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This Wasn't Meant to Happen
'A beautiful, brave, important book…devastatingly sad, yet still filled with light, hope and so much love' Sunday Times Bestseller Paige Toon💛💛💛
This wasn’t meant to happen. But it did.
Sofie Jensen has always lived by logic — calculating risk, staying in control, believing that if she did everything right, life would follow the rules. But nothing could prepare her for the the stillbirth of her baby boy.
Now, grief carves a hollow space where joy once lived, and love — so fierce, so fragile — teeters on the edge. Nothing adds up anymore. Not the life she had. Not the future she imagined.
Told with quiet strength and breathtaking honesty, This Wasn’t Meant to Happen is a searing but beautiful portrait of love, grief and the tender, complicated path back to hope. For anyone who has ever lost, longed, or held on when letting go felt impossible.
'Oh my heart. This is a book that lands deeply' Sunday Times Bestseller Giovanna Fletcher💛💛💛
Readers love This Wasn’t Meant to Happen:‘Earth-shatteringly brilliant. Heartbreaking and hopeful in equal measure’ Zoë Folbigg, author of One Note
'Tender and raw, brave and inspiring, this important, beautiful book has love woven through every line. I loved it.’ Cathy Bramley
'This was the most beautiful book. It was illuminating. It’s a gift to both those who have experienced baby loss and those who want to know how to love and support them. Most importantly, This Wasn’t Meant to Happen is an incredibly compelling novel about the power of love.’ Katy Regan
'I recommend getting some tissues ready because I went through two whole boxes.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An absolutely heartbreakingly, beautiful story that is impossible to put down. An absolute must read.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A beautiful and heart wrenching read. Ali Harris handles such a sensitive topic with the utmost care and consideration.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A deeply emotional and inspiring book.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A difficult subject but beautifully written. This is a book to be read with a box of tissues on hand.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Full of emotions, courage, bravery, heartache and hope.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Oh wow, what an incredibly emotional read. This is a book that so many people will be able to relate to.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'So emotional and impactful. I know this book will stay with me for a long time.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An absolute emotional rollercoaster of a story that will have you reaching for the tissue box multiple times but will also leave your heart full by the end. Best book I've read this year by far.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An emotional heartbreaking read… what comes shining through is the immeasurable love in the face of adversity.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'One hell of a story. So moving. Read it.
This wasn’t meant to happen. But it did.
Sofie Jensen has always lived by logic — calculating risk, staying in control, believing that if she did everything right, life would follow the rules. But nothing could prepare her for the the stillbirth of her baby boy.
Now, grief carves a hollow space where joy once lived, and love — so fierce, so fragile — teeters on the edge. Nothing adds up anymore. Not the life she had. Not the future she imagined.
Told with quiet strength and breathtaking honesty, This Wasn’t Meant to Happen is a searing but beautiful portrait of love, grief and the tender, complicated path back to hope. For anyone who has ever lost, longed, or held on when letting go felt impossible.
'Oh my heart. This is a book that lands deeply' Sunday Times Bestseller Giovanna Fletcher💛💛💛
Readers love This Wasn’t Meant to Happen:‘Earth-shatteringly brilliant. Heartbreaking and hopeful in equal measure’ Zoë Folbigg, author of One Note
'Tender and raw, brave and inspiring, this important, beautiful book has love woven through every line. I loved it.’ Cathy Bramley
'This was the most beautiful book. It was illuminating. It’s a gift to both those who have experienced baby loss and those who want to know how to love and support them. Most importantly, This Wasn’t Meant to Happen is an incredibly compelling novel about the power of love.’ Katy Regan
'I recommend getting some tissues ready because I went through two whole boxes.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An absolutely heartbreakingly, beautiful story that is impossible to put down. An absolute must read.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A beautiful and heart wrenching read. Ali Harris handles such a sensitive topic with the utmost care and consideration.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A deeply emotional and inspiring book.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A difficult subject but beautifully written. This is a book to be read with a box of tissues on hand.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Full of emotions, courage, bravery, heartache and hope.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Oh wow, what an incredibly emotional read. This is a book that so many people will be able to relate to.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'So emotional and impactful. I know this book will stay with me for a long time.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An absolute emotional rollercoaster of a story that will have you reaching for the tissue box multiple times but will also leave your heart full by the end. Best book I've read this year by far.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An emotional heartbreaking read… what comes shining through is the immeasurable love in the face of adversity.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'One hell of a story. So moving. Read it.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2025
68 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Ali Harris
8 books319 followersAli is a magazine journalist who has worked in the world of glossy magazines for ten years.
