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The Lifeline
Everybody needs saving sometimes…
For Kate, having a newborn baby means she is almost never alone. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t lonely. The move from London to Somerset with her husband Jay was supposed be the start of an exciting new chapter. But sometimes she can’t help but wonder if she turned the pages too soon . . .
Phoebe needs help. As a mental health nurse serving her community, the wellbeing of her patients has always come before her own. Yet there’s only so long she can pour from an empty cup.
Looking for a lifeline, Kate and Phoebe find a sense of community – and each other – through their local river swimming group. But when things get tough, they realise that good friends can both raise us up and stop us sinking.
For Kate, having a newborn baby means she is almost never alone. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t lonely. The move from London to Somerset with her husband Jay was supposed be the start of an exciting new chapter. But sometimes she can’t help but wonder if she turned the pages too soon . . .
Phoebe needs help. As a mental health nurse serving her community, the wellbeing of her patients has always come before her own. Yet there’s only so long she can pour from an empty cup.
Looking for a lifeline, Kate and Phoebe find a sense of community – and each other – through their local river swimming group. But when things get tough, they realise that good friends can both raise us up and stop us sinking.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published April 25, 2024
117 people are currently reading
1672 people want to read
About the author
Libby Page
9 books718 followersLibby Page previously worked in marketing, moonlighting as a writer. She graduated from The London College of Fashion with a BA in Fashion Journalism before going on to work as a journalist at the Guardian. THE LIDO is her first novel. It was pre-empted within 24 hours of submission for six figures in the UK, pre-empted for six figures in the US, and will be published in 2018 by Orion UK and Simon & Schuster US, followed by eleven other territories around the world.
Libby has been a leading campaigner for fairer internships and has spoken on TV and in parliament in support of fair pay for interns. Libby has been writing from an early age and when she was 16 she wrote an illustrated book called Love Pink to raise money for Breast Cancer Care.
After writing, her second passion is outdoor swimming. Libby lives in London where she enjoys finding new swimming spots and pockets of community within the city.
Libby has been a leading campaigner for fairer internships and has spoken on TV and in parliament in support of fair pay for interns. Libby has been writing from an early age and when she was 16 she wrote an illustrated book called Love Pink to raise money for Breast Cancer Care.
After writing, her second passion is outdoor swimming. Libby lives in London where she enjoys finding new swimming spots and pockets of community within the city.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
August 7, 2024
Although this was a sequel to The Lido, you could easily read it as a stand alone.
I loved how Libby tackled the subject of mental health in this novel. It's an uplifting gem of a book, and you get all the warm feelings at the end.
I loved how Libby tackled the subject of mental health in this novel. It's an uplifting gem of a book, and you get all the warm feelings at the end.
March 12, 2025
I loved The Lido and also enjoyed The Island Home by Libby Page and have been looking forward to this- a sequel to The Lido. It’s a pleasant and relaxing read but for me it fell quite short of the original. The main characters were well developed & likeable but I felt like the author was on a bit of mission to prove that motherhood is not all it’s cracked to be-especially the newborn stage for which one character makes the sweeping statement that ‘everyone hates newborns’ . Not true! Many of us loved the newborn stage and life as a brand new mum- and took to it like ducks to water. Anyway- the recurring theme of how awful those first few months are & how lots of new mums don’t actually love their babies became repetitive and spoiled the read for me (and would be quite alarming for any pregnant reader). I enjoyed Phoebe’s chapters; her life as a mental health nurse was interesting to read about. Slightly less believable was that everyone’s (pretty major) problems were solved almost immediately by river swimming and cake, though of course I do totally understand how this sort of group could really help people. If you’re into swimming you’ll most likely really enjoy it. A pleasant enough read but not my favourite!
July 27, 2024
alles wat ik later wil in mijn leven is wonen aan water!!! mooi boek en vond het leuk dat er personages waren van allerlei leeftijden!! oh en arsenal mentions!!!! (also dit is blijkbaar een follow up van een ander boek van haar wat ik niet gelezen heb oeps)
August 1, 2025
Everyone whether you are a new mum or a new dad, needs to read this book. I have never read such an accurate description of the early days of having a newborn. I wish this had been published when I had my boys, it would have given me so much comfort.
I reed it with a permanent lump in my throat, all the emotions were so true and valid.
