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The Last Days of You and Me
They didn’t know – when Winter gave way to Spring that year – that their lives were all about to change…Marnie didn’t realise – when she stormed into a bookshop one day, demanding a self-help book – that she was about to make a new best friend.Bookshop-owner Rae didn’t know she had been living like a shadow since her parents died. But then Marnie exploded into her life. And suddenly she realised things had to change… more so when she meets handsome nurse, Jack.And when Forrest’s life is turned upside down by a fatal car crash, he knew he was being given a second chance, but didn’t know why. He thinks Marnie might just be the woman he’s destined to be with. But – as she discovers that she has an illness she may never recover from – what if it’s too late for them?Can it ever be too late though? To make friendships that change everything. To grow, to change, to start again. Even – for two unlikely new best friends to find love at last…?The Last Days of You and Me is a heartbreaking, uplifting, magical story about friendship, love and above all what it means to truly live. Perfect for fans of Me Before You, Love Actually and One Day.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published January 29, 2024
458 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Howells
41 books747 followersDebbie self-published three women's fiction novels before writing The Bones of You, her first psychological thriller. It was a Sunday Times bestseller and selected for the Richard and Judy book club.
Since, she was written The Beauty of the End, The Death of Her, Her Sister's Lie, the e-book bestseller The Vow, and her latest, The Secret.
Her women's fiction novel, The Life You Left Behind will be published on 23rd February.
Follow her on Facebook at Debbie Howells writer and on Instagram @_debbiehowells.
Since, she was written The Beauty of the End, The Death of Her, Her Sister's Lie, the e-book bestseller The Vow, and her latest, The Secret.
Her women's fiction novel, The Life You Left Behind will be published on 23rd February.
Follow her on Facebook at Debbie Howells writer and on Instagram @_debbiehowells.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 8, 2024
*A Whirlwind of Emotions*
**4.5 Stars**
This is a book about friendship, love, relationships and wake up calls. Four people meet for different reasons but a year will change everything.
Marnie - she has never known love and thinks it does not exist. she is brash, outspoken and brutally honest. She has travelled but needs something more in her life.
Rae - She owns a bookshop and has a knack of matching people with the right book. She has experienced tragedy and her now ex boyfriend left when she needed him the most. She is not living but is hiding behind her younger sister as an excuse not to get on with her life. Marnie walks into her shop and the two soon become firm friends.
Forrest - He is a lawyer and sadly he was involved in a fatal car crash. He crosses paths with Marnie and it does not go well. She thinks of him in many derogatory terms. She sees him again and is about to let rip when he comes across very humbly and he feels it is fate giving him a chance to be a better person. Marnie sees him in a different light. As they grow closer she has something to tell him. How will he react?
Jack - He is reeling from a failed relationship, he thought she was the one but she pulls the rug out from under his feet when she abruptly leaves him. He is a hospice nurse and is used to caring for people at the end of their life of all ages. Things change when he meets Rae.
This will be the year when everything changes for them all. At the end of the year they will all value life and grab hold of it in more ways than one. The course of the year and chain of events really touched my soul.
**4.5 Stars**
This is a book about friendship, love, relationships and wake up calls. Four people meet for different reasons but a year will change everything.
Marnie - she has never known love and thinks it does not exist. she is brash, outspoken and brutally honest. She has travelled but needs something more in her life.
Rae - She owns a bookshop and has a knack of matching people with the right book. She has experienced tragedy and her now ex boyfriend left when she needed him the most. She is not living but is hiding behind her younger sister as an excuse not to get on with her life. Marnie walks into her shop and the two soon become firm friends.
Forrest - He is a lawyer and sadly he was involved in a fatal car crash. He crosses paths with Marnie and it does not go well. She thinks of him in many derogatory terms. She sees him again and is about to let rip when he comes across very humbly and he feels it is fate giving him a chance to be a better person. Marnie sees him in a different light. As they grow closer she has something to tell him. How will he react?
Jack - He is reeling from a failed relationship, he thought she was the one but she pulls the rug out from under his feet when she abruptly leaves him. He is a hospice nurse and is used to caring for people at the end of their life of all ages. Things change when he meets Rae.
This will be the year when everything changes for them all. At the end of the year they will all value life and grab hold of it in more ways than one. The course of the year and chain of events really touched my soul.
August 23, 2024
A beautiful and poignant story, The Last Days Of You And Me sure tugs at heart strings. Told from multiple point of views, it's an emotional story of love, friendship, loss and life in all its beauty and fragility.
It's a touching and compassionate read and I really enjoyed it.
It's a touching and compassionate read and I really enjoyed it.
January 8, 2024
Another beautiful, thought provoking read from Debbie Howells, one of my ‘must read’ authors.
This is the poignant story of four young people: Marnie (a travel writer); Rae (a bookshop owner and guardian of Birdy, her younger sister); Jack (a hospice nurse) & Forrest (an arrogant solicitor) who are all facing life after a loss. The characters are crafted so well that each rises clearly from the pages as a fully formed individual.
The story is told from their alternating perspectives, which makes for fascinating reading, seeing how their lives begin to entwine and overlap. The sensitive subjects raised are handled with great care, understanding and compassion, whilst provoking thoughts about the transience of life and the importance of living it. Stop and listen to the birds, don’t wait - live.
It seems strange, in a book where death features so largely, that it is actually a life affirming read, covering the importance and enduring powers of love, friendship and belonging.