She grew up in deepest darkest Norfolk, where she spent her formative years dreaming of the bright lights of the big city. At 18 she swapped sheep for show tunes and moved to London to do a degree in performing arts. After three years of 'studying' (read: doing jazz hands) she became.... a waitress. In her spare time she started writing a book (about a frustrated waitress, of course) and soon realised that writing was her true passion. After many rejection letters she decided just getting paid to write for a living would be a step in the right direction. One work placement at a celebrity style magazine later and she'd found her spiritual home. Surrounded by clothes, shoes and celebrity gossip she threw herself into her new career and was ecstatic when she bagged a job at Company magazine.
Ali was soon given her own dating column but then, she met 'Email Boy' and her column became focused on their blossoming relationship - she even won an industry award for her efforts. She left Company in 2005 to broaden her horizons as a freelance journalist, writing for Cosmo, Grazia and ELLE, amongst others. She also got married to Email Boy (now going by his official name of Ben) and then got lured back to the world of glossies with a job at number one women's magazine, Glamour. She left in 2009 to write books and have babies.
Ali's debut Miracle on Regent Street was published by Simon & Schuster in October 2011. Her second novel The First Last Kiss was published in January 2013. Her latest novel, Written in the Stars, is out now.
You can follow Ali at facebook.com/aliharriswriter and twitter.com/aliharriswriter or discover more about the author at her website aliharris.co.uk
She grew up in deepest darkest Norfolk, where she spent her formative years dreaming of the bright lights of the big city. At 18 she swapped sheep for show tunes and moved to London to do a degree in performing arts. After three years of 'studying' (read: doing jazz hands) she became.... a waitress. In her spare time she started writing a book (about a frustrated waitress, of course) and soon realised that writing was her true passion. After many rejection letters she decided just getting paid to write for a living would be a step in the right direction. One work placement at a celebrity style magazine later and she'd found her spiritual home. Surrounded by clothes, shoes and celebrity gossip she threw herself into her new career and was ecstatic when she bagged a job at Company magazine.
Ali was soon given her own dating column but then, she met 'Email Boy' and her column became focused on their blossoming relationship - she even won an industry award for her efforts. She left Company in 2005 to broaden her horizons as a freelance journalist, writing for Cosmo, Grazia and ELLE, amongst others. She also got married to Email Boy (now going by his official name of Ben) and then got lured back to the world of glossies with a job at number one women's magazine, Glamour. She left in 2009 to write books and have babies.
Ali's debut Miracle on Regent Street was published by Simon & Schuster in October 2011. Her second novel The First Last Kiss was published in January 2013. Her latest novel, Written in the Stars, is out now.
You can follow Ali at facebook.com/aliharriswriter and twitter.com/aliharriswriter or discover more about the author at her website aliharris.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 28, 2025
I received a free copy of, This Wasn't Meant to Happen, by Ali Harris, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Sofie Jensen was so looking forward to having and raising her precious baby boy, but that did not happen. This book made me cry, the loss of a child no matter what age is wrong, its one of the strongest hurts in the world. I enjoyed reading this book, it was a really good read.
July 14, 2025
This was a deeply emotional and inspiring book. Sofie, an actuary, doesn’t like risks. She doesn’t take them. She meets Rory who pushes her just a little for the “lucky” things in life.
Sofie never wanted children but finds herself pregnant. As her pregnancy progresses, she becomes attached to her baby in a way she didn’t expect. But sadly, her baby was still born.
The story that follows was very sad but also so touching. We see Sofie navigate thjngs that so many women have to deal with after a loss. She lost herself for a while but we saw Sofie find herself again.
I thought the relationships with the supporting characters were great. Ali Harris pulled from her own personal experience to write this book and you could feel the raw pain throughout. It was a beautiful way to share her story.
Thank you Net Galley, Ali Harris & Harper Collins for an eARC of this book!
Sofie never wanted children but finds herself pregnant. As her pregnancy progresses, she becomes attached to her baby in a way she didn’t expect. But sadly, her baby was still born.
The story that follows was very sad but also so touching. We see Sofie navigate thjngs that so many women have to deal with after a loss. She lost herself for a while but we saw Sofie find herself again.