The Lido was a much loved book for our Book Club, and to read the next chapter of Kate’s life was so wonderful. I loved it. I really liked the introduction of Phoebe and her story.
The characters new and old were full of so much life, vibrancy and fun.
I reed it with a permanent lump in my throat, all the emotions were so true and valid.
The Lido was a much loved book for our Book Club, and to read the next chapter of Kate’s life was so wonderful. I loved it. I really liked the introduction of Phoebe and her story.
The characters new and old were full of so much life, vibrancy and fun.
August 1, 2024
I didn’t realise when I got this book that it was a follow on from the Lido which I loved. Honest and raw at times, obviously everyone gets their happy ending but it felt more real than that.
March 17, 2024
Libby Page has done it again with this one! Although I have loved every one of her books, The Lido has probably always been my favourite - and The Lifeline is the best follow-up that I could have hoped for.
I loved being back in Kate and Jay's world, where they have moved away from London and started a new life in Somerset - along with their newborn. We see Kate struggling to adjust to her new life with a new baby in tow, and she really misses the sanctuary that the lido provided back in London. It's here that we see her seeking refuge at a local beauty spot at the River Avon, where she longs to be back in the water.
I also loved the addition of Phoebe to the story, where although she loves her job as a Community Mental Health Nurse, is facing struggles of her own. Through the Farleigh on Avon River Swimming, Bathing and Waterbased Activity Club, we see Kate and Phoebe's worlds collide as they form a strong, powerful friendship.
I finished this book with a smile on my face, but in true Libby Page style, the story takes some heartwrenching turns where some difficult themes are explored. Before picking this one up, please be aware that the book features topics of antenatal depression, mental health and cancer quite heavily.
This is the most exciting proof I've received to date, and I'm so grateful to the publisher for sending me a copy 💧🏊♀️💙
I loved being back in Kate and Jay's world, where they have moved away from London and started a new life in Somerset - along with their newborn. We see Kate struggling to adjust to her new life with a new baby in tow, and she really misses the sanctuary that the lido provided back in London. It's here that we see her seeking refuge at a local beauty spot at the River Avon, where she longs to be back in the water.
I also loved the addition of Phoebe to the story, where although she loves her job as a Community Mental Health Nurse, is facing struggles of her own. Through the Farleigh on Avon River Swimming, Bathing and Waterbased Activity Club, we see Kate and Phoebe's worlds collide as they form a strong, powerful friendship.
I finished this book with a smile on my face, but in true Libby Page style, the story takes some heartwrenching turns where some difficult themes are explored. Before picking this one up, please be aware that the book features topics of antenatal depression, mental health and cancer quite heavily.
This is the most exciting proof I've received to date, and I'm so grateful to the publisher for sending me a copy 💧🏊♀️💙
April 8, 2024
I cannot emphasise enough how delighted I was to recieve an #arc of #thelifeline. I have been a huge fan of Libby Page’s work since #thelido and her books always transport me to a #happyplace so this was a real treat.
Like so many of you, I adored The Lido - Kate and Rosemary’s story - and it was wonderful to pick up Kate’s story as a new mother: struggling but surviving. It felt so familiar and like being back with old friends.
The smaller town setting - away from London - worked beautifully and I liked how swimming played such a key part in the story but with a switch from a lido to a local river spot. This allowed for so many extra characters to come into the mix: the swimming group, the new mums, Pheobe’s patients as well as the families of the two women which really created the sense of lovely sense of #community which permeates Page’s work.
Particularly, I loved the character of Luca with his scrumptious food and Italian dancing - the deli created around him sounds utterly delightful.
And, of course, Page ensures that she addresses some important themes: being a new mother, break ups, mental health and the importance of self care. Her honest reflection on these issues is thoughtful and sincere, as always.
So, a lovely #sequel - delightfully warm and ultimately uplifting.
Like so many of you, I adored The Lido - Kate and Rosemary’s story - and it was wonderful to pick up Kate’s story as a new mother: struggling but surviving. It felt so familiar and like being back with old friends.
The smaller town setting - away from London - worked beautifully and I liked how swimming played such a key part in the story but with a switch from a lido to a local river spot. This allowed for so many extra characters to come into the mix: the swimming group, the new mums, Pheobe’s patients as well as the families of the two women which really created the sense of lovely sense of #community which permeates Page’s work.
