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Meet Me When My Heart Stops
What if your soulmate could only ever be the love of your afterlife?
The first time Emery's heart stops, she is only five years old...
Emery is born with a heart condition that means her heart could quite literally stop at any moment. The people around her know what to do - if they act quickly enough there will be no lasting damage, and Emery's heart can be restarted. But when this happens, she is briefly technically dead.
Each time Emery's heart stops, she meets Nick. His purpose is to help people adjust to the fact that they are dead, to help them say goodbye, before they move on entirely. He does not usually meet people more than once - but with Emery, he is able to make a connection, and he finds himself drawn to her.
As Emery's life progresses, and she goes through ups and downs, she finds that a part of her is longing for those moments when her heart will stop - so that she can see Nick again.
This is the story of two fated lovers who long for each other, but are destined never to share more than a few fleeting moments - because if they were to be together, it would mean the end of Emery's life.
The first time Emery's heart stops, she is only five years old...
Emery is born with a heart condition that means her heart could quite literally stop at any moment. The people around her know what to do - if they act quickly enough there will be no lasting damage, and Emery's heart can be restarted. But when this happens, she is briefly technically dead.
Each time Emery's heart stops, she meets Nick. His purpose is to help people adjust to the fact that they are dead, to help them say goodbye, before they move on entirely. He does not usually meet people more than once - but with Emery, he is able to make a connection, and he finds himself drawn to her.
As Emery's life progresses, and she goes through ups and downs, she finds that a part of her is longing for those moments when her heart will stop - so that she can see Nick again.
This is the story of two fated lovers who long for each other, but are destined never to share more than a few fleeting moments - because if they were to be together, it would mean the end of Emery's life.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published March 21, 2024
43 people are currently reading
1058 people want to read
About the author
Becky Hunter
11 books77 followersBecky grew up in Berkshire, UK, and has loved reading since before she can remember. After studying social sciences at Cambridge university, this love of reading led her to a career in publishing, where she worked as a book publicist in London for several years before taking a career break and moving to Mozambique to volunteer with horses. It was here that she decided to give writing a proper go, though it was still a few years, a few more destinations, and a couple more jobs before she had the idea that would become ONE MOMENT, her debut novel. (source: amazon.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
April 11, 2024
Emery has a rare heart condition.
Goodness. What can I say about Meet Me When My Heart Stops? Achingly gorgeous, this is romantic writing of the most perfect kind and I absolutely loved it.
Becky Hunter’s premise of a heart condition that means Emery dies multiple times, feels innovative and completely convincing. Whilst it sets the scene for Emery and Nick’s emotional love story to unfold, it also adds layers of maturity and sophistication to the story because themes of guilt, choice, responsibility and family swirl beneath the surface. Emery’s Mum’s reaction to Emery’s illness, and the rift that occurs in the family, shows real insight into how not just one person is affected when they have a life-affecting or limiting condition. There’s such understanding here that Meet Me When My Heart Stops feels thoughtful, sensitive and compassionate.
The story of Emery’s life and multiple deaths is enthralling and I loved the structure of the plot with the dates as Emery ages and found the memories woven into the death scenes created both depth and character. Meet Me When My Heart Stops explores exactly what makes for a fulfilling life. It might be an existence without risk, such as the one Emery’s Dad tries to impose to keep her safe, or it might be one of Carpe Diem like Emery’s reckless thrill seeking to counterbalance the careful approach of those around her. However, what is so impactful here is the way Becky Hunter illustrates that a life well lived can easily be filled with quiet, ordinary moments that any of us might experience. Such a theme makes Meet Me When My Heart Stops uplifting, affecting and compelling.
All that said, what is so entrancing about Meet Me When My Heart Stops is the beautiful love story between Emery and Nick. It develops organically, is frequently frustrated by events and feels so convincing that I experienced every one of Emery’s emotions with her. Becky Hunter writes with such a natural style that it feels perfectly plausible that Emery is falling in love with a man who died before she was born.
And Emery herself is a wonderful creation. She develops throughout the story and although her heart condition could, with less skilled writers, make her a saccharine protagonist, instead she is a vivid, flawed and believable creation. She is, on occasion, selfish or foolhardy, discontented and unhappy as well as brave, selfless and filled with joy. She is, quite simply, human.
It feels rather a privilege to have read Meet Me When My Heart Stops. It’s touching, captivating and poignant and a book that reverberates in the reader’s mind long after the final page is turned. I thought it was totally wonderful.
Goodness. What can I say about Meet Me When My Heart Stops? Achingly gorgeous, this is romantic writing of the most perfect kind and I absolutely loved it.
Becky Hunter’s premise of a heart condition that means Emery dies multiple times, feels innovative and completely convincing. Whilst it sets the scene for Emery and Nick’s emotional love story to unfold, it also adds layers of maturity and sophistication to the story because themes of guilt, choice, responsibility and family swirl beneath the surface. Emery’s Mum’s reaction to Emery’s illness, and the rift that occurs in the family, shows real insight into how not just one person is affected when they have a life-affecting or limiting condition. There’s such understanding here that Meet Me When My Heart Stops feels thoughtful, sensitive and compassionate.
The story of Emery’s life and multiple deaths is enthralling and I loved the structure of the plot with the dates as Emery ages and found the memories woven into the death scenes created both depth and character. Meet Me When My Heart Stops explores exactly what makes for a fulfilling life. It might be an existence without risk, such as the one Emery’s Dad tries to impose to keep her safe, or it might be one of Carpe Diem like Emery’s reckless thrill seeking to counterbalance the careful approach of those around her. However, what is so impactful here is the way Becky Hunter illustrates that a life well lived can easily be filled with quiet, ordinary moments that any of us might experience. Such a theme makes Meet Me When My Heart Stops uplifting, affecting and compelling.