I thought the relationships with the supporting characters were great. Ali Harris pulled from her own personal experience to write this book and you could feel the raw pain throughout. It was a beautiful way to share her story.
Thank you Net Galley, Ali Harris & Harper Collins for an eARC of this book!
September 11, 2025
This book covers such a difficult theme, death of a stillborn child, but it was done in such a beautiful way. Yes at times it was very difficult to read, and at many times it broke you as a reader with many tears, but it was such a special read and will no doubt stay with me for a long time.
It is a very heart felt read and it was no surprise to find out that this was written a few years after the author tragically experienced this. It’s a horrifying statistic that 1 in every 4 pregnancies leads to a miscarriage or birth of a still born baby. The chapters when Sofie had to give birth to Leo and the scenes at the hospital were written so carefully and in such a special way and you could feel the love and the tragicness of it pouring off the page.
The sections following the death were also difficult to read and the impact it had on all involved and I felt the emotions pouring off the page. You came to feel for all involved and felt you were there with the lead characters at all points. I liked the ending and how it brought Sophie and her mother together as family secrets were revealed.
All in all I felt this was a very special book and I feel everyone needs to read this book as this could impact anyone, either directly or through someone you know. It is definitely the best book I have read this year and will stay with me.
It is a very heart felt read and it was no surprise to find out that this was written a few years after the author tragically experienced this. It’s a horrifying statistic that 1 in every 4 pregnancies leads to a miscarriage or birth of a still born baby. The chapters when Sofie had to give birth to Leo and the scenes at the hospital were written so carefully and in such a special way and you could feel the love and the tragicness of it pouring off the page.
The sections following the death were also difficult to read and the impact it had on all involved and I felt the emotions pouring off the page. You came to feel for all involved and felt you were there with the lead characters at all points. I liked the ending and how it brought Sophie and her mother together as family secrets were revealed.
All in all I felt this was a very special book and I feel everyone needs to read this book as this could impact anyone, either directly or through someone you know. It is definitely the best book I have read this year and will stay with me.
November 7, 2025
I finished this book in 2 sit ins and had to put it down to take a breather 3/4 times. I’m not going to lie I did stall reading this book for a long time because of my own grief but I knew at the same time that this book would help heal a part of me that I had inside me for so long and also make me face something that I have had avoided for so long. And that’s exactly what it did. I cried really hard a couple times which I never realised I was needing. It has also brought a few things to my attention that I need to work on for myself. I’ll forever be grateful for this book and for Ali writing it. It’s had quite a profound impact on me personally and changed my perspective immensely on dealing with grief after baby/child/family loss and grief in general. The story is written so beautifully and in great detail which in my opinion needs to be discussed so much more and normalised. Loss in any form is never something anyone handles well and is always expected to get over it as quickly and efficiently as possible when the large majority of people can’t actually do that or often ranges from person to person. This book will give you an insight into that very scenario and bring it to the forefront throughout the entire read. It gives you got different perspectives from multiple family members and different types of grief and trauma. It’s definitely a book I feel like everyone needs to read because of the sheer amount of awareness it brings to you as a reader. It’s heartbreaking but it’s extremely important, inspiring and profound. Please read it.
October 17, 2025
This is such an emotional read and knowing that the author is drawing on her own experience makes it even more poignant. Sofie’s baby boy is sadly a still birth and nothing in her life has ever prepared her for the overwhelming grief that she experiences even though she had been left broken by the death of her father when she was young. Through different timelines we see the romance grow between Sofie and Rory - a charismatic TV reporter. We watch them fall in love and marry and become prospective parents. Then their world shatters. This is a book of grief - we watch how everyone deals with their own grief, from Rory to her own mother. Each person has to navigate their own journey but what this book is also full of is love. Sofie is surrounded by people who love her, who shore her up, who hold her close when all she wants is to hide away. I can’t imagine what such a loss must feel like and what was numbing was the statistics of how many women are suffering such a loss every day. This is a book that has been written with such sensitivity and which is full of heartbreak and hope.
July 2, 2025
Beautifully written by the author who has used her own personal experience of child loss to write a story about love, loss and grief. And how different people cope. This book should probably come with a trigger warning because of the subject matter. It will take you on an emotional roller coaster.
It is such a sad fact that, as the book quotes:
"One in 225 pregnancies ends in stillbirth in the UK. That’s seven stillbirths every day. Over 2,600 last year. And now we’re part of that statistic. We – our boy – is that one."