Particularly, I loved the character of Luca with his scrumptious food and Italian dancing - the deli created around him sounds utterly delightful.
And, of course, Page ensures that she addresses some important themes: being a new mother, break ups, mental health and the importance of self care. Her honest reflection on these issues is thoughtful and sincere, as always.
So, a lovely #sequel - delightfully warm and ultimately uplifting.
July 3, 2024
Libby Page is one of my favourite authors and I was lucky enough to win this new novel via Litalist.
It’s a lovely book with a gentle pace, told from Kate and Phoebe’s points of view, who are both really lovely characters. I loved both of them for different reasons.
It was lovely catching up with Kate from Libby’s debut, The Lido, and seeing how she was coping in her new life in Somerset now that she had a new baby. I felt for her as she struggled with trying to settle into her new identity as a mother and wife, whilst also trying to retain who she was before her baby had arrived.
I must admit when I first heard about this book I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it, as I didn’t particularly want to be reminded of my own early days of motherhood. I needn’t have worried though, as once again Libby Page has created a wonderful book full of community, and close friendships between the women, something that Libby Page is so good at creating. It brought tears to my eyes at one point, something her books always do, but tears of joy, not sadness this time!
Highly recommended, if you enjoy gentle contemporary novels, featuring small communities and strong female friendships.
It’s a lovely book with a gentle pace, told from Kate and Phoebe’s points of view, who are both really lovely characters. I loved both of them for different reasons.
It was lovely catching up with Kate from Libby’s debut, The Lido, and seeing how she was coping in her new life in Somerset now that she had a new baby. I felt for her as she struggled with trying to settle into her new identity as a mother and wife, whilst also trying to retain who she was before her baby had arrived.
I must admit when I first heard about this book I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it, as I didn’t particularly want to be reminded of my own early days of motherhood. I needn’t have worried though, as once again Libby Page has created a wonderful book full of community, and close friendships between the women, something that Libby Page is so good at creating. It brought tears to my eyes at one point, something her books always do, but tears of joy, not sadness this time!
Highly recommended, if you enjoy gentle contemporary novels, featuring small communities and strong female friendships.
September 22, 2024
Read this at an emotionally fragile time and basically just sobbed the whole way through. I love Libby Page’s stories, they’re just hugs in a page. She writes characters that you really root for, and I just love seeing it all work out for them.
December 30, 2024
It was never in doubt that I’d adore this one, as I have all of Libby’s books I’ve read, but I wasn’t prepared for how relatable it would be too, as one of our narrators struggles through those early days with a newborn and all the complex feelings that come with it. I loved how raw and honest the novel was about a different reality of having a baby where it’s not all snuggles and smiles 🩷
But of course, whilst these difficult topics are explored (as well as mental health and our other narrator Phoebe’s demanding career), it wouldn’t be a Libby novel without that heartwarming sense of community and friendship which she does so well! I hadn’t actually read The Lido yet, as I know this follows on a bit, but you can certainly read it as a standalone - I didn’t feel I was missing too much as she recaps the important bits! Having said that, I obviously now want to read it as I loved this one so much 🙌
This goes into my list of gorgeous uplifting novels with characters spreading kindness, love and support - e.g. my favourite kind of book! Guaranteed to leave you with a big smile on your face (and maybe even considering wild swimming!).
But of course, whilst these difficult topics are explored (as well as mental health and our other narrator Phoebe’s demanding career), it wouldn’t be a Libby novel without that heartwarming sense of community and friendship which she does so well! I hadn’t actually read The Lido yet, as I know this follows on a bit, but you can certainly read it as a standalone - I didn’t feel I was missing too much as she recaps the important bits! Having said that, I obviously now want to read it as I loved this one so much 🙌
This goes into my list of gorgeous uplifting novels with characters spreading kindness, love and support - e.g. my favourite kind of book! Guaranteed to leave you with a big smile on your face (and maybe even considering wild swimming!).
October 16, 2024
Moments in this book conveyed that tender new mum feeling so well. I cried at every single one!
A book that felt like it was written for me, I thoroughly enjoyed and it gave me such a yearning to be back in the water!
A book that felt like it was written for me, I thoroughly enjoyed and it gave me such a yearning to be back in the water!
