One Year

by H. Pearce

Approaching forty, Sophie is dealt a double blow. Already facing a life-altering diagnosis—cancer, a ticking time bomb that allows her only a year left to live—her decade-long marriage abruptly ends. Just as the prospect of navigating the remainder of her journey alone and the grip of despair seems to take hold, fate intervenes unexpectedly. In what is slated to be her last chemotherapy session, Sophie crosses paths with Lily, a vivacious young girl with a mischievous smile and an equally grim prognosis. Together, they forge the most unlikely of friendships and find themselves on a life-changing journey. Their misson: to locate the man who might serve as the saviour Lily desperately needs.

One Year is a touching story that celebrates the power of friendship, hope and the extraordinary capacity of the human heart to find joy and meaning even in the most challenging circumstances.

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2024

About the author

H. Pearce is a multi-genre author, partner, mother, and student studying mental health and creative writing. Her two areas of study often merge together in her written work, creating heart-wrenching stories that are relatable and raw. She is passionate about bringing attention to matters that are often overlooked in literature, using her areas of study to bridge the gap between what exists and real-life stories people need to read.

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Absolutely fantastic and heartwarming story! As a cancer patient, it really touched my heart in a very special way.

Around life-changing experiences, the characters embrace change that it’s truly out of their control. It then turns into a beautiful love story celebrating the importance of deep friendship.

The Oscar crafts line perfectly. The immense of hope and love that flows through these characters under Lynes the potential of humanities ability to love.

This was a very fast read – – I couldn’t put it down.

I hope the second volume comes out soon.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Year is an emotional, heart wrenching beautiful story that captured my heart right from the start. It's a difficult topic to read about because it's centered around cancer but @hpearce always has such a beautiful and raw way with words. She brings these very real issues to life in her books, and they need to be talked about.

Her characters are always amazing, I got so attached to Sophie and Lilly, the love interests for both got me also. They were so caring and respectful of their significant others. The way every character just fit perfectly into the others life was beautiful. They had such a beautiful relationship.

That ending truly wrecked me and I need book 2, I just want them to all have a happy ending. Harry has an immense talent with her writing and it's unreal how she can make you feel so much through her words.

🎧 The narration by Emer Morrissey was great. I felt every raw emotion, desperation, sadness, defeat in her voice. I thought she really did an outstanding job at playing both Sophie and Lilly and they were easily distinguishable.

✨️ Thank you to @hpearce for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ash Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jumping right into the first two chapter you are already feeling sympathy with Sophie and Lily. Honestly I just funished this novella and I cannot wait for *fingers crossed* the next book to come out and was so disappointed when I got to the end. Slight trigger warning of child abuse and domestic violence, but it's very short lived.
The love interests Sebastian and Clay are so charming and caring towards the two main characters and I cant stress enough how I cannot wait to continue this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dani (criesinanxiety) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in love with this author writing and she’s definitely on my “must-read” list now

Every time they talk about moments that are like “missed opportunity” it makes me SO sad because it’s either they feel like it’s too late or not enough time 😭 it’s killing me I need both Lily and Sophie to have a happy ending 😭 also I did not see that coming in the end!!!


I love the side characters! Especially the friendship between them! I can’t wait to see the journey they take together in the next book!
But omg the cliffhanger!!! I need book 2 now 😭


I would like to think that Sophie was a lifeline for Lily.

Favorite Quote: “Look, if there’s anything my forty years on the planet have taught me, it’s that life throws some seriously messed-up curveballs at us, and it’s easy to get caught up in the impact. But sometimes the unexpected happens. Sometimes, the universe throws you a lifeline, and you find yourself in a place you never thought possible.”


Off the top of my head TWs:
- talks of cancer/Chemotherapy
- Abusive/Neglectful Foster Parents
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence

(I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review)

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

another doozy by @harrywritesfiction
I’m just totslly in love with her writing. This is the second book by this author I’ve read and I’ve loved them both. I loved the Dual POV that merge together from Sophia the older woman dealing with terminal cancer while going through a divorce , and lily the 17 year old girl in the Foster system also going through potentially life threatening cancer as well. I loved this finding family journey for lily and Sophia. The story was so heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time. The journey through loss and love was so beautiful as Sophia tried to help Lily find her biological dad for not only for a relationship but also for a potential cure for her cancer. This book left me wanting more of this story as it ended on a sort of cliffhanger. I cannot wait to read the next book to see where this journey goes. Not only is this a quick novella at around 195 pages but it’s only $6 on Amazon which a steal! Definitely recommend if you need a short read or pallet cleanser in-between books! Thank you @harrywritesfiction for sending me a copy! another doozy by @harrywritesfiction
I’m just totslly in love with her writing. This is the second book by this author I’ve read and I’ve loved them both. I loved the Dual POV that merge together from Sophia the older woman dealing with terminal cancer while going through a divorce , and lily the 17 year old girl in the Foster system also going through potentially life threatening cancer as well. I loved this finding family journey for lily and Sophia. The story was so heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time. The journey through loss and love was so beautiful as Sophia tried to help Lily find her biological dad for not only for a relationship but also for a potential cure for her cancer. This book left me wanting more of this story as it ended on a sort of cliffhanger. I cannot wait to read the next book to see where this journey goes. Not only is this a quick novella at around 195 pages but it’s only $6 on Amazon which a steal! Definitely recommend if you need a short read or pallet cleanser in-between books! Thank you @harrywritesfiction for sending me a copy!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily and Sophie meet at the cancer treatment centre. Sophie has been given a year to live whilst Lily needs a donor to be within a chance of overcoming her cancer.
It’s a complex story to read at times, their individual stories are both covered and then merged as they hunt for Lily’s father. This in itself brings an unexpected twist to the story.
Sophie’s life since being diagnosed was very poignant to read, including her husband’s viewpoint of living with someone with terminal cancer. It’s sad at times but Sophie’s character is pragmatic and lightens the story especially her interactions with her friend Ellie.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I am touched by the sensitive way in which it is written especially in not detracting from the hard facts of such an illness.
I look forward to the next book in Sophie and Lily’s journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marcia Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This novella by H. Pearce packs a wallop in well under 200 pages! It had me in its grip from the first word to the last, and since it’s titled “The Life of Lily: Book 1,” I eagerly will await the next installment of Book 2! The book alternates chapters revealing the thoughts and actions of its two main protagonists who initially meet while each endures a chemotherapy treatment. Lily is a foster child, not yet 17, and Sophie is around 40, has just been dumped by her wealthy husband of 20 years, and sees Lily in herself growing up. What ensues is a whirlwind of romance, friendship, missed opportunities, and very improbable coincidences. I can’t wait to see what’s in store next.