Having had friends who have gone through similar experiences, this book absolutely broke me. But it is so brave of the author to share her story and help other grieving parents. Every person who has lost someone will relate to this book, but especially mothers and those who have also sadly lost their children or child.
Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is such a sad fact that, as the book quotes:
"One in 225 pregnancies ends in stillbirth in the UK. That’s seven stillbirths every day. Over 2,600 last year. And now we’re part of that statistic. We – our boy – is that one."
Having had friends who have gone through similar experiences, this book absolutely broke me. But it is so brave of the author to share her story and help other grieving parents. Every person who has lost someone will relate to this book, but especially mothers and those who have also sadly lost their children or child.
Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2025
Ali Harris has courageously used her own personal experience to craft a captivating yet highly emotional story about loss, love, grief, and how each journey is unique and very much self led.
I can only applaud Ali for the characters and how they grow as the story progresses. What I found truly remarkable was the transformation not only in the main protagonists but in all the characters as they dealt with their grief and their own lives. This made them so relatable, and actually, I felt quite inspired.
I loved how second chances were incorporated into each characters journey accompanied by understanding and forgiveness.
It is an absolute emotional rollercoaster of a story that will have you reach for the tissue box multiple times but will also leave your heart full by the end. Best book I've read this year by far.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC.
I can only applaud Ali for the characters and how they grow as the story progresses. What I found truly remarkable was the transformation not only in the main protagonists but in all the characters as they dealt with their grief and their own lives. This made them so relatable, and actually, I felt quite inspired.
I loved how second chances were incorporated into each characters journey accompanied by understanding and forgiveness.
It is an absolute emotional rollercoaster of a story that will have you reach for the tissue box multiple times but will also leave your heart full by the end. Best book I've read this year by far.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC.
September 19, 2025
I wasn’t surprised to learn the author had a lived experience of the subject matter in this book.
It is written with such heart. I difficult subject that needs to be spoken about more.
Sofies character is written beautifully and I loved her interaction with the other characters in the book.
I felt emotionally attached to her.
Although it was a heartbreaking read there was also light and warmth.
Would highly recommend this book
It is written with such heart. I difficult subject that needs to be spoken about more.
Sofies character is written beautifully and I loved her interaction with the other characters in the book.
I felt emotionally attached to her.
Although it was a heartbreaking read there was also light and warmth.
Would highly recommend this book
November 30, 2025
Wow what a book. Very emotional, tear inducing, multiple highs and lows. It is obvious this book is not just a work of fiction due to the intensity and depth of subject knowledge. I loved this authors work when I read her years ago, this has just elevated that love to a higher
level.
level.
September 26, 2025
Wow, this book!
I knew it was going to be emotional going in, but it’s written in such a raw and heartbreaking, yet beautiful way that I was completely immersed in it from the first page. It will sit with me for a long long time.
Also, a personal bonus was all the wonderful descriptions of Bournemouth, Dorset, and the Jurassic Coast - so absolutely the right setting for this story.
I knew it was going to be emotional going in, but it’s written in such a raw and heartbreaking, yet beautiful way that I was completely immersed in it from the first page. It will sit with me for a long long time.
Also, a personal bonus was all the wonderful descriptions of Bournemouth, Dorset, and the Jurassic Coast - so absolutely the right setting for this story.
October 21, 2025
An emotional rollercoaster that had me near tears throughout the whole book. Following Sofie on her journey through the pain and loss was so heartbreaking yet so hopeful, seeing her heal and find a different version of herself — one she was happy with in the end was a hard hitting way to end the book.
Overall beautifully written thank you to the author and One More Chapter for a copy of this book.
Overall beautifully written thank you to the author and One More Chapter for a copy of this book.
November 7, 2025
A beautiful but very emotional read.
July 21, 2025
This book was so emotional and heartbreaking.
Sophie faced the most devastating loss. Grief is such a personal experience and everyone navigates it in their own way and this was explored in an emphatic and realistic way.
Losing a baby must be one of the most painful experiences and I hadn’t realised how common it was until reading this book. The writing is beautiful, raw and honest and I feel will help others affected (and their friends and family ) by such a painful loss.
This story will require a box or two of tissues close at hand. It’s full of emotions, courage, bravery , heartache and hope.
Sophie faced the most devastating loss. Grief is such a personal experience and everyone navigates it in their own way and this was explored in an emphatic and realistic way.