Debbie Howells has carefully crafted this plot so that it weaves and turns, fascinating me with the invisible connections reflecting the six degrees of separation in society.
An emotionally charged, empowering read! I was left dwelling on this book long after I finished reading and will certainly return to reread passages that particularly resonated. I definitely feel richer for having read it.
This is the poignant story of four young people: Marnie (a travel writer); Rae (a bookshop owner and guardian of Birdy, her younger sister); Jack (a hospice nurse) & Forrest (an arrogant solicitor) who are all facing life after a loss. The characters are crafted so well that each rises clearly from the pages as a fully formed individual.
The story is told from their alternating perspectives, which makes for fascinating reading, seeing how their lives begin to entwine and overlap. The sensitive subjects raised are handled with great care, understanding and compassion, whilst provoking thoughts about the transience of life and the importance of living it. Stop and listen to the birds, don’t wait - live.
It seems strange, in a book where death features so largely, that it is actually a life affirming read, covering the importance and enduring powers of love, friendship and belonging.
Debbie Howells has carefully crafted this plot so that it weaves and turns, fascinating me with the invisible connections reflecting the six degrees of separation in society.
An emotionally charged, empowering read! I was left dwelling on this book long after I finished reading and will certainly return to reread passages that particularly resonated. I definitely feel richer for having read it.
January 29, 2024
This was a touching story told from from four different points-of-view. There is Rae, the bookshop owner, Marnie, the travel writer, Forrest, the attorney, and Jack, the hospice nurse. The story winds all of their stories together throughout the timeframe of about one year in a small English village.
There is love, romance, tragedy, sickness, and even death in this tale but all are handled skillfully by the author and make this a work of hope and light, not darkness.
I highly recommend this story by author Howells.
I received this Digital Review Copy from Boldwood Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review. This is that review.
There is love, romance, tragedy, sickness, and even death in this tale but all are handled skillfully by the author and make this a work of hope and light, not darkness.
I highly recommend this story by author Howells.
I received this Digital Review Copy from Boldwood Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review. This is that review.
January 21, 2024
Digital ARC was provided by Netgalley and Boldwood Books
I might be the minority here because I didn't really enjoy TLDoYaM, which shame because it has a pretty and interesting synopsis. Marnie felt like a young adult character and from the first chapters, none of them were likeable (for me). I don't get why Marnie would give Forrest a chance or why would Rae befriend Marnie. The multiple first person pov didn't work since they all sounded the same. I don't really know how to put the book in term of genre. Sure, it isn't everything, but I felt mislead all the same. I guess it isn't for me.
I might be the minority here because I didn't really enjoy TLDoYaM, which shame because it has a pretty and interesting synopsis. Marnie felt like a young adult character and from the first chapters, none of them were likeable (for me). I don't get why Marnie would give Forrest a chance or why would Rae befriend Marnie. The multiple first person pov didn't work since they all sounded the same. I don't really know how to put the book in term of genre. Sure, it isn't everything, but I felt mislead all the same. I guess it isn't for me.
October 16, 2024
Emotional, life-affriming, tragic, heartwarming. A real rollercoaster of an emotional ride.
March 9, 2024
"The Last Days of You and Me," is the second novel I have read by Debbie Howells. Had it been my first, I might not have read the other one, so I am glad I read them in the order I did. This one was odd, and the ending was so bizarre that I am not quite sure what happened. It seemed to come out of nowhere, and left me thinking, in the words of The King of Siam (in "The King and I") that "It's a puzzlement!" I cannot explain what was so bizarre without giving away the ending. It was not believable to me, perhaps because I believe in things I can see, touch, hear, and in science. That is all I can say about the ending.
The novel is set in the present in a small town in England. The characters become (or are) connected in different ways, and several find their way to a bookshop owned by a woman named Rae, who has taken care of her younger sister since their parents died on a vacation. Rae has decided she will never travel, fearing she will suffer the same fate. Marnie wanders into Rae's shop one day, and the women become friends, which is important as Marnie fears something is wrong with her when odd symptoms appear. As she waits for the results of medical tests, Rae is there for her. At the same time, Marnie meets a man, Forest, an attorney whom she instantly dislikes, but later comes to know and care for deeply. With a devastating diagnosis and prognosis, she has to decide who to deal with what may soon happen to her, at far too young an age. Forest is supportive, and they seem to have a connection that is almost mystical. He tells her of a fatal crash in which his best friend is killed, and starts to have dreams where he has a different name, and the friend who died looks just like Marnie, but was named Laurie. Confused yet? All of this felt convoluted, and when I finished the book, I understood the reasons for those dreams, but I wanted to toss the book across the room in frustration (since I am a heathen of sorts). I was, however, listening to the audiobook, so there was nothing to toss unless I wanted to break my iPhone, and no book is worth breaking a phone!
Howells can write, and she creates warm, very real characters, but this book just felt to me as if it tried to hard. I would have preferred if it were more reality based in the final pages, so we could simply grieve where needed. I felt a bit cheated by an unrealistic ending.