June 8, 2024
I am so sad this book is over. It was absolutely incredible. It made me laugh out loud and properly sob. Soooo heartwarming and uplifting. Definitely a story I will revisit!
December 12, 2024
Felt like a hug in book form
5 stars for the way it made me feel
Really enjoyed the writing style and got me out of my book slump (again…)
5 stars for the way it made me feel
Really enjoyed the writing style and got me out of my book slump (again…)
December 31, 2024
I will always loveeee how warm I feel after a libby page book
so unexpected to get a sequel to the lido but this was adorable!
4.5 didn’t seem to top the lido for me but I guess that’s the charm of the first book but this was honestly so great
so unexpected to get a sequel to the lido but this was adorable!
4.5 didn’t seem to top the lido for me but I guess that’s the charm of the first book but this was honestly so great
May 19, 2025
A very warm & cozy read - an easy read which is always a nice breather from my super dark and twisted murder books. This one kept me captivated with the characters & i was truly invested with Kate & Phoebe’s stories
There was one line i read outloud to my husband and it was spicy🔥 didnt expect that from this cute lil book
I probably never would have chosen to read this book so yay for book club!
There was one line i read outloud to my husband and it was spicy🔥 didnt expect that from this cute lil book
I probably never would have chosen to read this book so yay for book club!
April 26, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐
June 1, 2025
I preferred The Lido, 24-hour cafe, and vintage shop - so if you haven’t read those yet, go and read them first! This felt a little like sledgehammering home messages about mental health which are important, but could be more nuanced. I think this is an example of a book where the author could do more to show the reader things, rather than tell the reader everything.
May 1, 2025
Light hearted family story All the needy people find help from local community , make new friends and new loves , it all works out like magic. It certainly was not like this on my life. Good they are dealing with mental health issues., river wild swimming and fighting water pollution by reckless water companies dealing with cancer and new born babies Just a bit too perfect for me.
It actually was a very heartwarming story, bringing hope to many. Good escapism from reality I realised I read too many murder story and this book makes you believe in the kindness and goodness of real people. I recommend this book
It actually was a very heartwarming story, bringing hope to many. Good escapism from reality I realised I read too many murder story and this book makes you believe in the kindness and goodness of real people. I recommend this book
June 25, 2025
so i LOVED this book! felt so nice to read something heart felt and easy! I loved the link between this and The Lido! Traces of Rosemary & her story/friendship with Kate as well as Kate & Phoebe’s story in here which will resonate with lots of individuals when reading! I think I need to read more Libby Page!
February 17, 2025
I’m a huge fan of Libby Page and this did not disappoint! It was wonderful to revisit the character of Kate from Page’s first book The Lido. It celebrates those tribes you establish as a parent and the hard reality of being a mother - especially in those early days.
March 12, 2025
A really enjoyable follow on from The Lido although it could also be a stand alone as I felt there was really only a nod to The Lido in it. Filled with wonderfully written characters and tackling some difficult subjects that were sensitively handled.
May 28, 2025
Awwwee what a LOVELY read!! Similar vibes to Beth O’Leary’s books: lovely warm easy read with some darker but more real themes woven in but not too much to overshadow it. I loved the characters and how the power of community was explored so beautifully. Can’t wait to read Page’s other books!
June 12, 2024
A solid 8/10.
October 26, 2024
A beautiful sequel to The Lido. 5/ 5
May 19, 2025
I listened to this one, it was a lovely, heartwarming and peaceful read. I love Libby Page when you need a break from the real world!
August 7, 2025
Lovely story about community and friendship. Great sequel to The Lido which is one of my favourite books
September 20, 2025
LOVED everything about this book
October 19, 2024
Loved the beginning and found it totally relatable. The middle/end got quite cheesy but hey, sometimes that’s no bad thing!
May 1, 2025
This book was a gentle read and a nice change after all the Kate Atkinson books I've read of late, although I can't wait to get back to those! Kate is a new mum who loves cold water swimming. Phoebe is a mental health nurse who discovers the life enhancing benefits of swimming alongside of community involvement and self care in what is a very demanding job. Kate is a new mum, delighted with her daughter Rosie but struggling a bit with the demands of the early months. The power of friendship and the benefits of community shine through in this heart warming story. Didn't realise this was a sequel to The Lido so I'll have to go read that now.
July 29, 2024
Nice easy read although why do I keep reading sequels before the first one 😤
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews