect. The playful banter—it was everything and more!
A hidden gem, without a doubt. I was glued, absolutely glued, to this story!
(heat level: 1-2 open door scenes, mild to moderate details)
Five years into a miserable marriage—and now a divorce—Olivia enters an alternate reality while asleep, one that shows her what life could have been. I'm a sucker for stories involving parallel worlds, and even though I knew who Olivia would end up with, this managed to keep me completely invested in both versions of her life.
With this being a love triangle (square?), I don't want to spoil the fun of the romance. It had the perfect touch of angst, and I appreciate that all three men were great in their own ways. Of course there is only one that can lead Olivia down a path of peace and happiness … and he was downright perfect. The playful banter—it was everything and more!
A hidden gem, without a doubt. I was glued, absolutely glued, to this story!
(heat level: 1-2 open door scenes, mild to moderate details)
November 1, 2023
A World Without You brings Christmas romance to another level, adding complexity and depth that is often missing. Olivia’s Christmas is not turning out the way she expected it, too—instead of spending a romantic Christmas with her long term boyfriend, she makes the decision to completely upend her life! Five years letter, she makes another difficult decision, and as she returns home for the holidays, a parallel universe is revealed to her, showing her what might have been. What follows is a fascinating journey as Olivia figures out what she needs to be happy, and maybe even who will be “the one” to share her life with. There are many ups and downs on her journey, and my heart was as conflicted as hers! Be sure to add this book to your holiday reading!
October 8, 2023
I love reading Caitlin’s Books! I couldn’t put this down! I needed to find who and what happened to all the characters!
November 1, 2023
Caitlin Moss is back with another great read, this time tackling the holiday + magical realism genres in addition to romance and contemporary fiction. A WORLD WITHOUT YOU doesn’t fall in the romance genre by itself, so it’s important to know that going in — and honestly, I think that’s why I loved it so much!
There’s definitely romance involved — it’s at the core of the plot after all. And there are a few romantic storylines you’ll follow. But to me, this story is more about our FMC, Olivia, and her growth arc — learning to love herself and accepting her past mistakes (that may not be “mistakes” after all), while forging a path forward and letting life unfold in ways she may not have originally anticipated.
This one has a MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid feel to it, and if you were around when I read that book in 2021, you may know I made it my entire personality. 😂 I love a book that examines choices, roads not taken, and how those choices and paths define our lives, so any time I am immersed in a story like this, I find myself going down a rabbit hole with the main character.
And of course, Caitlin expertly weaves in Christmas details in the Seattle/surrounding area setting, transporting you into that world and giving you the holiday cheer I know we all crave this time of year.
Thank you, Caitlin, for allowing me to read this one early! All thoughts are mine.
There’s definitely romance involved — it’s at the core of the plot after all. And there are a few romantic storylines you’ll follow. But to me, this story is more about our FMC, Olivia, and her growth arc — learning to love herself and accepting her past mistakes (that may not be “mistakes” after all), while forging a path forward and letting life unfold in ways she may not have originally anticipated.
This one has a MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid feel to it, and if you were around when I read that book in 2021, you may know I made it my entire personality. 😂 I love a book that examines choices, roads not taken, and how those choices and paths define our lives, so any time I am immersed in a story like this, I find myself going down a rabbit hole with the main character.
And of course, Caitlin expertly weaves in Christmas details in the Seattle/surrounding area setting, transporting you into that world and giving you the holiday cheer I know we all crave this time of year.
Thank you, Caitlin, for allowing me to read this one early! All thoughts are mine.
November 9, 2023
What a WONDERFUL story! I've never read a Christmas book before (I know, I know). But when I saw this was a parallel universe type of scenario I was sold, and I enjoyed it so so so much. This book reminds me of a Hallmark Christmas movie and it gave me all the seasonal feels mixed with Caitlin's "romotional" style.
I love how Caitlin explored the different scenarios of how Olivia's life might've turned out if different decisions had been made at the beginning of the story. It's a story that's full of life lessons and twists and turns and I couldn't get enough of it. From the start I was GLUED to the pages. I laughed, I got angry at Caitlin, and fell in love with a new book boyfriend. If you're looking for a cozy, holiday read with a twist, be sure to pick this one up. You won't regret it! Drama, laughs, and HEA guaranteed.