The novel is set in the present in a small town in England. The characters become (or are) connected in different ways, and several find their way to a bookshop owned by a woman named Rae, who has taken care of her younger sister since their parents died on a vacation. Rae has decided she will never travel, fearing she will suffer the same fate. Marnie wanders into Rae's shop one day, and the women become friends, which is important as Marnie fears something is wrong with her when odd symptoms appear. As she waits for the results of medical tests, Rae is there for her. At the same time, Marnie meets a man, Forest, an attorney whom she instantly dislikes, but later comes to know and care for deeply. With a devastating diagnosis and prognosis, she has to decide who to deal with what may soon happen to her, at far too young an age. Forest is supportive, and they seem to have a connection that is almost mystical. He tells her of a fatal crash in which his best friend is killed, and starts to have dreams where he has a different name, and the friend who died looks just like Marnie, but was named Laurie. Confused yet? All of this felt convoluted, and when I finished the book, I understood the reasons for those dreams, but I wanted to toss the book across the room in frustration (since I am a heathen of sorts). I was, however, listening to the audiobook, so there was nothing to toss unless I wanted to break my iPhone, and no book is worth breaking a phone!
Howells can write, and she creates warm, very real characters, but this book just felt to me as if it tried to hard. I would have preferred if it were more reality based in the final pages, so we could simply grieve where needed. I felt a bit cheated by an unrealistic ending.
February 4, 2024
Debbie Howells - The Last Days Of You And Me.
In the sleepy town of Arundel, fate brings four strangers into each other’s lives. They are all very different characters, but as their worlds collide, their lives entwine forever.
As a result of these new relationships, all four learn to live, love and move on from their respective situations.
Anyone who takes the time to read any of my book reviews, (and thank you if you do) will know that generally I love most of the books that I read. But every now and again, a book comes along that firmly slaps me with a massive Wow! And that is just what #TheLastDaysOfYouAndMe did.
I loved the mix of characters. They all brought something different to the table, that when blended together created something quite special.
#TheLastDaysOfYouAndMe swept me away on an emotional journey of heartbreak, grief and loss. The story also hails the power of love and friendship.
This is a powerful, magical and quite simply beautiful read, that is written with care and tender sensitivity. You will undoubtedly be gripped from the start and will lose your heart to this wonderfully touching and bittersweet tale.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title.
In the sleepy town of Arundel, fate brings four strangers into each other’s lives. They are all very different characters, but as their worlds collide, their lives entwine forever.
As a result of these new relationships, all four learn to live, love and move on from their respective situations.
Anyone who takes the time to read any of my book reviews, (and thank you if you do) will know that generally I love most of the books that I read. But every now and again, a book comes along that firmly slaps me with a massive Wow! And that is just what #TheLastDaysOfYouAndMe did.
I loved the mix of characters. They all brought something different to the table, that when blended together created something quite special.
#TheLastDaysOfYouAndMe swept me away on an emotional journey of heartbreak, grief and loss. The story also hails the power of love and friendship.
This is a powerful, magical and quite simply beautiful read, that is written with care and tender sensitivity. You will undoubtedly be gripped from the start and will lose your heart to this wonderfully touching and bittersweet tale.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title.
December 28, 2023
I read this story in the week leading up to Christmas, so it felt particularly poignant as it addressed love, loss, grief and second chances. The novel explores all these issues with warmth, sensitivity, and compassion.
The lives of four people converge in a small, charming town – each is dealing with the loss of a significant other. One is given a devastating medical diagnosis just as she begins to see new possibilities for friendship and love. The author artfully weaves together their stories and their intertwining relationships through chapters of alternating perspectives.
While the story has a sad undertone, it is also inspirational with a modicum of humor and a nod toward the possibility of love transcending death and multiple incarnations with the same souls. Overall, I found it heart-felt and engaging.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
The lives of four people converge in a small, charming town – each is dealing with the loss of a significant other. One is given a devastating medical diagnosis just as she begins to see new possibilities for friendship and love. The author artfully weaves together their stories and their intertwining relationships through chapters of alternating perspectives.
While the story has a sad undertone, it is also inspirational with a modicum of humor and a nod toward the possibility of love transcending death and multiple incarnations with the same souls. Overall, I found it heart-felt and engaging.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
January 25, 2024
3.5 stars
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for ARC of The Last Days of You and Me.
The Last Days of You and Me revolves around 4 people struggling in their lives and finding their way to each other by fate. This book beautifully describes the comparison and impact they made on each other lives and how it relates to every reader because I am sure we all can relate to at least one of its characters.
If I had a physical copy of this book I am pretty sure that I could've finished it in not more than two days. It was so soothing, and at the same time, I was amazed at how perfectly it portrayed my emotions. I rarely cry while reading books but to be honest I teared up in the end.
It kinda got slow in the middle because of the repetitive schedule of them all and there was nothing new happening except for Forrest who kept having flashbacks. I enjoyed his chapters because I got immersed and anticipated a little bit of a plot twist. I couldn't get a plot twist but ended up with a broken heart tho.
For anyone who wanted to read something relaxing and heartbreaking ( YES BOTH IN THE SAME BOOK) this one is for you, my fellow readers.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for ARC of The Last Days of You and Me.
The Last Days of You and Me revolves around 4 people struggling in their lives and finding their way to each other by fate. This book beautifully describes the comparison and impact they made on each other lives and how it relates to every reader because I am sure we all can relate to at least one of its characters.
If I had a physical copy of this book I am pretty sure that I could've finished it in not more than two days. It was so soothing, and at the same time, I was amazed at how perfectly it portrayed my emotions. I rarely cry while reading books but to be honest I teared up in the end.