Losing a baby must be one of the most painful experiences and I hadn’t realised how common it was until reading this book. The writing is beautiful, raw and honest and I feel will help others affected (and their friends and family ) by such a painful loss.
This story will require a box or two of tissues close at hand. It’s full of emotions, courage, bravery , heartache and hope.
November 8, 2025
Heartbreaking subject but beautiful to understand the complexity of emotions.
January 8, 2026
This book was really hard to read and took me longer than average.
Nevertheless, I was so touched by it, that I would still really recommend it. It deals with some real tough subject matters, but does so beautifully. The emotions are so raw and real. The characters are definitely not perfect, they all have flaws, but that just made them more real.
Overall, a really moving story, but definitely not a light read.
Nevertheless, I was so touched by it, that I would still really recommend it. It deals with some real tough subject matters, but does so beautifully. The emotions are so raw and real. The characters are definitely not perfect, they all have flaws, but that just made them more real.
Overall, a really moving story, but definitely not a light read.
September 3, 2025
My Rating ~ 4.5.*
This Wasn’t Meant to Happen by Ali Harris publishes September 11th with One More Chapter and is described as ‘a searing but beautiful portrait of love, grief and the tender, complicated path back to hope….told with quiet strength and breathtaking honesty’.
There is no way to escape the pain and grief that is expressed with such raw honesty in this novel. Although a fictional story, it is based on the personal experiences of Ali Harris. As she says in her own words – ‘this isn’t a story about death, but about what survives.’ Ali Harris’s intimate journey following the stillbirth of Poppy, her third child, is laid bare through her personal accounts in the media and on her Instagram page. Following Poppy’s death, Ali took a step back from her writing career but, as time passed, she came to the realisation that the conversation around baby loss was very much hidden in the shadows and she wanted to start one herself. She wanted to write a book where the loss of a baby was the central line of the story, ‘the heartbeat of the story’, in the hope that other women would recognise themselves and their experiences and step forward, unashamedly owning their own personal story.
Human beings struggle to deal with grief and, in particular, the grief of others. Having a conversation with a parent who has suffered the tragic loss of a baby is one many of us choose to shy away from. In writing This Wasn’t Meant to Happen Ali Harris is shining a light on the devastation and trauma of baby loss in this most honest and compassionate novel. As we meet Sophie and Rory we travel the road with them as their lives get ripped apart. Strangely enough, there is an element of faith throughout, a sense of beauty and through the power of the sea and family, there is peace.
Following the tragic death of her father in her teens, Sophie made a decision to live a safe life. She stepped away from all the outdoor activities she loved and took a secure job in insurance. She also decided that children were not for her, another risk she was not willing to take. When she met Rory, she was initially hesitant of his personality. Rory was a local TV celebrity, known for his positivity and lust for life. He saw the good in everyone and everything, always bursting with hope and joy. On paper Sophie and Rory were not a match but Rory was persistent and, in time, Sophie began to let her guard down.
Soon married, with a beautiful home and good career prospects, Sophie was relatively content with her life. Rory occasionally brought up the possibility of them trying for a baby but Sophie always dismissed it, the risk was too great. But life, as we know, has many twists and turns and when Sophie had a positive pregnancy test, her reticence soon turned to joy and excitement. She made plans with Rory for their new family of three with Sophie delighted to have been shown another way of living, in a more positive and carefree style.
When the most unbearable tragedy occurs and they lose their little baby boy, their world implodes. They both deal with the enormity of their grief in different ways pulling them apart causing fractures in their relationship. As time passes these fractures further develop leading them both down two very different paths. Can their relationship survive?
With a storyline that has a very emotional punch, Ali Harris spares nothing for her readers. It is a stunning and authentic portrait of parental grief but it is also a story of resilience. Sophie and Rory have to find themselves first and foremost in order to move forward but it proves very challenging. Their struggle and their fears are beautifully depicted and, as a reader, there is that longing for a loving resolution for them both. This Wasn’t Meant to Happen is a courageously written book. It is so very very sad but dare I say also a hopeful and very vital read
This Wasn’t Meant to Happen by Ali Harris publishes September 11th with One More Chapter and is described as ‘a searing but beautiful portrait of love, grief and the tender, complicated path back to hope….told with quiet strength and breathtaking honesty’.