I love how Caitlin explored the different scenarios of how Olivia's life might've turned out if different decisions had been made at the beginning of the story. It's a story that's full of life lessons and twists and turns and I couldn't get enough of it. From the start I was GLUED to the pages. I laughed, I got angry at Caitlin, and fell in love with a new book boyfriend. If you're looking for a cozy, holiday read with a twist, be sure to pick this one up. You won't regret it! Drama, laughs, and HEA guaranteed.
April 23, 2025
4.75 ⭐
I had the opportunity to receive this book as an ARC, the synopsis captures the gist of the story very well.
If you are looking for: christmas vibes, second chance romance, friends to lovers and parallel universe this book is for you.
Without spoilers so you can enjoy the reading here is my review:
It's the first time I read a book with a parallel universe + xmas vibes and I really liked how Caitlin shows us both scenarios and makes you think about the "what if?", the development of her characters and the atmosphere wow I was imagining a movie in my head the whole time. I guarantee it is super easy and quick to read. It hooks you from the beginning and you just want to read more and more, if you get the chance to read it you won't regret it.
Thank you very much Caitlin for the ARC 🥰
I had the opportunity to receive this book as an ARC, the synopsis captures the gist of the story very well.
If you are looking for: christmas vibes, second chance romance, friends to lovers and parallel universe this book is for you.
Without spoilers so you can enjoy the reading here is my review:
It's the first time I read a book with a parallel universe + xmas vibes and I really liked how Caitlin shows us both scenarios and makes you think about the "what if?", the development of her characters and the atmosphere wow I was imagining a movie in my head the whole time. I guarantee it is super easy and quick to read. It hooks you from the beginning and you just want to read more and more, if you get the chance to read it you won't regret it.
Thank you very much Caitlin for the ARC 🥰
December 21, 2025
4.5⭐️
i read a summer without you earlier this year and loved it. i got this book last year and i tend to not read the blurbs before i dive into my books so i saw "graham" and went WAIT A MINUTE before realizing this is partially graham's backstory.
i loved the exploration of the "what if?" scenario of olivia's life. what if olivia never broke up with colin on christmas eve? what if they stayed together and got married like she thought they would? but also what if she just moved on after her divorce? WHAT IF??? there were so many layers to this story that involved both colin and graham. this was olivia's redemption story for herself, because maybe this time, she gets it right.
i typically don't read within the seasons but i was going through all the books i own and still haven't read and i knew based on the cover i had to fit it in during the holiday season and i'm so glad i did. i'm convinced that if caitlin weren't an author, she'd be a screenwriter because i swear i'm watching a movie with her books.
i read a summer without you earlier this year and loved it. i got this book last year and i tend to not read the blurbs before i dive into my books so i saw "graham" and went WAIT A MINUTE before realizing this is partially graham's backstory.
i loved the exploration of the "what if?" scenario of olivia's life. what if olivia never broke up with colin on christmas eve? what if they stayed together and got married like she thought they would? but also what if she just moved on after her divorce? WHAT IF??? there were so many layers to this story that involved both colin and graham. this was olivia's redemption story for herself, because maybe this time, she gets it right.
i typically don't read within the seasons but i was going through all the books i own and still haven't read and i knew based on the cover i had to fit it in during the holiday season and i'm so glad i did. i'm convinced that if caitlin weren't an author, she'd be a screenwriter because i swear i'm watching a movie with her books.
November 10, 2023
You know when you have a favourite author, and they’re a favourite for a reason, but there’s a bit of time between reading one of their books and you almost forget how really good they are?
That’s what happened to me.
Author Caitlin Moss has been a favourite of mine ever since I first read Sixteen Summers!
She’s got a way with words that speaks to my brain, captures my heart, and takes over my psyche.
And although she has a few books already, I have paced reading them, rather than reading them one after another. And every time I read another one it happens all over again, my brain and heart is hooked again and I remember why she’s a favorite!
I was given the honour and opportunity to read an ARC of her latest book, A World Without You, coming out on Nov 1, 2023.
🤯
And now that I’ve read it, over the course of an evening and the next day, yet again, I’m reminded that this author has an absolute God-given talent and I’m so thankful she shares it with us!
This book had an amazing story to it, took me on a journey, yet again, that I wasn’t expecting to go on.
Both emotionally and entertainment-wise.
So much good that I don’t even know where to begin with my feedback!
It is a book that hits all the checkmarks!
It sucks you in, makes you think, but still lets you escape, hooks your heart and you never want it to end, but yet you desperately need to get to the end so you know what happens.