It kinda got slow in the middle because of the repetitive schedule of them all and there was nothing new happening except for Forrest who kept having flashbacks. I enjoyed his chapters because I got immersed and anticipated a little bit of a plot twist. I couldn't get a plot twist but ended up with a broken heart tho.
For anyone who wanted to read something relaxing and heartbreaking ( YES BOTH IN THE SAME BOOK) this one is for you, my fellow readers.
June 26, 2025
We meet four characters in the story, but I was totally drawn to two of them from the beginning—and by the end, I completely understood why. Their journeys felt the most compelling and kept me hooked throughout.
I absolutely loved this book. Even at the very end, there was a totally unexpected twist that caught me completely off guard—especially for a contemporary fiction novel, where surprises like that are rare. I was so deeply invested in the story that I found myself fully absorbed, wishing I had discovered it much earlier.
This quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year. The characters, the plot, and the unexpected ending all combined to make it an unforgettable experience.
I absolutely loved this book. Even at the very end, there was a totally unexpected twist that caught me completely off guard—especially for a contemporary fiction novel, where surprises like that are rare. I was so deeply invested in the story that I found myself fully absorbed, wishing I had discovered it much earlier.
This quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year. The characters, the plot, and the unexpected ending all combined to make it an unforgettable experience.
June 22, 2024
Beautiful
April 14, 2025
this was so sad but also uplifting at the same time, and a real reminder to not take life for granted i guess
January 29, 2024
In this book each chapter is told by a different character. The characters don’t really know each other well to begin with. As the story unfolds they get to know each other more.
I think this is a well written book but I also thought it was a bit depressing.
I think this is a well written book but I also thought it was a bit depressing.
July 20, 2024
A bit all over the place with no real thread. So many ideas but with no start middle end really disappointing
February 2, 2024
The Last Days of Me and You is a character driven story of how life throws together individuals and how we all become part of each other's destinies. The story is told from the perspective of the main characters and so we shift from one perspective to another, each character giving their own take on what is happening in their lives and told in the first person. It is very cleverly written and does leave some little clues as to what possibly might be happening with one particular character. It's not obvious at first but I did figure it out towards the end.
Marnie is such a lost person and despite all her wonderful adventures travelling, she is alone despite being part of this big wide world. She has settled in Arundel while she regroups after a move from Spain and a failed relationship. But, its not where she wants to be. Arundel is boring and predictable and she feels suffocated in a place where she feels people have settled for a quiet and mundane life.
Rae is struggling with her grief which has consumed her so much that she hides away in her bookshop, not wanting to think about what is going on outside of Arundel, content that she is doing the best she can to look after her sister and keep her from harms way. But, its no life.
Jack is suffering his own kind of grief when the woman he loves lets him down in the worst way and so he feels his life will never be the same. He simply can't move on.
Forrest has an epiphany after his car crash and realises that he no longer likes the arrogant, greedy and self-centred man he was.
And then, everyone's worlds collide and a series of events see all the characters connect and re-evaluate their lives, past and present.
This was a lovely book that spoke about the importance of connections with people and how one person can change our perspective on the life we had imagined for ourselves and that happiness and contentment can be found in the most unlikely places with the most unlikely people. Its about taking a leap of faith too, on people and places. And, there is a little twist within the story. Get your tissues at the ready because you will cry!
Trigger warning: the book does touch on sensitive subjects like grief, death and illness but handled very well.
Marnie is such a lost person and despite all her wonderful adventures travelling, she is alone despite being part of this big wide world. She has settled in Arundel while she regroups after a move from Spain and a failed relationship. But, its not where she wants to be. Arundel is boring and predictable and she feels suffocated in a place where she feels people have settled for a quiet and mundane life.
Rae is struggling with her grief which has consumed her so much that she hides away in her bookshop, not wanting to think about what is going on outside of Arundel, content that she is doing the best she can to look after her sister and keep her from harms way. But, its no life.
Jack is suffering his own kind of grief when the woman he loves lets him down in the worst way and so he feels his life will never be the same. He simply can't move on.
Forrest has an epiphany after his car crash and realises that he no longer likes the arrogant, greedy and self-centred man he was.
And then, everyone's worlds collide and a series of events see all the characters connect and re-evaluate their lives, past and present.
This was a lovely book that spoke about the importance of connections with people and how one person can change our perspective on the life we had imagined for ourselves and that happiness and contentment can be found in the most unlikely places with the most unlikely people. Its about taking a leap of faith too, on people and places. And, there is a little twist within the story. Get your tissues at the ready because you will cry!
Trigger warning: the book does touch on sensitive subjects like grief, death and illness but handled very well.
January 17, 2024
3.25⭐️- I was excited to read this because the cover blurb says it’s for fans of Love, Actually and that’s one of my favorite movies. I was hesitant to read this because I wasn’t a fan of Debbie Howell’s first book It All Started With You (originally published as Wildflowers). While this one was much better than the other, it still fell a little flat for me.
Marnie is a loner working as a manager in her friend’s hotel and hating it. Forrest is a lawyer who is trying to settle with the hotel over a room his client trashed. Rae owns a bookstore and is too scared to live outside of work. Jack is a hospice nurse who is raising two goats. All of these people are complete strangers until suddenly their lives start crisscrossing and suddenly these 4 perfect strangers are helping each other learn to live, learn to love, and learn to trust.