There is no way to escape the pain and grief that is expressed with such raw honesty in this novel. Although a fictional story, it is based on the personal experiences of Ali Harris. As she says in her own words – ‘this isn’t a story about death, but about what survives.’ Ali Harris’s intimate journey following the stillbirth of Poppy, her third child, is laid bare through her personal accounts in the media and on her Instagram page. Following Poppy’s death, Ali took a step back from her writing career but, as time passed, she came to the realisation that the conversation around baby loss was very much hidden in the shadows and she wanted to start one herself. She wanted to write a book where the loss of a baby was the central line of the story, ‘the heartbeat of the story’, in the hope that other women would recognise themselves and their experiences and step forward, unashamedly owning their own personal story.
Human beings struggle to deal with grief and, in particular, the grief of others. Having a conversation with a parent who has suffered the tragic loss of a baby is one many of us choose to shy away from. In writing This Wasn’t Meant to Happen Ali Harris is shining a light on the devastation and trauma of baby loss in this most honest and compassionate novel. As we meet Sophie and Rory we travel the road with them as their lives get ripped apart. Strangely enough, there is an element of faith throughout, a sense of beauty and through the power of the sea and family, there is peace.
Following the tragic death of her father in her teens, Sophie made a decision to live a safe life. She stepped away from all the outdoor activities she loved and took a secure job in insurance. She also decided that children were not for her, another risk she was not willing to take. When she met Rory, she was initially hesitant of his personality. Rory was a local TV celebrity, known for his positivity and lust for life. He saw the good in everyone and everything, always bursting with hope and joy. On paper Sophie and Rory were not a match but Rory was persistent and, in time, Sophie began to let her guard down.
Soon married, with a beautiful home and good career prospects, Sophie was relatively content with her life. Rory occasionally brought up the possibility of them trying for a baby but Sophie always dismissed it, the risk was too great. But life, as we know, has many twists and turns and when Sophie had a positive pregnancy test, her reticence soon turned to joy and excitement. She made plans with Rory for their new family of three with Sophie delighted to have been shown another way of living, in a more positive and carefree style.
When the most unbearable tragedy occurs and they lose their little baby boy, their world implodes. They both deal with the enormity of their grief in different ways pulling them apart causing fractures in their relationship. As time passes these fractures further develop leading them both down two very different paths. Can their relationship survive?
With a storyline that has a very emotional punch, Ali Harris spares nothing for her readers. It is a stunning and authentic portrait of parental grief but it is also a story of resilience. Sophie and Rory have to find themselves first and foremost in order to move forward but it proves very challenging. Their struggle and their fears are beautifully depicted and, as a reader, there is that longing for a loving resolution for them both. This Wasn’t Meant to Happen is a courageously written book. It is so very very sad but dare I say also a hopeful and very vital read
August 22, 2025
This Wasn’t Meant To Happen by Ali Harris is the most beautiful book about deep love and raw grief. Where these two meet, there is a pain that never leaves and there is a great love that never diminishes. It is a beautiful book that is grounded in fact as the author had a stillborn baby.
Dealing with this subject matter, one might be forgiven for thinking that this is a depressing read – but far from it. This is a work of great beauty and of great love.
The novel is written in the first person from the point of view of Sofie, and as such, we ‘feel’ her pain and her love. After giving birth to her stillborn son, we read “as I gaze at him, I feel a flood of love far greater, lighter and deeper than the abyss I’m in.” Sofie experiences the deep love that any new mum feels for their new baby.
The reader really invests emotionally in this book. As Sofie leaves hospital, a simple phrase expresses her love and loss. “Having him, holding him, loving him and then leaving him.”
We witness the couple trying to navigate their grief. It is a lonely journey as each travels their unique road alone. There is no getting over death, merely navigating through it.
Family, friends and work colleagues feel awkward. Rather than acknowledging the birth and death, many choose to ignore Sofie, failing to even make eye contact with her. She feels lonelier still. Sofie remarks that she wants to “have someone recognize that I’m here and my baby was here, but he died.” Talking can be therapeutic but many stay silent as no one wants to listen.
One in four pregnancies end in miscarriage. There are so many people out there in pain, and Sofie realises the value of meeting like-minded mums and dads.
Grief throws up many emotions. “The landscape of grief constantly shifts.” The grief journey is a fluid one.
No one is ever the same after an event as before. Even returning to a job that she previously loved, Sofie realises that she in unfulfilled. “I feel like… a shape that once had a purpose, now a crumpled mess.”
This Wasn’t Meant To Happen is a work of great pain, great love and great beauty. Ali Harris has written with sensitivity, giving the reader a small glimpse into what may be needed in order to support a grieving couple – but everyone is an individual with individual needs.