It takes you through every emotion, so satisfying!
I read this book blind, didn’t know what it was going to be about. And I’m glad I did!
Do yourself a favor, read this book! And honestly, all of her books!
Thank you to author Caitlin Moss the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Charlene Keller @lastnownext 📚🌸🤗
That’s what happened to me.
Author Caitlin Moss has been a favourite of mine ever since I first read Sixteen Summers!
She’s got a way with words that speaks to my brain, captures my heart, and takes over my psyche.
And although she has a few books already, I have paced reading them, rather than reading them one after another. And every time I read another one it happens all over again, my brain and heart is hooked again and I remember why she’s a favorite!
I was given the honour and opportunity to read an ARC of her latest book, A World Without You, coming out on Nov 1, 2023.
🤯
And now that I’ve read it, over the course of an evening and the next day, yet again, I’m reminded that this author has an absolute God-given talent and I’m so thankful she shares it with us!
This book had an amazing story to it, took me on a journey, yet again, that I wasn’t expecting to go on.
Both emotionally and entertainment-wise.
So much good that I don’t even know where to begin with my feedback!
It is a book that hits all the checkmarks!
It sucks you in, makes you think, but still lets you escape, hooks your heart and you never want it to end, but yet you desperately need to get to the end so you know what happens.
It takes you through every emotion, so satisfying!
I read this book blind, didn’t know what it was going to be about. And I’m glad I did!
Do yourself a favor, read this book! And honestly, all of her books!
Thank you to author Caitlin Moss the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Charlene Keller @lastnownext 📚🌸🤗
October 15, 2023
Caitlin Moss has done it again! And, in a book the brings together two of my favorite worlds….hallmark Christmas movies and a great book. 😍
Olivia find herself in the middle of a Hallmark movie plot and falls in love in a snowy, mountain town. Fast forward 5 years and Olivia finds herself miserable and wishing she had her old life and love back.
This story was so well done. I loved the way Moss paired reality and Olivia’s dreams. It was so seamless and not just a story of love but one of redemption, forgiveness, and friendship. It was a reminder to let go of what was or could’ve been and focus for what might be and the days ahead.
I also met my newest book boyfriend and will be crossing my fingers for a second book so I can see what happens next for these love birds.
A World Without You comes out on November 1, make sure you pre order so you can kick off your holiday with Bennett, Olivia, Graham and Collin.
Olivia find herself in the middle of a Hallmark movie plot and falls in love in a snowy, mountain town. Fast forward 5 years and Olivia finds herself miserable and wishing she had her old life and love back.
This story was so well done. I loved the way Moss paired reality and Olivia’s dreams. It was so seamless and not just a story of love but one of redemption, forgiveness, and friendship. It was a reminder to let go of what was or could’ve been and focus for what might be and the days ahead.
I also met my newest book boyfriend and will be crossing my fingers for a second book so I can see what happens next for these love birds.
A World Without You comes out on November 1, make sure you pre order so you can kick off your holiday with Bennett, Olivia, Graham and Collin.
October 16, 2023
I love a good holiday love story, and don’t even mind when they follow the hallmark way. But this story brings a new twist by taking us on a journey through what happens after the traditional holiday trope. Does the city girl ever leave the small town and go back to the old life? What if she never went through with it in the first place?! How have we never explored this angle?! Brilliant! I was hooked right away, and devoured this book in a weekend. Perfect read this holiday season!
November 10, 2023
Wow. This was absolute perfection. Loved it from start to finish. Great Christmastime read!
October 14, 2023
I was SO SO excited to receive this book early as my very first ARC from Caitlin Moss!! I have adored all of her books, but this one really had me in all the feels of Christmas and the what-might-have-beens. This book was so unique with flipping back and forth in dream sequences, I just couldn't wait to see what happened to our main character Olivia. And it had me guessing which reality was real until the very end. Be sure and pick this up as soon as it comes out!! Pub date Nov 1st. Thank you Caitlin Moss, please keep writing forever and ever🥰
November 2, 2023
Is this my new favorite book by Caitlin Moss. Yes, it is! This one was more of a romance vs. rom com but it was done very sensitively and with a lot of depth. She writes such realistic characters that are so well fleshed out. The sensitivity to tough themes was done so tasetefully. I will re read this one closer to the holidays because it was so nostalgic with such a magical atmosphere. Add this to your TBR!