One of my favorite things about Love, Actually is how all of the characters lives intersect and I greatly enjoyed that aspect of this book. Each character is a separate chapter and I loved how each chapter generally started where the previous chapter ended. I found this to be a very quick read, reading it in less than 24 hours. While I found myself drawn to this, I didn’t find it mesmerizing. The characters didn’t jump off the page and I felt that there was something missing; I just can’t put my finger on it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this book. The Last Days of You and Me hits the shelves on January 29th.
Marnie is a loner working as a manager in her friend’s hotel and hating it. Forrest is a lawyer who is trying to settle with the hotel over a room his client trashed. Rae owns a bookstore and is too scared to live outside of work. Jack is a hospice nurse who is raising two goats. All of these people are complete strangers until suddenly their lives start crisscrossing and suddenly these 4 perfect strangers are helping each other learn to live, learn to love, and learn to trust.
One of my favorite things about Love, Actually is how all of the characters lives intersect and I greatly enjoyed that aspect of this book. Each character is a separate chapter and I loved how each chapter generally started where the previous chapter ended. I found this to be a very quick read, reading it in less than 24 hours. While I found myself drawn to this, I didn’t find it mesmerizing. The characters didn’t jump off the page and I felt that there was something missing; I just can’t put my finger on it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this book. The Last Days of You and Me hits the shelves on January 29th.
February 2, 2024
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
This is a beautifully written tearjerker, and worth every single one of my tears! I’m not prone to getting sentimental, so that's saying a lot.
I loved how the primary characters had stories that were intertwined with one another. Marnie can’t believe she’s stuck in a small-town, having to wait out her chance to travel and get back to civilization. But over time, she develops a friendship with Rae, the bookshop owner who would prefer to lean into her reclusive tendencies instead of branching out and enjoying connectedness with others. Marnie also runs into Jack, and while Jack is just some guy she has had some deep conversations with because she figures he’s just a stranger and will stay that way, he’s also recently taken an interest in Rae. Forrest is the jerk lawyer who Marnie has to tolerate, but the next time she sees him, he’s a changed man. He’s so unlike anyone she’s ever met before.
Despite some heavy moments that deal with illness, grief, and death, it was written in such a way that opened up a lens into how much (or how little) we choose to deal with the fact that death at some point in time, for everyone, is inevitable. It was sad and heartbreaking, but there was beauty in getting to see how each character deals with such heavy topics, especially those who are dealing with it face on. In the last semester of college, I enrolled in a death and dying course, and much like with The Last Days of You and Me, it was a total eye-opener. It made me less fearful and more appreciative of how different cultures celebrate and honor those who have passed on, with a better understanding, too, of the viewpoints about life after death, past lives, and multiple lives.
The biggest layer within all of it is love. Jack’s neighbor mentions the power of love and how its strength and integrity can do incredible and amazing things, which we see with the relationship shared between Forrest and Marnie, as well as Marnie and Rae. Love has the strength to move mountains and transcend past what we see or what we know of as fact, which I believe in wholeheartedly. The Last Days of You and Me reminds us of the power of love and what it can do, making it a five-star experience!
This is a beautifully written tearjerker, and worth every single one of my tears! I’m not prone to getting sentimental, so that's saying a lot.
I loved how the primary characters had stories that were intertwined with one another. Marnie can’t believe she’s stuck in a small-town, having to wait out her chance to travel and get back to civilization. But over time, she develops a friendship with Rae, the bookshop owner who would prefer to lean into her reclusive tendencies instead of branching out and enjoying connectedness with others. Marnie also runs into Jack, and while Jack is just some guy she has had some deep conversations with because she figures he’s just a stranger and will stay that way, he’s also recently taken an interest in Rae. Forrest is the jerk lawyer who Marnie has to tolerate, but the next time she sees him, he’s a changed man. He’s so unlike anyone she’s ever met before.
Despite some heavy moments that deal with illness, grief, and death, it was written in such a way that opened up a lens into how much (or how little) we choose to deal with the fact that death at some point in time, for everyone, is inevitable. It was sad and heartbreaking, but there was beauty in getting to see how each character deals with such heavy topics, especially those who are dealing with it face on. In the last semester of college, I enrolled in a death and dying course, and much like with The Last Days of You and Me, it was a total eye-opener. It made me less fearful and more appreciative of how different cultures celebrate and honor those who have passed on, with a better understanding, too, of the viewpoints about life after death, past lives, and multiple lives.
The biggest layer within all of it is love. Jack’s neighbor mentions the power of love and how its strength and integrity can do incredible and amazing things, which we see with the relationship shared between Forrest and Marnie, as well as Marnie and Rae. Love has the strength to move mountains and transcend past what we see or what we know of as fact, which I believe in wholeheartedly. The Last Days of You and Me reminds us of the power of love and what it can do, making it a five-star experience!
March 5, 2024
3.5/5 stars
This book deals with four friends throughout a year where they each change each other’s lives through the hardest times. This is a heartfelt, contemporary book that deals with a lot of emotion and connection between each person. This book is categorized as a romance novel but I have to say that there was barely any romance but more friendship and family themes throughout the book. This book deals with the lowest time of someone’s life, the beginning of something new, and the struggles and griefs. I have to say that I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if I knew what I was getting into but because I was told it was romance, I was a bit disappointed. The author’s writing was still wonderful and I loved the topics they discussed in this story. The conflicts were strong and readers are invested in the story. The author is from Europe so there was a bit of Europe slang and words that I had a fun time searching up to see the meaning. The book is told from 4 different povs of each character.