I received an advance review copy of this book for free. I’m grateful to its author, H. Pierce, and to BookSirens for giving it to me. My review is voluntary.

[Karen Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading this book, I thought of the ease it was reading through the pages, the dialogue worked so effortlessly, the story was gripping, the people fascinating yet real. I thought of one other book I had reviewed that had had the same effect on me. I didn’t go back to remind myself of who the author was until the end, and of course, it was the same author. This is another must read book and is 5-plus stars! It’s not very long and I really wish it hadn’t ended. I will gladly read any book written be this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a page-turner and I read it in one day. I can't say one sitting as I did have a few things I had to take care of, so it was in two sitting. The flow of the story is spot on the reason it didn't receive a 5-star rating is that the characters need more description so you can better picture them in your head along with the overall setting of the story. Because places aren't named or described this could be taking place in any country and in fact for the longest time, I thought it was taking place in the US. I hope this review will help develop the story a little better and I so, look forward to the next part of the story no matter what. I need to find out how this all ends.

[Madelynne Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie and Lily both have cancer, in fact they met while taking treatment together. Sophie's husband has divorced her and moved on, leaving her with a million dollars. Lily is desperately seeking her biological father in hopes that he would be a suitable blood marrow donor. Without the transplant, Lily will die. Sophie is also terminal and wants to help Lily search for her father. After all, what good is a million dollars to a woman who won't live long enough to enjoy it? Read the book to learn whether they're successful or if they have to keep trying.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bob · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am grateful to BookSirens and the publisher for an ARC of One Year and am leaving this review voluntarily.
As with other books Pearce tackles a difficult subject: this time that of living with a terminal diagnosis. This short book feels very much like a first draft with a lot of work needed.
My first response was that it was full of cliches; then that, while the book is apparently set in England, the language is very much American; finally it appeared so formulaic that either the author is getting lazy or the book is at least partially written using AI.

[Stormy Shadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming, challenging and emotional book. We follow Sophie who has cancer and she is struggling with love and the cancer that makes her feel less than and on her last chemo appointment she crosses paths with a girl named Lily and they become friends and along the way Lily and Sophie tries to find the person Lily needs the most. I loved this but the thing that annoyed me the most was the "erm" all the time, I really didn't think that was necessary. Other than that really great book.

[Carol Stefanik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely emotional. Terribly heartrending. And yet, this author always finds the uplifting hope that leaves you wondering if this was a happy ending or a sad ending. This particular story does stop abruptly but it is a novella so the ending leaves the opportunity to come back and finish the story. We are all going to want to know how it turns out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've delved into multiple works by Pearce, and the only factor preventing me from giving this one five stars is its departure from her typically lyrical prose. I'm not sure whether this is a potential change in editors or an experiment with a new style. Nonetheless, it remains another engaging narrative from an author who has firmly secured a place on my 'must-read' list.

4.5


I received an advanced copy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow so glad I picked up this new author. This story was so emotional. It takes you on a journey of hope with two strangers trying to help one find her Savior before the other dies. You will not want to put this book down hoping against hope and knowing that they will not both survive. Great book about friendship, hope, and resilience.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Year by H. Pearce is a good, and enjoyable short medical love story romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, incredibly written, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jmee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with incredibly written characters. Even the side characters, the friends that carry the journey, are fantastic.

I just wish there was more to the story as it feels oh so short.

Besides that, I am excited for the journey of Lily and Sophie and cannot wait to see what happens next.

I am grateful to have read the free arc and have had the opportunity to review it.

[Brier · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading H. Pearce, and likely won't be the last!

This book is very heavy but so well written.

I loved how Sophie and Lily became close after a chance encounter while both receiving cancer treatment.

Both having men in their lives who seem to be amazing.

While there is a huge cliffhanger, I really enjoyed the book. Hope that book two comes soon!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful story about friendship where age doesn't matter. Both characters are going through life-changing events and form a bond that only they can understand. There are a couple twists the story. This one will pull at your heartstrings. Friendship is a powerful bond. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps because I had a spouse with cancer that went through grueling chemo, I found the brief and often unrealistic depiction of cancer and its treatment much too brief and lighthearted. It took away too much from the story for me.