October 25, 2023
A World Without You By Caitlin Moss
My rating:
5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Olivia, recently divorced decides to move back to her hometown to start over. When she returns home, she realizes that she is still in love with her ex, Colin. What she didn’t expect along the way was for her to have dreams that feel like reality where she is living a completely different life and has to put all the pieces together.
I absolutely loved this one! This was my 5th book I have read by Caitlin Moss and I truly feel like they just keep getting better and better! This was a perfect mix of life lessons, comedy, spice and swoony men. I feel a serious book hangover already and need more of these characters in my life!
I highly recommend you read this one during this upcoming holiday season. It has me so excited for the holidays! 🎄🎅🏼
Read if you like:
👩❤️👨 friends to lovers
😘 second chance romance
🔮 parallel universe
👨 single dad
Thank you so much Caitlin for the ARC! You can read this one when it is published on November 1st!
#aworldwithoutyou #arcreview #caitlinmoss #holidaybooks #bookstagram #bookrecs #bookreview
My rating:
5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Olivia, recently divorced decides to move back to her hometown to start over. When she returns home, she realizes that she is still in love with her ex, Colin. What she didn’t expect along the way was for her to have dreams that feel like reality where she is living a completely different life and has to put all the pieces together.
I absolutely loved this one! This was my 5th book I have read by Caitlin Moss and I truly feel like they just keep getting better and better! This was a perfect mix of life lessons, comedy, spice and swoony men. I feel a serious book hangover already and need more of these characters in my life!
I highly recommend you read this one during this upcoming holiday season. It has me so excited for the holidays! 🎄🎅🏼
Read if you like:
👩❤️👨 friends to lovers
😘 second chance romance
🔮 parallel universe
👨 single dad
Thank you so much Caitlin for the ARC! You can read this one when it is published on November 1st!
#aworldwithoutyou #arcreview #caitlinmoss #holidaybooks #bookstagram #bookrecs #bookreview
November 1, 2023
At Christmas Olivia finds herself stranded in a small town unable to make it back home to her successful, handsome boyfriend. Hurt and confused, she makes the split second decision to break up with him and stay in Roslyn with a man she met a few days earlier. Five years later she is divorcing that small town guy and is back in Seattle in her childhood home, in her childhood bed. Over the next few weeks she dreams of her life’s choices and wonders if she made the right decision all those years before. With her long time best friend, Bennett, by her side she tries to figure out how to live with regret and figure out her future. Life will take her in unexpected places where she will uncover unexpected feelings she never knew she had.
I love Caitlin’s writing style and I will read anything she writes! I love a good Christmas book with some drama and romance, and this one delivered! Your next book boyfriend is here too! 😉
Here’s what you’ll find:
Lost love
Alternate reality/parallel universe
Holiday vibes
Friends to lovers
Single dad
Grumpy/sunshine
Snowy days
I love Caitlin’s writing style and I will read anything she writes! I love a good Christmas book with some drama and romance, and this one delivered! Your next book boyfriend is here too! 😉
Here’s what you’ll find:
Lost love
Alternate reality/parallel universe
Holiday vibes
Friends to lovers
Single dad
Grumpy/sunshine
Snowy days
December 27, 2023
”i would let you ruin my life.” ♡₊˚
sadly this one wasn’t for me 🤧 i thought the concept was very interesting, but the execution was not there. i kind of hated the main character- i thought she was selfish and pretty immature for most of the novel. i didn’t really feel the romantic vibes between her and bennett, either. their relationship felt more sibling-ly than romantic. it was also kind of boring? i feel like not a lot happened in this, tbh. idk, i wish i had enjoyed this one more!
sadly this one wasn’t for me 🤧 i thought the concept was very interesting, but the execution was not there. i kind of hated the main character- i thought she was selfish and pretty immature for most of the novel. i didn’t really feel the romantic vibes between her and bennett, either. their relationship felt more sibling-ly than romantic. it was also kind of boring? i feel like not a lot happened in this, tbh. idk, i wish i had enjoyed this one more!
November 7, 2023
I'm a sucker for a Hallmark movie so I was thrilled going into this book about what happens after they fall in love and get married. I loved the twists and the small cliff hangers at the end of each chapter made me want to keep reading. Caitlin Moss did not disappoint with her newest book. Definitely add this one to your list. Happy Holidays!