The characters in this book are Rae, Jack, Marnie, and Forrest. Each character is going through something different in their life. I won’t spoil anything specific about them but they were well written and most developed throughout the story. There were some side characters in this book but none that I was too attached with. The brief amount of romance there was was okay but again the main focus was friendship and not romance.
The ending was emotional and heartbreaking. This book doesn’t have a happily ever after like we would expect. It was still a great story and I do recommend this story because it’s well-written especially if you need an emotional, heartbreaking story. I recommend checking but do check trigger warnings.
*this book was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*
This book deals with four friends throughout a year where they each change each other’s lives through the hardest times. This is a heartfelt, contemporary book that deals with a lot of emotion and connection between each person. This book is categorized as a romance novel but I have to say that there was barely any romance but more friendship and family themes throughout the book. This book deals with the lowest time of someone’s life, the beginning of something new, and the struggles and griefs. I have to say that I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if I knew what I was getting into but because I was told it was romance, I was a bit disappointed. The author’s writing was still wonderful and I loved the topics they discussed in this story. The conflicts were strong and readers are invested in the story. The author is from Europe so there was a bit of Europe slang and words that I had a fun time searching up to see the meaning. The book is told from 4 different povs of each character.
The characters in this book are Rae, Jack, Marnie, and Forrest. Each character is going through something different in their life. I won’t spoil anything specific about them but they were well written and most developed throughout the story. There were some side characters in this book but none that I was too attached with. The brief amount of romance there was was okay but again the main focus was friendship and not romance.
The ending was emotional and heartbreaking. This book doesn’t have a happily ever after like we would expect. It was still a great story and I do recommend this story because it’s well-written especially if you need an emotional, heartbreaking story. I recommend checking but do check trigger warnings.
*this book was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*
January 7, 2025
This is my first Debbie Howells book. Strangely I’m not sure how I rate this book. I’m slightly puzzled.
There are elements I really enjoyed and other parts I found very frustrating and labour some in equal measure.
Overview
Rae owns a bookshop and has lived in the shadow of her parent’s death. Hiding away with her sister Birdy.
Marnie explodes into Rae’s life , and along with her sister Birdy, a friendship is born.
Add a handsome nurse Jack and an arrogant Solicitor Forrest and we chart their life and loves over a period of a year.
But with love comes tragedy.
What I loved :
Birdy for me, is the soul of the book.
I enjoyed talking about the reality of death and grabbing life with both hands, of enduring love, of transcending love.
I loved its positivity and balance and sensitive handling of end of life, and the value of friendship.
I loved the twist in the ending ( though predictable).
What I didn’t enjoy:
The same narrative told from each perspective, with the same thought process and dialogue. I ususally find this method of writing fascinating but here it felt repetitive and boring.
The slow pace in the middle ( I nearly gave up half way)
The relationship between Forrest and Marnie was too cheesy for the majority of the book. I didn’t believe him and he was very one dimensional ( literally! ) . In fact he got on my damn nerves and thought he spoiled the book .. for the majority of the plot. His character may have been so much more, more layered.
Spoiler:
I guessed the end, long before it was introduced. I actually really like the concept of this, however I didn’t like Forrest! So much so, that the thought of being stuck with him for eternity is enough to give me nightmares.
So the jury is out on this one for me. Happy reading Folks x
There are elements I really enjoyed and other parts I found very frustrating and labour some in equal measure.
Overview
Rae owns a bookshop and has lived in the shadow of her parent’s death. Hiding away with her sister Birdy.
Marnie explodes into Rae’s life , and along with her sister Birdy, a friendship is born.
Add a handsome nurse Jack and an arrogant Solicitor Forrest and we chart their life and loves over a period of a year.
But with love comes tragedy.
What I loved :
Birdy for me, is the soul of the book.
I enjoyed talking about the reality of death and grabbing life with both hands, of enduring love, of transcending love.
I loved its positivity and balance and sensitive handling of end of life, and the value of friendship.
I loved the twist in the ending ( though predictable).
What I didn’t enjoy:
The same narrative told from each perspective, with the same thought process and dialogue. I ususally find this method of writing fascinating but here it felt repetitive and boring.
The slow pace in the middle ( I nearly gave up half way)
The relationship between Forrest and Marnie was too cheesy for the majority of the book. I didn’t believe him and he was very one dimensional ( literally! ) . In fact he got on my damn nerves and thought he spoiled the book .. for the majority of the plot. His character may have been so much more, more layered.
Spoiler:
I guessed the end, long before it was introduced. I actually really like the concept of this, however I didn’t like Forrest! So much so, that the thought of being stuck with him for eternity is enough to give me nightmares.
So the jury is out on this one for me. Happy reading Folks x
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2023
The Last Days of You and Me follows Rae, Forrest, Jack and Marnie, who are navigating life after loss. The book tackles some heavy topics with sensitivity and balances it well with insights from the characters about finding connection and purpose after loss, and preparing for loss.
I loved the interconnectedness of the stories, and the feel of the small country town. I love a bookshop setting, and I really liked the way the author wove book recommendations into the storylines. The insights into being a carer for someone at the end of their life was relateable and moving. I also really enjoyed the side stories, and the way they influenced the growth of the main characters. Gertie and the goats brought comic relief and warmth to the story.
This is a great book for anyone looking for a story with both emotional depth and joy. It was heart wrenching, but balanced it well with messages of hope and reflections on life. Make sure to have tissues on hand.
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.
I loved the interconnectedness of the stories, and the feel of the small country town. I love a bookshop setting, and I really liked the way the author wove book recommendations into the storylines. The insights into being a carer for someone at the end of their life was relateable and moving. I also really enjoyed the side stories, and the way they influenced the growth of the main characters. Gertie and the goats brought comic relief and warmth to the story.
This is a great book for anyone looking for a story with both emotional depth and joy. It was heart wrenching, but balanced it well with messages of hope and reflections on life. Make sure to have tissues on hand.
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.
December 25, 2023
Four strangers who never met before in their lives find their lives to be connected . When Marnie went to buy a book in the bookshop she didn't know she would meet her best friend book owner Rae . Rae is still grieving the deaths of both her parents 2 years after the accident they had . Jack is working as a nurse in a hospice and after a years been broken up with his fiancee he is still sad and lonely . Forrest is the arrogant laywer that Marnie faught about a client of his , after a car accident he had that had as a resolt his best friend to die he change he way he lives . Marnie and Forrest have a connection that makes them feel like they are soulmate and Rae and Jack give themselves a chance to love . What will happen when Marnie learn about her illness ?
A book that made me cry so much , talks about acceptance of loss and death , about soulmates and frienship . I loved it .
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
A book that made me cry so much , talks about acceptance of loss and death , about soulmates and frienship . I loved it .
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
December 31, 2023
Beautiful work!
While at its core, this book hinges on death, it is also a story of enduring friendships coming from unlikely sources. The 4 main characters, Rae, Marnie, Jack and Forrest all are living their lives, when little by little, they start to intersect with each other. Forrest is a lawyer who gets into a confrontation with Marnie the first time they meet. Jack is a hospice nurse who randomly comes into Rae’s bookstore, so does Marnie at a different time.
Random coincidences or a greater plan? When Forrest loses a friend in an accident but gains a new perception, he becomes convinced that he and Marnie have lived in the past, who knows, maybe it’s true. Marnie just wants to make the most of her life, and the others support her. It is a beautiful story about Grace and dignity and I absolutely loved it. Bring the tissues though and be ready for an unexpected twist.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
While at its core, this book hinges on death, it is also a story of enduring friendships coming from unlikely sources. The 4 main characters, Rae, Marnie, Jack and Forrest all are living their lives, when little by little, they start to intersect with each other. Forrest is a lawyer who gets into a confrontation with Marnie the first time they meet. Jack is a hospice nurse who randomly comes into Rae’s bookstore, so does Marnie at a different time.
Random coincidences or a greater plan? When Forrest loses a friend in an accident but gains a new perception, he becomes convinced that he and Marnie have lived in the past, who knows, maybe it’s true. Marnie just wants to make the most of her life, and the others support her. It is a beautiful story about Grace and dignity and I absolutely loved it. Bring the tissues though and be ready for an unexpected twist.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
February 2, 2024
In life, "absolutely nothing is certain", that's so true,
Changes occur often when we least expect them to.
This story is about such changes, friendships and more
How new friends can change everything you do and explore.
With break ups, fatal accidents, grief and fears,
So many things in life can bring on the tears.
However, when you're given the chance for something more
Don't let your fears prevent you going to explore.
Coping with trauma, illness and grief,
Having friends to support can help give relief.
Such a moving story, have tissues nearby
This could easily be a read that'll make you cry!
This is an inspirational story, make the most of each day
For you never know what fate will put in your way.
And if you should be lucky to find friendship and love, too,
Take care of each other in all that you do.
A story of love, of loss and more,
Such a moving story with a surprise twist in store!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Changes occur often when we least expect them to.
This story is about such changes, friendships and more
How new friends can change everything you do and explore.
With break ups, fatal accidents, grief and fears,
So many things in life can bring on the tears.
However, when you're given the chance for something more
Don't let your fears prevent you going to explore.
Coping with trauma, illness and grief,
Having friends to support can help give relief.
Such a moving story, have tissues nearby
This could easily be a read that'll make you cry!
This is an inspirational story, make the most of each day
For you never know what fate will put in your way.
And if you should be lucky to find friendship and love, too,
Take care of each other in all that you do.
A story of love, of loss and more,
Such a moving story with a surprise twist in store!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
December 25, 2023
Rae runs a bookshop which she really enjoys. Marnie is running her friend's hotel temporarily. She was living in Spain until she split with her boyfriend. She's a travel writer by trade and it isn't long before she sets off on a new trip, one about quiet places. She’s been getting headaches and is awaiting results of a blood test. She’s trying to put things off but knows she really shouldn’t. Forrest is a lawyer who has just lost his best friend in a car crash. Their lives intertwine in a story about the fragility of life and love.
Oh boy! It's poignant, it's raw, it's blooming emotional. Tissues at the ready. Of one life, live it and making the most of every day, we don't know what may be around the corner. Appreciate the moments big and small. Have we lived before? Who knows? A stunning read, one that took my breath away. Very highly recommended.
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog
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January 30, 2024
Four stranger’s lives become entangled after chance meetings. Marnie arrives in Rae’s bookshop looking for guidance, feeling lost in her life, when the two of them quickly become best friends. They both then meet the people they think they are destined to be with, for Marnie it is Forrest and for Rae it is Jack. Marnie is suddenly given a terminal diagnosis, one that means all of their lives are effected, and causes them all to make changes in their lives.