All that said, what is so entrancing about Meet Me When My Heart Stops is the beautiful love story between Emery and Nick. It develops organically, is frequently frustrated by events and feels so convincing that I experienced every one of Emery’s emotions with her. Becky Hunter writes with such a natural style that it feels perfectly plausible that Emery is falling in love with a man who died before she was born.
And Emery herself is a wonderful creation. She develops throughout the story and although her heart condition could, with less skilled writers, make her a saccharine protagonist, instead she is a vivid, flawed and believable creation. She is, on occasion, selfish or foolhardy, discontented and unhappy as well as brave, selfless and filled with joy. She is, quite simply, human.
It feels rather a privilege to have read Meet Me When My Heart Stops. It’s touching, captivating and poignant and a book that reverberates in the reader’s mind long after the final page is turned. I thought it was totally wonderful.
May 6, 2024
Let me preface this by saying: the book left me sad. Unfortunately my heart did not hurt because of the story. But because of the wrong direction the plot took.
Let me explain: Emery has a rare heart condition. Every agitation or shock will kill her. While her heart stops, she would meet her Death angel/Immortal/Guide.
The first time they met she was 5 while he'll always be 35. Over the years they kept meeting while her heart stopped, and it's exhilarating to see Emery living and how her sickness impacted her family and life choices. And in the brief moments she meets Nick ,her assigned angel of death, something unique and romantic is blooming.
So far so good. And I though, I was going to sing praises to British Lit again. But the story does not go anywhere.
The sate of mind Emery had from age 5 to the final death is the same.
She does not accept her illness. She's adventurous and puts herself at risk.
She's snappy when anyone wants to lecture her about safety. She's ridden with guilt. She does not have one single meaningful relationship with men.
She's resentful of her mother who was always busy with work and never even wanted her as a baby. She's also resentful of her father who was there taking care of her but she thinks he's too much.
Colin is kinda her male best friend since childhood. At age 12 she wanted to flirt with him and give him her first kiss, but then her heart stopped she met Nick again and decided against flirting with Colin.
At age 21, Colin made a move and he clearly liked her. In fact he had a crush on her since forever but she shot him down. She kept choosing Nick and meaningless flings.
She friend zoned Colin time and time again. But at age 40 or maybe 42 (I don't quite remember the time line) Colin got married and she felt so sad saying that he's no longer hers and she wished her heart would stop so she can have Nick as an emotional support.
At age 45, Colin's got divorced and begged Emery to date him saying: we always had a thing for each other.
Miraculously, Emery would nail a heart operation which means she'll never meet Nick until her final death. So she chooses Colin and commit to him until she dies at 87 years old.
She apologizes to Nick and he tells her: I'll be sad if you chose me instead and I'm fine with being an immortal who guides people through death. But hey, we'll meet again because we're soulmates.
Let me explain: Emery has a rare heart condition. Every agitation or shock will kill her. While her heart stops, she would meet her Death angel/Immortal/Guide.
The first time they met she was 5 while he'll always be 35. Over the years they kept meeting while her heart stopped, and it's exhilarating to see Emery living and how her sickness impacted her family and life choices. And in the brief moments she meets Nick ,her assigned angel of death, something unique and romantic is blooming.
So far so good. And I though, I was going to sing praises to British Lit again. But the story does not go anywhere.
The sate of mind Emery had from age 5 to the final death is the same.
She does not accept her illness. She's adventurous and puts herself at risk.
She's snappy when anyone wants to lecture her about safety. She's ridden with guilt. She does not have one single meaningful relationship with men.
She's resentful of her mother who was always busy with work and never even wanted her as a baby. She's also resentful of her father who was there taking care of her but she thinks he's too much.
Colin is kinda her male best friend since childhood. At age 12 she wanted to flirt with him and give him her first kiss, but then her heart stopped she met Nick again and decided against flirting with Colin.
At age 21, Colin made a move and he clearly liked her. In fact he had a crush on her since forever but she shot him down. She kept choosing Nick and meaningless flings.
She friend zoned Colin time and time again. But at age 40 or maybe 42 (I don't quite remember the time line) Colin got married and she felt so sad saying that he's no longer hers and she wished her heart would stop so she can have Nick as an emotional support.
At age 45, Colin's got divorced and begged Emery to date him saying: we always had a thing for each other.
Miraculously, Emery would nail a heart operation which means she'll never meet Nick until her final death. So she chooses Colin and commit to him until she dies at 87 years old.
She apologizes to Nick and he tells her: I'll be sad if you chose me instead and I'm fine with being an immortal who guides people through death. But hey, we'll meet again because we're soulmates.
June 5, 2024
It seems I've fallen into another trap of a beautiful book cover. I admit I picked this up from the shelf without even knowing what it was about. I have to say, I was definitely weirded out by the premise. The main protagonist, Emery, was born with a rare heart condition where any shock or excitement might stop her heart. She meets her "Death Angel", Nick, when she is 5 years old, and over the years, whenever her heart stops, she meets him again and slowly develops feelings for him. I found it unsettling that she met him at 5 years old while Nick was a grown adult. I might have liked it better if Nick had remained a guardian figure rather than becoming a romantic interest.
I definitely feel for Emery, wanting to live her life but being surrounded by people who are cautious and scared that anything she does might trigger a heart failure. However, she behaves very bratty when people raise concerns about her safety. While I sympathize with her, I found my self frustrated by her reckless behaviors that causes unnecessary worry.
Moreover, I don't understand why she chooses Nick over Colin, her male best friend. Colin is real and alive, yet Emery decides to pursue Nick. When Colin moves on and gets married, she feels disappointed and jealous. Hello? Girl, you made that choice, so why are you sad? I eye-rolled when, surprise surprise, Emery manages to get some medication that prevents her heart from stopping unexpectedly. This means she won't meet Nick unless she is dead, and she is so sad about it. But Nick tells her to choose life because he is trapped in this alternate universe, and they have no future together.