This Wasn’t Meant To Happen was a book that I read that sank deep into my heart and soul. It was very beautiful. I will leave you with a final quote:
“My grief has become rooted in a place where beauty and hope can grow around the pain.”
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Dealing with this subject matter, one might be forgiven for thinking that this is a depressing read – but far from it. This is a work of great beauty and of great love.
The novel is written in the first person from the point of view of Sofie, and as such, we ‘feel’ her pain and her love. After giving birth to her stillborn son, we read “as I gaze at him, I feel a flood of love far greater, lighter and deeper than the abyss I’m in.” Sofie experiences the deep love that any new mum feels for their new baby.
The reader really invests emotionally in this book. As Sofie leaves hospital, a simple phrase expresses her love and loss. “Having him, holding him, loving him and then leaving him.”
We witness the couple trying to navigate their grief. It is a lonely journey as each travels their unique road alone. There is no getting over death, merely navigating through it.
Family, friends and work colleagues feel awkward. Rather than acknowledging the birth and death, many choose to ignore Sofie, failing to even make eye contact with her. She feels lonelier still. Sofie remarks that she wants to “have someone recognize that I’m here and my baby was here, but he died.” Talking can be therapeutic but many stay silent as no one wants to listen.
One in four pregnancies end in miscarriage. There are so many people out there in pain, and Sofie realises the value of meeting like-minded mums and dads.
Grief throws up many emotions. “The landscape of grief constantly shifts.” The grief journey is a fluid one.
No one is ever the same after an event as before. Even returning to a job that she previously loved, Sofie realises that she in unfulfilled. “I feel like… a shape that once had a purpose, now a crumpled mess.”
This Wasn’t Meant To Happen is a work of great pain, great love and great beauty. Ali Harris has written with sensitivity, giving the reader a small glimpse into what may be needed in order to support a grieving couple – but everyone is an individual with individual needs.
This Wasn’t Meant To Happen was a book that I read that sank deep into my heart and soul. It was very beautiful. I will leave you with a final quote:
“My grief has become rooted in a place where beauty and hope can grow around the pain.”
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
July 14, 2025
Wow. This book will steal a little piece of your heart and stay with you long after you finish it. It’s heartbreaking and, at times, almost too hard to read, but it’s also a story full of hope, love, and the quiet strength that comes with surviving unimaginable grief.
I’ll admit, I thought this was going to be too sad for me, and yes, it is sad, but Ali Harris manages to weave so much hope into Sofie’s journey. Grief is messy, complicated, and deeply personal, and this book portrays that perfectly. No two people grieve the same way, and Sofie’s journey felt so real and raw; it was not polished or contrived, but deeply human.
The line that hit me hardest was: “Tell me, what do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” It’s such a simple reminder of how easy it is to play it safe, to stay in the comfort zone instead of risking everything for true happiness. Sofie is the ultimate risk averse character. She calculates life by numbers, clings to routine, and defines herself by her job. But when her life is shattered by loss, she’s forced to reevaluate everything.
Her love for Leo, the baby she never got to bring home, broke me. The other line I loved was: "Stillborn, but still loved." That hit so hard. The way she shut herself off from Rory and her friends, the way she tried to carry her grief alone, felt so painfully real. But what made this book so special was Sofie’s gradual transformation; from realizing Leo would always be a part of her, to embracing life again, taking risks, and learning that she is strong enough to keep living, even after her heart was shattered.
Ali Harris drew from her own personal experience, and you can feel that honesty on every page. The writing is beautiful, the emotions are raw, and the character growth (not just for Sofie, but for everyone around her) was inspiring. I loved seeing themes of second chances, forgiveness, and love woven through such a heartbreaking story.
Yes, you will need tissues, but by the end, your heart will feel full. It’s emotional, devastating, and yet incredibly hopeful. I hadn’t read anything by Ali Harris before this, but I’ll definitely be reading more because her writing is stunning, and she handled such a sensitive topic with so much care and compassion.
Highly recommend, but be prepared because it’s an emotional rollercoaster, and it will stay with you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ali Harris, and One More Chapter for the eARC of this book.
I’ll admit, I thought this was going to be too sad for me, and yes, it is sad, but Ali Harris manages to weave so much hope into Sofie’s journey. Grief is messy, complicated, and deeply personal, and this book portrays that perfectly. No two people grieve the same way, and Sofie’s journey felt so real and raw; it was not polished or contrived, but deeply human.