October 11, 2023
Ok. First, if I’m being honest I’m not the biggest fan of Christmas, Christmas love stories, or Hallmark movies. I always feel like the stories are always predictable and have this fake sweetness that leaves an aftertaste like Splenda.
BUT… A World Without You was none of those things… except for being Christmas-themed and it could totally be made into a Hallmark movie, lol. The characters had depth and I’ll tell you, that is what I like most about Caitlin Moss’ depiction of her characters in every book she writes. I always feel a connection to the characters, as if I’m sharing their story, because I feel I know them well enough to be invested.
In this story, Olivia shares her relationships of present-turned-past, past, and future-turned-present; but all wrapped up into one seamless telling. Like a Christmas Carol; but completely different. Maybe it’s a little science-fictiony (not a word, I know), but it doesn’t read as out-of-this-world, could-absolutely-never-happen, fantasy. I like that.
As it happens, I don’t read fantasy, either.
I’m your run-of-the-mill, just keep it real, kind of reader. This ticked the boxes.
•Romance ☑️
•Humour ☑️
•Relatable characters ☑️
•Frustration ☑️ (are you with me? I want to feel frustrated at characters sometimes; and not just the antagonists)
•Fun read ☑️
Definitely get this on your TBR list, pre-order, ask for it as a gift - and give it as a gift! You’re gonna laugh, roll your eyes at their humanness (as an outsider looking in, but don’t lie, you probably made some of those same comments… or at least thought them), and maybe even shed a tear.
BUT… A World Without You was none of those things… except for being Christmas-themed and it could totally be made into a Hallmark movie, lol. The characters had depth and I’ll tell you, that is what I like most about Caitlin Moss’ depiction of her characters in every book she writes. I always feel a connection to the characters, as if I’m sharing their story, because I feel I know them well enough to be invested.
In this story, Olivia shares her relationships of present-turned-past, past, and future-turned-present; but all wrapped up into one seamless telling. Like a Christmas Carol; but completely different. Maybe it’s a little science-fictiony (not a word, I know), but it doesn’t read as out-of-this-world, could-absolutely-never-happen, fantasy. I like that.
As it happens, I don’t read fantasy, either.
I’m your run-of-the-mill, just keep it real, kind of reader. This ticked the boxes.
•Romance ☑️
•Humour ☑️
•Relatable characters ☑️
•Frustration ☑️ (are you with me? I want to feel frustrated at characters sometimes; and not just the antagonists)
•Fun read ☑️
Definitely get this on your TBR list, pre-order, ask for it as a gift - and give it as a gift! You’re gonna laugh, roll your eyes at their humanness (as an outsider looking in, but don’t lie, you probably made some of those same comments… or at least thought them), and maybe even shed a tear.
October 10, 2023
ARC REVIEW
But without his forgiveness, I know I live with this regret.
This is my second book by Caitlin Moss and my second 5 star book. It definitely didn’t disappoint.
I was hooked from the start. This is a very different take on a Christmas love story and I loved every minute of it. It happens in reverse and it’s so fun to watch everything unfold. The FMC is a city girl who moves small town leaving her relationship of almost 8 years thinking she’s finding love but it doesn’t pan out the way she planned. Newly divorced and heart broken starting over after feeling like she isn’t enough and failed at being a wife she moves back home to start over. Taking a temp job that re connects with her ex she moved to the country for. She’s full of regrets and heart break and tired of hurting others and has to totally re find herself and give herself the forgiveness she deserves. AND SHE CAN OPEN HER OWN DAMN PICKLE JARS. (Love a girl that loves pickles and pickle back shots 😉)
This book totally blew my expeditions out of the water. It was a re connection with Christmas, full of laughs.
“Regret does that. You start to wonder about all the almost, the could have been, which is actually quite terrible for your mental health because you can’t live with what if. You can’t live in the past. You have to keep at your life today and decide what you’ll do moving forward”
October 31, 2023
This is my second book by @caitlinmossauthor and I am so lucky to have been able to read this one early! She knows how to write a romance book and this one was so unique! I cannot imagine being stuck between two timelines and not know which one is meant for you. But A World Without You is definitely a story about fate and love. Olivia is lost and struggling to find her place but Bennett is steadfast and an amazing friend. The story is precious and the most perfect holiday story. This one felt like three stories in one and I thought it was very well done. I cannot wait to read more by Caitlin 💕
October 12, 2023
Imagine making a Hallmark movie worthy decision to leave your life in the big city just to learn it was the wrong one. Now imagine you had it all to do over again.