So, guess what happens next? Emery chooses to live but misses Nick most of the time. Side note: Colin apparently gets a divorce because he realizes he is still in love with Emery. Emery gives in and marries him since she can't see Nick anymore and Nick wants her to live. I just don't get it - why chooses someone unattainable over someone who truly appreciates you?
I also can't stand the thought of Emery choosing Colin because she knows she can't have Nick unless she's dead. While with Colin, she thinks about Nick a lot, which feels like emotional cheating. It's just mind-boggling.
And when Emery dies, she reunites with Nick, who tells her he is glad she lived her life and doesn't mind being an immortal angel guiding people through death. Because deep down, he knows that he and Emery are soulmates and inseparable. Oh god, I nearly puked.
I definitely feel for Emery, wanting to live her life but being surrounded by people who are cautious and scared that anything she does might trigger a heart failure. However, she behaves very bratty when people raise concerns about her safety. While I sympathize with her, I found my self frustrated by her reckless behaviors that causes unnecessary worry.
Moreover, I don't understand why she chooses Nick over Colin, her male best friend. Colin is real and alive, yet Emery decides to pursue Nick. When Colin moves on and gets married, she feels disappointed and jealous. Hello? Girl, you made that choice, so why are you sad? I eye-rolled when, surprise surprise, Emery manages to get some medication that prevents her heart from stopping unexpectedly. This means she won't meet Nick unless she is dead, and she is so sad about it. But Nick tells her to choose life because he is trapped in this alternate universe, and they have no future together.
So, guess what happens next? Emery chooses to live but misses Nick most of the time. Side note: Colin apparently gets a divorce because he realizes he is still in love with Emery. Emery gives in and marries him since she can't see Nick anymore and Nick wants her to live. I just don't get it - why chooses someone unattainable over someone who truly appreciates you?
I also can't stand the thought of Emery choosing Colin because she knows she can't have Nick unless she's dead. While with Colin, she thinks about Nick a lot, which feels like emotional cheating. It's just mind-boggling.
And when Emery dies, she reunites with Nick, who tells her he is glad she lived her life and doesn't mind being an immortal angel guiding people through death. Because deep down, he knows that he and Emery are soulmates and inseparable. Oh god, I nearly puked.
March 26, 2024
4.5 stars
I loved Becky’s last book One Moment so I was really excited for this as well as prepared for the emotional journey I knew I would be embarking on.
Emery was a great character and you can’t help but feel sorry for her living with a condition that keeps killing her. But as a parent I completely understood why her dad wanted to keep her safe. This is another reason why I liked Emery, because the tighter her dad gripped the more she rebelled. However I completely draw the line at skydiving and will just stick to being cheeky and a little naughty instead.
The friends and family in her life know her and understand but only to a certain extent. I really believe that unless you live with illness, although you can empathise you never truly know and I think bringing in a surprising plot twist later on was magnificently done to bring in a touch of reality. Even though that part choked me up with emotion.
The romance was executed beautifully and just as you think they will be together she is yanked back into her recovering body. So it is a slow burn will they won’t they and also a little triangle with someone whose feet are planted firmly on the ground.
If you want a book that takes you on an unusual journey through this strange little thing called life and death then I highly recommend giving this a read.
I loved Becky’s last book One Moment so I was really excited for this as well as prepared for the emotional journey I knew I would be embarking on.
Emery was a great character and you can’t help but feel sorry for her living with a condition that keeps killing her. But as a parent I completely understood why her dad wanted to keep her safe. This is another reason why I liked Emery, because the tighter her dad gripped the more she rebelled. However I completely draw the line at skydiving and will just stick to being cheeky and a little naughty instead.
The friends and family in her life know her and understand but only to a certain extent. I really believe that unless you live with illness, although you can empathise you never truly know and I think bringing in a surprising plot twist later on was magnificently done to bring in a touch of reality. Even though that part choked me up with emotion.
The romance was executed beautifully and just as you think they will be together she is yanked back into her recovering body. So it is a slow burn will they won’t they and also a little triangle with someone whose feet are planted firmly on the ground.
If you want a book that takes you on an unusual journey through this strange little thing called life and death then I highly recommend giving this a read.
December 7, 2024
3.5⭐️
I liked a lot about this book but did find the Nick world slightly hard to get to grips with and feel 100% ok about it considering she was 5 and he was 35 (plus dead for multiple years) when they first met. Kinda icky.
Had a solid lump in my throat come the end of the book which increased my rating!
I liked a lot about this book but did find the Nick world slightly hard to get to grips with and feel 100% ok about it considering she was 5 and he was 35 (plus dead for multiple years) when they first met. Kinda icky.
Had a solid lump in my throat come the end of the book which increased my rating!
December 20, 2024
4 ⭐
My 1st from this author, a sad read which deals with some hard to face issues.
Written well and easy to read.
Would recommend 💕
My 1st from this author, a sad read which deals with some hard to face issues.
Written well and easy to read.
Would recommend 💕
April 21, 2024
This was my first book by this author. As the title suggests, this one is a bit of a tear-jerker so be prepared and have some tissues at the ready! Emery has a heart condition where her heart can suddenly stop. Everything this happens she meets Nick who is waiting to show her how to move on to the afterlife. He doesn't usually meet the same person twice, but Emery keeps getting brought back to life and finds herself having to leave Nick behind time and time again.
Wow! What a weepy read this was! It's a really difficult book to review though without giving anything away. We first meet Emery when she's five years old and then continue to meet her at various times throughout her life. Her life on earth is filled with worries, being wrapped in cotton wool and rebellions against the rules her family set. Her times with Nick are completely different and Emery finds a calm and serene environment where her relationship with Nick blossoms every time she see him. However for this to continue, she would need to die forever.