This story is told from each of the four characters perspectives which gives us the chance to get to know them fully but also to see how the events that play out effect each of them and in turn the impact it has on their lives moving forward. I found that the difficult subjects tackled in this book were done with such care and sensitivity.
With Marnie’s diagnosis there is an undercurrent of sadness, but this story is also heart-warming and uplifting. I think this is especially true in the friendship of Marnie and Rae.
I found this book although heart-breaking in places it was also life affirming. January was a great time to read this book. If you are feeling lost or are looking to make changes in your life then this is a great book to pick.
This story is told from each of the four characters perspectives which gives us the chance to get to know them fully but also to see how the events that play out effect each of them and in turn the impact it has on their lives moving forward. I found that the difficult subjects tackled in this book were done with such care and sensitivity.
With Marnie’s diagnosis there is an undercurrent of sadness, but this story is also heart-warming and uplifting. I think this is especially true in the friendship of Marnie and Rae.
I found this book although heart-breaking in places it was also life affirming. January was a great time to read this book. If you are feeling lost or are looking to make changes in your life then this is a great book to pick.
February 2, 2024
This is about love, friendship and the fragility that is called life. This book, albeit fiction, pushes us towards examining what life is through the lens of the characters. It deals with heavier topics such as grief, death and cancer.
Told from the views of mainly four characters, strangers at first, found a way to connect through various relationships and created lasting friendships. They managed to bring their own perspectives and interpretations to the subject matter.
I love the soulmate bits in it and as someone who partly believes in reincarnation. I totally get that angle.
It was emotional and the author tried to balance this with a fledgling love story and pass on a message- seize the moment, enjoy life.
If you are looking for something deep yet profound and light, then consider this.
I received an advanced copy but read this via Kindle Unlimited, and the review is mine and voluntary.
Told from the views of mainly four characters, strangers at first, found a way to connect through various relationships and created lasting friendships. They managed to bring their own perspectives and interpretations to the subject matter.
I love the soulmate bits in it and as someone who partly believes in reincarnation. I totally get that angle.
It was emotional and the author tried to balance this with a fledgling love story and pass on a message- seize the moment, enjoy life.
If you are looking for something deep yet profound and light, then consider this.
I received an advanced copy but read this via Kindle Unlimited, and the review is mine and voluntary.
January 30, 2024
I thought the premise of this story was quite smart. It follows four different people who gradually become somewhat intertwined through life and fate. Marnie, Rae, Forrest and Peter. They have each been dealt some tough hands and are dealing with grief and loss. Even though the crux of this book is really rather depressing, the book itself isn't. The author does a nice job of actually making it somewhat uplifting. Not to say that it doesn't have its sad moments because it most definitely does, but your'e not overwhelmed by them.
I came out of the book remembering to appreciate what I have today. Also, I liked the nod to the possibility of soul mates following one another through multiple lives. It was a lovely book with a heartbreaking yet hopeful ending.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it.
I came out of the book remembering to appreciate what I have today. Also, I liked the nod to the possibility of soul mates following one another through multiple lives. It was a lovely book with a heartbreaking yet hopeful ending.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it.
March 31, 2024
Marnie, Rae, Forrest and Jack. Four characters who make up the main cast of this book. Four people whose lives are intertwined in so many ways.
This is a story about friendship and love in all its forms. It is bittersweet quite a lot of the time, a sense that time is running out, not just for one of the characters, but for everyone, in a way. And that is true, of course. None of us have forever, on this earth. However, what is beyond this life??? I am sure we all have our own thoughts about that, but this book addresses some of those.
I really enjoyed this novel. It tackled some difficult topics but it did it sensitively and in a way that wasn't too depressing for the reader, either. It made me think about what is important in life and what I would do if I was faced with some difficult choices, as well.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
This is a story about friendship and love in all its forms. It is bittersweet quite a lot of the time, a sense that time is running out, not just for one of the characters, but for everyone, in a way. And that is true, of course. None of us have forever, on this earth. However, what is beyond this life??? I am sure we all have our own thoughts about that, but this book addresses some of those.
I really enjoyed this novel. It tackled some difficult topics but it did it sensitively and in a way that wasn't too depressing for the reader, either. It made me think about what is important in life and what I would do if I was faced with some difficult choices, as well.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
May 6, 2024
This is my first book by this author and certainly won’t be my last. This was such a beautiful and emotional thought provoking read that really makes you think about living for the moment as tomorrow is not guaranteed. Am writing this review with tears streaming down my face after closing the last page having read in almost one sitting.
This story is told as the narrative and points of view of four main characters and via the changing weather seasons that through the most beautiful quotes and paragraphs navigates the characters stories and journeys through love loss grief and terminal illness lots of what is written in this book will stay with me for a long time and also really resonated with me personally after the loss of a very dear friend last year.
I think this is a book that will stay with me for a long time to come.
This story is told as the narrative and points of view of four main characters and via the changing weather seasons that through the most beautiful quotes and paragraphs navigates the characters stories and journeys through love loss grief and terminal illness lots of what is written in this book will stay with me for a long time and also really resonated with me personally after the loss of a very dear friend last year.
I think this is a book that will stay with me for a long time to come.
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