This plot is BRILLIANT. I’m a sucker for alternate reality narratives and Moss nailed the delivery on this one! My favorite thing about Moss’s love stories is that they have so much more to do with self-love than romantic love. You get plenty of romance, don’t get me wrong—and no shortage of suitable bachelors in this tender story—but Olivia’s personal journey is what really hooked me. She doesn’t just get a second chance at the love she threw away, but the life she left behind. She has the opportunity to choose, this time for the right reasons.
Turning the cheesy holiday tropes we hate to love on their head, Moss delivers yet another outstanding story with character depth, swoon worthy love interests, mixed feelings, and no shortage of emotion!
🎄 If you love holiday romance…heck, even if— or maybe especially if—you hate them, give this one a read!
This plot is BRILLIANT. I’m a sucker for alternate reality narratives and Moss nailed the delivery on this one! My favorite thing about Moss’s love stories is that they have so much more to do with self-love than romantic love. You get plenty of romance, don’t get me wrong—and no shortage of suitable bachelors in this tender story—but Olivia’s personal journey is what really hooked me. She doesn’t just get a second chance at the love she threw away, but the life she left behind. She has the opportunity to choose, this time for the right reasons.
Turning the cheesy holiday tropes we hate to love on their head, Moss delivers yet another outstanding story with character depth, swoon worthy love interests, mixed feelings, and no shortage of emotion!
🎄 If you love holiday romance…heck, even if— or maybe especially if—you hate them, give this one a read!
December 25, 2024
Gotta be honest, I didn't love this one. I'm usually a fan of what if/sliding door style romance stories but the fact that there were three potential love interests to choose from was a little much for me. I did like that small town vs city plot, the single dad romantic lead and the celiac disease rep. It was also good on audio but overall won't be one of my favorite holiday romance reads this year.
December 23, 2023
Caitlin has done it again, but with a holiday gem. Thank you for creating characters we fall in love with & truly get to know. I know I’m going to miss them now that I’ve finished reading. What a wonderful book to get you in the holiday spirit & yet another five stars for Caitlin.
Thank you for the arc, Caitlin 🫶🏼
Thank you for the arc, Caitlin 🫶🏼
December 20, 2024
Oh man did this one tug on my heart strings 🥹 this packed an emotional punch + felt soooo realistic! I loved Olivia; she was so relatable. the alternate realities were so fun to envision. 🫶🏻 I LOVE how the story ended and who Olivia ends up with, even if it did seem a tad predictable. while this one isn’t super Christmasy, it does give great winter vibes ❄️
November 1, 2023
ARC Review
A Christmas novel by Caitlin Moss, don’t mind if I do!
I’ve always been a fan of Caitlin’s. Her characters are so relatable; not to mention I love the local gems she puts in all of her novels.
I LOVE Christmas. I’ve already started the Hallmark movies-I’m a sucker… What happens after that happy ending though? Say 5 years down the road? Olivia Baker gave up her corporate life for her chance at a small town love story. It was great at first, but it wasn’t the forever she had hoped for. Does she still have a shot with her ex, is everything she thought she was missing out on these past 5 years going the be what she needs? Sometimes even that “what-if” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Perhaps the happy ending is with someone you’ve known since childhood that you never even considered.
Caitlin touches on that and more. Olivia’s journey was one of my favorites. I’m definitely in the holiday spirit after this one!
A Christmas novel by Caitlin Moss, don’t mind if I do!
I’ve always been a fan of Caitlin’s. Her characters are so relatable; not to mention I love the local gems she puts in all of her novels.
I LOVE Christmas. I’ve already started the Hallmark movies-I’m a sucker… What happens after that happy ending though? Say 5 years down the road? Olivia Baker gave up her corporate life for her chance at a small town love story. It was great at first, but it wasn’t the forever she had hoped for. Does she still have a shot with her ex, is everything she thought she was missing out on these past 5 years going the be what she needs? Sometimes even that “what-if” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Perhaps the happy ending is with someone you’ve known since childhood that you never even considered.
Caitlin touches on that and more. Olivia’s journey was one of my favorites. I’m definitely in the holiday spirit after this one!
October 31, 2023
I loved this book. It gripped my heart and didn't let go until I felt every emotion.
November 16, 2023
500 million stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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