This book certainly tugs on the heartstrings! I have a similar heart condition (LQTS) so the topic was particularly interesting to me. The story is filled with wonderful characters who all play a big part in Emery's life and I found myself completely engrossed in all of their storylines. I won't say anymore for fear of spoilers but it's safe to say by the time I'd finished the book I was bawling my eyes out! The book has some very powerful themes running through it but the author has written it so sensitively and tenderly. I loved following Emery's life both on and off Earth and thought the ending was just right! An emotional read through and through! Would recommend.
Wow! What a weepy read this was! It's a really difficult book to review though without giving anything away. We first meet Emery when she's five years old and then continue to meet her at various times throughout her life. Her life on earth is filled with worries, being wrapped in cotton wool and rebellions against the rules her family set. Her times with Nick are completely different and Emery finds a calm and serene environment where her relationship with Nick blossoms every time she see him. However for this to continue, she would need to die forever.
This book certainly tugs on the heartstrings! I have a similar heart condition (LQTS) so the topic was particularly interesting to me. The story is filled with wonderful characters who all play a big part in Emery's life and I found myself completely engrossed in all of their storylines. I won't say anymore for fear of spoilers but it's safe to say by the time I'd finished the book I was bawling my eyes out! The book has some very powerful themes running through it but the author has written it so sensitively and tenderly. I loved following Emery's life both on and off Earth and thought the ending was just right! An emotional read through and through! Would recommend.
December 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this novel a lot more than I thought I would.
It is not my usual type of book but I can be a bit of a sucker for a romantic guilty pleasure. In this book, we meet Emery who dies (for the first time) aged 5. Emery has a heart condition which means that her heart stops when she experiences sudden pain, shock or excitement. After she does, she meets Nick, something of a guardian angel whose job it is to guide her into the next world. However, Emery isn't really dead and her heart can be restarted which means the time she spends with Nick is fleeting.
Over the course of the novel, which charts Emery's life, she dies a number of times and meets (and falls for) Nick a number of times. But the only way to be together is for Emery to die .....
This was a really heartfelt, poignant novel and it really does tug on the heartstrings. I enjoy books which are set over the course of a person's lifetime as it really immerses you in their life and Emery is a really strong character.
Definitely an enjoyable read and thanks to Netgalley and Atlantic Books, Corvus for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
It is not my usual type of book but I can be a bit of a sucker for a romantic guilty pleasure. In this book, we meet Emery who dies (for the first time) aged 5. Emery has a heart condition which means that her heart stops when she experiences sudden pain, shock or excitement. After she does, she meets Nick, something of a guardian angel whose job it is to guide her into the next world. However, Emery isn't really dead and her heart can be restarted which means the time she spends with Nick is fleeting.
Over the course of the novel, which charts Emery's life, she dies a number of times and meets (and falls for) Nick a number of times. But the only way to be together is for Emery to die .....
This was a really heartfelt, poignant novel and it really does tug on the heartstrings. I enjoy books which are set over the course of a person's lifetime as it really immerses you in their life and Emery is a really strong character.
Definitely an enjoyable read and thanks to Netgalley and Atlantic Books, Corvus for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 27, 2024
Oh my goodness, if I thought that One Moment was an emotional read, this novel definitely tugged at my heartstrings. With no definitive trigger for her episodes which began when she was only five years old, the slightest thing such as a car horn could cause Emery’s heart to stop. It was no surprise that she wanted to make the most of every experience, even those that could put her in jeopardy. Each time she died, just for those few seconds, she met Nick in the afterlife and she became rather obsessed by the thought of meeting him again…and again – and having that special connection, one which she cannot explain to those around her in life.
Emery is not the only person affected by her very frightening condition. Her family are also impacted and the natural inclination to wrap someone in metaphorical cotton wool leads to fractures and conflict in the family relationship.
Stories with an obvious supernatural slant don’t always work for me, but here that afterlife element is so naturally incorporated that I just accepted it as a major focus of the story. Although Emery’s character is defiant when facing the reality of her mortality, her condition has a huge impact on what she does, or doesn’t do and I really felt for her when she held back from living a life and resisted making plans for a future of loving relationships and a fulfilling career that everyone else took for granted.
Nick was there to be Emery’s guide and support through the afterlife but as the story unfolded it became clear that Emery also had the ability to help him. Their love story was unlike any other because if Emery was to be with Nick, it meant that her life had come to an end. Permanently.
This life and death love story was beautifully written and shows not only the fragility of life but the dilemmas that Emery faced. Although I have an open mind on the subject, I did find the whole concept of an afterlife guide rather comforting.
Meet Me When My Heart Stops is an emotive and poignant read, and one which I enjoyed very much.
Emery is not the only person affected by her very frightening condition. Her family are also impacted and the natural inclination to wrap someone in metaphorical cotton wool leads to fractures and conflict in the family relationship.
Stories with an obvious supernatural slant don’t always work for me, but here that afterlife element is so naturally incorporated that I just accepted it as a major focus of the story. Although Emery’s character is defiant when facing the reality of her mortality, her condition has a huge impact on what she does, or doesn’t do and I really felt for her when she held back from living a life and resisted making plans for a future of loving relationships and a fulfilling career that everyone else took for granted.
Nick was there to be Emery’s guide and support through the afterlife but as the story unfolded it became clear that Emery also had the ability to help him. Their love story was unlike any other because if Emery was to be with Nick, it meant that her life had come to an end. Permanently.
This life and death love story was beautifully written and shows not only the fragility of life but the dilemmas that Emery faced. Although I have an open mind on the subject, I did find the whole concept of an afterlife guide rather comforting.
Meet Me When My Heart Stops is an emotive and poignant read, and one which I enjoyed very much.
May 25, 2024
Oh, my. THIS was something tremendously unique and special. Meet Me When My Heart Stops is my first from Becky Hunter, one I just happened to stumble upon whilst on Goodreads, and I'm already anticipating more of her incredible writing. That characterisation, plot, and sentence structure just made me FEEL.
Emery Wilson was just five years old when she first died. Drifting into 'the inbetween', she encounters Nick, a guide to help her across to the other side. Being sent back, she's officially diagnosed with a rare heart condition, effectively causing her to live her life cautiously. Imagine that. Not having the courage to make those important decisions and make long-term plans. Instead, Emery must watch on as her loved ones move on and live, knowing that in an instant, she could die once more. Throwing herself into any and every situation on a whim, especially reckless ones, just isn't fair on herself or her family. Essentially, Emery is only living so she can die again, just to see Nick one more time. It's a dilemma, falling in love with someone out of your time and, well, essentially deceased. It can NEVER work, and those heart to hearts over time finally allow Emery to realise that staying behind can be beneficial after all.
I truly hope my rambling makes sense! There's a lot to unpack here. If you've experienced it, by golly, there's a high chance that Becky Hunt will explore them further. What got me the most was parental abandonment and a sibling facing ovarian cancer. Those two situations particularly hit me hard.
Emotional, fantastical, insightful, romantic, and thought-provoking, Meet Me When My Heart Stops is a rare diamond in women's fiction. It's also another addition to my top 2024 books.
5 🌟
Emery Wilson was just five years old when she first died. Drifting into 'the inbetween', she encounters Nick, a guide to help her across to the other side. Being sent back, she's officially diagnosed with a rare heart condition, effectively causing her to live her life cautiously. Imagine that. Not having the courage to make those important decisions and make long-term plans. Instead, Emery must watch on as her loved ones move on and live, knowing that in an instant, she could die once more. Throwing herself into any and every situation on a whim, especially reckless ones, just isn't fair on herself or her family. Essentially, Emery is only living so she can die again, just to see Nick one more time. It's a dilemma, falling in love with someone out of your time and, well, essentially deceased. It can NEVER work, and those heart to hearts over time finally allow Emery to realise that staying behind can be beneficial after all.
I truly hope my rambling makes sense! There's a lot to unpack here. If you've experienced it, by golly, there's a high chance that Becky Hunt will explore them further. What got me the most was parental abandonment and a sibling facing ovarian cancer. Those two situations particularly hit me hard.
Emotional, fantastical, insightful, romantic, and thought-provoking, Meet Me When My Heart Stops is a rare diamond in women's fiction. It's also another addition to my top 2024 books.
5 🌟
July 12, 2024
Iba leyendo el libro sin saber realmente si me iba a gustar el final pero me ha gustado mucho cómo lo han enfocado y me alegra haberlo terminado :)
March 21, 2025
3.5⭐️
This book would have been so much better if it had been shorter.
This book would have been so much better if it had been shorter.
February 14, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Corvus for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
It's not dramatic to say that Becky's previous book - One Moment - helped save my life. I read it during a very dark time, and it really helped lift me out of the fog, and so promised there and then that I would read everything she wrote. But there is always a worry that the second book won't live up to the first. But I needn't have worried.
I thought at first it was narrated by death, but it's more complex than that, with multiple layers running through it. I won't spoil it by confirming or denying this theory, but hopefully you'll see what I mean. But the way she's written it is great as we get to learn how Emery's condition affects everyone she encounters.
It was such a fascinating premise, completely original - or, at least it's original to me, I admit I haven't' read every single book premise in the world. But it's such a simple premise. Sometimes this can be the downfall of a book because it's not interesting enough. But executed properly, like this one is, it can be perfect, and that is how I would describe this story.
What I love about both of Becky's books is this exploration of the afterlife. Of course we can't know the truth until we get there ourselves and then it's too late to tell anyone. But I'm sure everyone has their own imagination when it comes to what's next, whatever your beliefs. But Becky has taken this idea of the unknown and run with it, and I found both books very comforting.
It's such a tender book. But it's also conflicting. Emery's parents are so cautious about her, which makes sense given the circumstances. Her Mum wants her to live her life, but her Dad is wary and frightened. But all of this means her life is never really her own. And it really gives you food for thought. Because you'd do anything to keep your child safe, no matter their age, but is wrapping them in bubble wrap and stopping them from living, really keeping them safe, or is it just another form of death?
Like Emery, I fell in love. With an idea o thinking, with a want to live your life without being held a prisoner by your health. I feel in love with a want, a desire, a passion. And with a man. But it's more about that that man represents I think, rather than him as a person. He was beautiful in many ways and I hope you think the same.
Becky's books are unbelievably touching. She has this power that she weaves through her words that...it's hard to explain, and definitely impossible to explain without sounding corny, but they're life changing. This idea of mortality, and life and death, and limbo, and strength and weakness. They're not just books for entertainment, although they are that; they have the power to create a sense of love and loss and passion and wonder an curiosity that I've rarely seen.
I have concluded that if she continues down this vein of story, they will always make me cry. And we're not talking a cute tear that falls down my cheek every so often. We're talking big, loud, breath-taking ugly sobs.
I'm sure it wasn't necessarily the aim she had when writing it, but it almost took away the fear of dying. Personally, I'm not scared of death, but I am scared of the act of dying. And whilst I am aware this is a fictional book and so make-believe (we assume), I think it has really tackled some very big topics, and ends up being so powerful, but like a gentle power, a quiet power, that just takes your hand and roars.
The way Becky writes, the characters, the story, the sentence structure, the word choices, the emotions she's woven into it, the meanings - it makes its way into your heart, into your very soul, and it sits there. It could potentially have been a downer of a story, but it's anything but. It is really life affirming and positive and hopeful and, bizarrely, joyful.
I've done my best to describe this book, to explain what it's like to read. But even though I earn my living through words, I don't have the right ones for this. It's a feeling, it's a beauty. It's something you need to sit with yourself and absorb. Everyone will get something completely different out of it frrom everyone else. And that's what makes it pretty bloody special. Once again, I think Becky will end up on my best books of the year roundup at the end of 2024.
It's not dramatic to say that Becky's previous book - One Moment - helped save my life. I read it during a very dark time, and it really helped lift me out of the fog, and so promised there and then that I would read everything she wrote. But there is always a worry that the second book won't live up to the first. But I needn't have worried.
I thought at first it was narrated by death, but it's more complex than that, with multiple layers running through it. I won't spoil it by confirming or denying this theory, but hopefully you'll see what I mean. But the way she's written it is great as we get to learn how Emery's condition affects everyone she encounters.
It was such a fascinating premise, completely original - or, at least it's original to me, I admit I haven't' read every single book premise in the world. But it's such a simple premise. Sometimes this can be the downfall of a book because it's not interesting enough. But executed properly, like this one is, it can be perfect, and that is how I would describe this story.
What I love about both of Becky's books is this exploration of the afterlife. Of course we can't know the truth until we get there ourselves and then it's too late to tell anyone. But I'm sure everyone has their own imagination when it comes to what's next, whatever your beliefs. But Becky has taken this idea of the unknown and run with it, and I found both books very comforting.
It's such a tender book. But it's also conflicting. Emery's parents are so cautious about her, which makes sense given the circumstances. Her Mum wants her to live her life, but her Dad is wary and frightened. But all of this means her life is never really her own. And it really gives you food for thought. Because you'd do anything to keep your child safe, no matter their age, but is wrapping them in bubble wrap and stopping them from living, really keeping them safe, or is it just another form of death?
Like Emery, I fell in love. With an idea o thinking, with a want to live your life without being held a prisoner by your health. I feel in love with a want, a desire, a passion. And with a man. But it's more about that that man represents I think, rather than him as a person. He was beautiful in many ways and I hope you think the same.
Becky's books are unbelievably touching. She has this power that she weaves through her words that...it's hard to explain, and definitely impossible to explain without sounding corny, but they're life changing. This idea of mortality, and life and death, and limbo, and strength and weakness. They're not just books for entertainment, although they are that; they have the power to create a sense of love and loss and passion and wonder an curiosity that I've rarely seen.
I have concluded that if she continues down this vein of story, they will always make me cry. And we're not talking a cute tear that falls down my cheek every so often. We're talking big, loud, breath-taking ugly sobs.
I'm sure it wasn't necessarily the aim she had when writing it, but it almost took away the fear of dying. Personally, I'm not scared of death, but I am scared of the act of dying. And whilst I am aware this is a fictional book and so make-believe (we assume), I think it has really tackled some very big topics, and ends up being so powerful, but like a gentle power, a quiet power, that just takes your hand and roars.
The way Becky writes, the characters, the story, the sentence structure, the word choices, the emotions she's woven into it, the meanings - it makes its way into your heart, into your very soul, and it sits there. It could potentially have been a downer of a story, but it's anything but. It is really life affirming and positive and hopeful and, bizarrely, joyful.
I've done my best to describe this book, to explain what it's like to read. But even though I earn my living through words, I don't have the right ones for this. It's a feeling, it's a beauty. It's something you need to sit with yourself and absorb. Everyone will get something completely different out of it frrom everyone else. And that's what makes it pretty bloody special. Once again, I think Becky will end up on my best books of the year roundup at the end of 2024.
April 10, 2024
This was a really emotional read and a truly interesting concept! There are some wonderful characters throughout the book, although I did feel like shaking Emery on more than one occasion! It was interesting to see how differently people can react to, and deal with, death and illness and I really loved the aspect of the ‘in-between’ world where Nick was. As for Nick himself I really warmed to him and I enjoyed finding out about his past. Overall this book deals with some sensitive subjects but the author did so in a wonderful way!
March 28, 2024
thanks i hate it
July 3, 2024
Such an almost book and there really was a lot to like about this book, themes that went beyond romance particularly, the two stars is probably a fairly harsh reflection of my reading experience. The structure of the book which was it's hook, actually proved to be the weakest element for this particularly reader because it was so confining for Hunter.
We first met Emery when she was a child and her heart stopped, sending her into an momentary afterlife where she met Nick who was there to guide her to the next stage. Only, it turned out, there wasn't a next stage for Emery who had a heart defect that made it give out, but who could be resuscitated if discovered in sufficient time. Thus, started the cycle of Emery appearing before Nick only to be "saved" which allowed them to develop a bond and for that bond to allow them to grow as people. It could have been icky, given Nick first Emery as a child, but such was the way that Hunter wrote their getting to know one another that it never did.
The problem? When your plot structure is limited to the circumstances around your protagonist's heart stopping, you're not really able to develop the supporting cast or give the layers of their life depth. It resulted in Emery living a life where all of her close family and friends were exactly the same characters as we had been introduced to at childhood, without Hunter's format having the scope to explore the shifts in those relationships over years or, indeed, Emery's wider life. As a consequence, many of Emery's connections felt unearned. There was the love of her life, who happened to be a fleeting presence when her heart stopped, and then there was the man in her living life who never stopped loving her and the conflict that Emery felt between those two pulls just didn't hit the emotional notes it should have.
I did enjoy the way Hunter built up Emery's fear and reluctance to actually live her life, so fearful she was that it could come to an end at any moment. The discussions she had with Nick on that front were really quite lovely, them being propelled into consuming love so quickly in their knowing one another was a shame in light of those conversations that came later perhaps being more worthy of their connection. If this wasn't a romance, it'd be a 3. As it is, I wanted to feel my own heart burst open and it never did with this book, hence the 2.
We first met Emery when she was a child and her heart stopped, sending her into an momentary afterlife where she met Nick who was there to guide her to the next stage. Only, it turned out, there wasn't a next stage for Emery who had a heart defect that made it give out, but who could be resuscitated if discovered in sufficient time. Thus, started the cycle of Emery appearing before Nick only to be "saved" which allowed them to develop a bond and for that bond to allow them to grow as people. It could have been icky, given Nick first Emery as a child, but such was the way that Hunter wrote their getting to know one another that it never did.
The problem? When your plot structure is limited to the circumstances around your protagonist's heart stopping, you're not really able to develop the supporting cast or give the layers of their life depth. It resulted in Emery living a life where all of her close family and friends were exactly the same characters as we had been introduced to at childhood, without Hunter's format having the scope to explore the shifts in those relationships over years or, indeed, Emery's wider life. As a consequence, many of Emery's connections felt unearned. There was the love of her life, who happened to be a fleeting presence when her heart stopped, and then there was the man in her living life who never stopped loving her and the conflict that Emery felt between those two pulls just didn't hit the emotional notes it should have.
I did enjoy the way Hunter built up Emery's fear and reluctance to actually live her life, so fearful she was that it could come to an end at any moment. The discussions she had with Nick on that front were really quite lovely, them being propelled into consuming love so quickly in their knowing one another was a shame in light of those conversations that came later perhaps being more worthy of their connection. If this wasn't a romance, it'd be a 3. As it is, I wanted to feel my own heart burst open and it never did with this book, hence the 2.
April 8, 2024
I’ve just finished reading and l am blown away by the depth of emotion it has me feeling. I won’t be forgetting Emery and Nick anytime soon! Truly a story every reader should experience, it’s a powerful read changing the way we look at life and really gets us thinking about what’s important.
Emery’s heart can stop at any moment, and she never knows whether it will be the last time. She has an overprotective Dad, a Mum who can’t deal and grows up wanting to push boundaries – causing a lot of tension and having a knock on effect on her relationships. Through illuminating snapshots Emery grows up before our eyes and we feel as though we know her in a real way. The time jumps work perfectly adding complex threads to the narrative, and I was absorbed by the stunning prose and superb story unfolding.
When Emery’s at her most vulnerable she meets the enigmatic Nick who evokes peace and calm and who she senses an immediate connection with. I enjoyed the fragmented way they get to know one another – their philosophical chats, the laughs they share, and the intense, meaningful moments that sustain them. I was intrigued by Nick and couldn’t wait to learn more about him, his past is skilfully woven through as Emery unravels the threads and learns the devastating truth.
Amber and Colin were terrific characters pulling on our heartstrings, garnering our interest and bringing new dimensions to the main story, developing in unexpected ways. Their kind, patient and caring nature shines through. The fantastic way every character is crafted and brought to life has no one feeling like a “side character” which is a feat in itself.
Meet Me When My Heart Stops is a unique, life-affirming tale showing the beauty, wonder and endurance of love, in all its many forms, in the darkest of times. There’s much wisdom imparted – fighting to live, to make the most of the present, and embracing the good with both hands. It’s a special read to take your time with to enjoy all it has to offer. This achingly beautiful, heart-warming tale is not to be missed – highly recommend.
With thanks to @RandomTTours, @Bookish_Becky & @CorvusBooks for my place on the Tour and proof copy.
Emery’s heart can stop at any moment, and she never knows whether it will be the last time. She has an overprotective Dad, a Mum who can’t deal and grows up wanting to push boundaries – causing a lot of tension and having a knock on effect on her relationships. Through illuminating snapshots Emery grows up before our eyes and we feel as though we know her in a real way. The time jumps work perfectly adding complex threads to the narrative, and I was absorbed by the stunning prose and superb story unfolding.
When Emery’s at her most vulnerable she meets the enigmatic Nick who evokes peace and calm and who she senses an immediate connection with. I enjoyed the fragmented way they get to know one another – their philosophical chats, the laughs they share, and the intense, meaningful moments that sustain them. I was intrigued by Nick and couldn’t wait to learn more about him, his past is skilfully woven through as Emery unravels the threads and learns the devastating truth.
Amber and Colin were terrific characters pulling on our heartstrings, garnering our interest and bringing new dimensions to the main story, developing in unexpected ways. Their kind, patient and caring nature shines through. The fantastic way every character is crafted and brought to life has no one feeling like a “side character” which is a feat in itself.
Meet Me When My Heart Stops is a unique, life-affirming tale showing the beauty, wonder and endurance of love, in all its many forms, in the darkest of times. There’s much wisdom imparted – fighting to live, to make the most of the present, and embracing the good with both hands. It’s a special read to take your time with to enjoy all it has to offer. This achingly beautiful, heart-warming tale is not to be missed – highly recommend.
With thanks to @RandomTTours, @Bookish_Becky & @CorvusBooks for my place on the Tour and proof copy.
August 7, 2024
I bought this book on holiday because i had finished all the books i had brought with me. That said, i don’t think i would have read this book was i not desperate for something te read.
For one, this is a love story. Not forbidden love but impossible love. Nick and Emery only see each other for short moments during Emery’s life, but still they’re enamored with each other. I don’t really feel much about their romance, but i still cried at the end of the book bc i mean who wouldn’t.
I knew Amber would be the gay side character from the beginning, but i loved her and Robin’s relationship and the fact they got Lily. Made losing Amber all the more heartbreaking. I cried when reading that Robin also died. I mean could have expected it but still.
I do like that this book does not have a whole monologue about death, mortality and what happens after death. Books about death usually center around these topics, and while the “to live or not to live” Emery has during the book is interesting, it is not so top heavy as most books that try to have a serious discussion about the (im)mortality of its characters.
It was a fine read bc i had no other book in my vicinity to read, but i wouldn’t really recommend this book for anything, as everything is just lacking a little bit more. The emotion? The relationships? The romance? Everything is just short of good.
For one, this is a love story. Not forbidden love but impossible love. Nick and Emery only see each other for short moments during Emery’s life, but still they’re enamored with each other. I don’t really feel much about their romance, but i still cried at the end of the book bc i mean who wouldn’t.
I knew Amber would be the gay side character from the beginning, but i loved her and Robin’s relationship and the fact they got Lily. Made losing Amber all the more heartbreaking. I cried when reading that Robin also died. I mean could have expected it but still.
I do like that this book does not have a whole monologue about death, mortality and what happens after death. Books about death usually center around these topics, and while the “to live or not to live” Emery has during the book is interesting, it is not so top heavy as most books that try to have a serious discussion about the (im)mortality of its characters.
It was a fine read bc i had no other book in my vicinity to read, but i wouldn’t really recommend this book for anything, as everything is just lacking a little bit more. The emotion? The relationships? The romance? Everything is just short of good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
At five years old Emery does for the first time - then she meets Nick. He is her guide to help her move on. However she doesn't move on , she survives and goes back to her life. As she grows up her inconvenient and dangerous heart condition (causing it to stop when she is shocked or scared) becomes the focus of her life. As does Nick, each time Emery meets him they become closer even though she can never stay with him.
This is a beautiful book about love, grief, living life to the full, longing and death. There are echoes of The Time Traveller's Wife which I also loved.
This is a beautiful book about love, grief, living life to the full, longing and death. There are echoes of The Time Traveller's Wife which I also loved.
May 20, 2024
Listened to this as an audiobook on Libby. And although I found the falling in love with a guy you only meet every now and then a bit fetched (maybe I’m bitter lol) overall I enjoyed it. I loved the ended where she chose life and finally ended up with Colin and happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
What a lovely book ❤️
Emery has a heart condition that causes her to die unexpectedly....everytime she dies she meets Nick, and their friendship soon becomes incredibly important to her.
I loved seeing how Emery's relationship with Nick grew, and how she dealt with her 'real' relationships too knowing she had a condition that could literally kill her at any time. Nick encouraged Emery to not let her illness rule her life and that meant she tried harder to live and love...
I really enjoyed this book and think it is written beautifully.
Emery has a heart condition that causes her to die unexpectedly....everytime she dies she meets Nick, and their friendship soon becomes incredibly important to her.
I loved seeing how Emery's relationship with Nick grew, and how she dealt with her 'real' relationships too knowing she had a condition that could literally kill her at any time. Nick encouraged Emery to not let her illness rule her life and that meant she tried harder to live and love...
I really enjoyed this book and think it is written beautifully.
April 12, 2025
I'm not normally one for romance novels, but I really enjoyed that this book explored how a cronic illness can impact a life and the lives of those closest to you. Whilst the main character, Emery, has a completely fictitious heart condition, the author, Becky Hunter, explores those moments between life and death and the other worldly relationships that are formed in those near death experiences. An easy and enjoyable read, but obviously it is emotional too.
April 20, 2024
I won this brand new hardback copy in a Facebook group giveaway. I think that for someone who really enjoys this genre would give this more than the 3 I did. It’s a great book, has a romantic feel to it but with a bit of a twist. The first few chapters made me question whether it was a YA book but i did get in to it and I think it will be a hit with many people.
April 25, 2024
3.5 rtc
August 14, 2024
I’ve never read anything by Becky Harris before but after reading the blurb I just had to give it a whirl, even though I suspected - correctly as it turns out, that it may well be a tearjerker. That said in places, it did have me giggling too.
The concept of the book intrigued me from the very first chapter and I found myself not wanting to put the book down so I could read more about the life that protagonist Emery leads and her developing relationship with Nick, the man she meets every time her heart stops.
The story was just delightful and so easy to read with small chapters so you can dip in and out with ease, not that I needed to as I found myself unable to put the book down.
The concept of the book intrigued me from the very first chapter and I found myself not wanting to put the book down so I could read more about the life that protagonist Emery leads and her developing relationship with Nick, the man she meets every time her heart stops.
The story was just delightful and so easy to read with small chapters so you can dip in and out with ease, not that I needed to as I found myself unable to put the book down.
March 28, 2025
Clever and definately eye leaky at the end .Definately recomnend
October 15, 2025
What a beautiful story! Reminiscent of The Dead Romantics and The Love of my Afterlife, this was very enjoyable but also tragic and deep. This needs to be more popular!
June 25, 2024
I’m just 😩😩😩
Where do I even staaaaaart
Emery is just unlikeable. Like I GET why she behaves the way she does but she was extremely selfish. I read to the end hoping for some character development but nooo, she was as stubborn and selfish from the first page.
I really felt for her loved ones who’re looking out for her. And they’re doing it in the only way they know how.
Despite how frustrating Emery and her relationship with her loved ones can be, I’m glad that the author wrote it as is. Cos irl, both parties have the toughest time to understand each other.
I’m more on #teamlovedones tho. And I liked how the relationships covered in this book raises the question how far should you forgive someone when you know the reason for their behaviour even though they repeatedly hurt you again and again.
Emery kind of disgusts me ngl. She wants BOTH Colin and Nick wtf. When she got together with one of them, I thought the other character deserved better. I was so upset he was treated that way 🥺
Quite a frustrating book lol cos of Emery
Where do I even staaaaaart
Emery is just unlikeable. Like I GET why she behaves the way she does but she was extremely selfish. I read to the end hoping for some character development but nooo, she was as stubborn and selfish from the first page.
I really felt for her loved ones who’re looking out for her. And they’re doing it in the only way they know how.
Despite how frustrating Emery and her relationship with her loved ones can be, I’m glad that the author wrote it as is. Cos irl, both parties have the toughest time to understand each other.
I’m more on #teamlovedones tho. And I liked how the relationships covered in this book raises the question how far should you forgive someone when you know the reason for their behaviour even though they repeatedly hurt you again and again.
Emery kind of disgusts me ngl. She wants BOTH Colin and Nick wtf. When she got together with one of them, I thought the other character deserved better. I was so upset he was treated that way 🥺
Quite a frustrating book lol cos of Emery
April 25, 2024
One of those nice fluffy reads
March 2, 2024
An emotional page turner.
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