The line that hit me hardest was: “Tell me, what do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” It’s such a simple reminder of how easy it is to play it safe, to stay in the comfort zone instead of risking everything for true happiness. Sofie is the ultimate risk averse character. She calculates life by numbers, clings to routine, and defines herself by her job. But when her life is shattered by loss, she’s forced to reevaluate everything.
Her love for Leo, the baby she never got to bring home, broke me. The other line I loved was: "Stillborn, but still loved." That hit so hard. The way she shut herself off from Rory and her friends, the way she tried to carry her grief alone, felt so painfully real. But what made this book so special was Sofie’s gradual transformation; from realizing Leo would always be a part of her, to embracing life again, taking risks, and learning that she is strong enough to keep living, even after her heart was shattered.
Ali Harris drew from her own personal experience, and you can feel that honesty on every page. The writing is beautiful, the emotions are raw, and the character growth (not just for Sofie, but for everyone around her) was inspiring. I loved seeing themes of second chances, forgiveness, and love woven through such a heartbreaking story.
Yes, you will need tissues, but by the end, your heart will feel full. It’s emotional, devastating, and yet incredibly hopeful. I hadn’t read anything by Ali Harris before this, but I’ll definitely be reading more because her writing is stunning, and she handled such a sensitive topic with so much care and compassion.
Highly recommend, but be prepared because it’s an emotional rollercoaster, and it will stay with you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ali Harris, and One More Chapter for the eARC of this book.
July 3, 2025
I never expected This Wasn't Meant to Happen by Ali Harris to resonate so deeply - but it did, right from the very first page.
Like Sofie, I never pictured myself as a mother - until I met my husband and saw what an incredible father he could be.
Even throughout my pregnancy, I carried fear with me. I knew the heartbreaking statistic: 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss.
Friends of mine have gone through that pain. I was fortunate to welcome a healthy baby girl, but I’ve never forgotten that many others are not so lucky.
Ali Harris tells this story with such tenderness and truth, drawing on her own unimaginable loss to craft a novel that is raw, emotional, and incredibly brave.
The way she explores grief its many shapes, how differently we carry it, and how it reshapes us; is nothing short of extraordinary.
This book broke me, and I mean that in the best way.
The quote that will stay with me forever: “One in 225 pregnancies ends in stillbirth in the UK. That’s seven stillbirths every day... And now we’re part of that statistic. We – our boy – is that one.”
It’s a gut-punch, and yet this story is filled with so much compassion and hope.
When Sofie starts to realise she can't navogate her grief journey in isolation and lets friends, family, colleagues and even strangers in she starts to learn to live with the loss of Leo and the things she achieves are brilliant.
Watching Sofie’s relationships, especially with her mother and her mother's new partner, slowly rebuild was powerful.
Her journey of confronting her past, uncovering secrets, and learning to forgive herself is deeply relatable - especially for anyone who’s ever lost someone.
This book should come with a trigger warning due to its themes of child loss and grief but it is one I wholeheartedly recommend.
It's an emotional rollercoaster, but one worth riding. Harris has written a story that will stay with me forever.
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m so grateful to have read this brave, beautiful book. Ali Harris is now firmly on my must-read list.
Like Sofie, I never pictured myself as a mother - until I met my husband and saw what an incredible father he could be.
Even throughout my pregnancy, I carried fear with me. I knew the heartbreaking statistic: 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss.
Friends of mine have gone through that pain. I was fortunate to welcome a healthy baby girl, but I’ve never forgotten that many others are not so lucky.
Ali Harris tells this story with such tenderness and truth, drawing on her own unimaginable loss to craft a novel that is raw, emotional, and incredibly brave.
The way she explores grief its many shapes, how differently we carry it, and how it reshapes us; is nothing short of extraordinary.
This book broke me, and I mean that in the best way.
The quote that will stay with me forever: “One in 225 pregnancies ends in stillbirth in the UK. That’s seven stillbirths every day... And now we’re part of that statistic. We – our boy – is that one.”
It’s a gut-punch, and yet this story is filled with so much compassion and hope.
When Sofie starts to realise she can't navogate her grief journey in isolation and lets friends, family, colleagues and even strangers in she starts to learn to live with the loss of Leo and the things she achieves are brilliant.
Watching Sofie’s relationships, especially with her mother and her mother's new partner, slowly rebuild was powerful.
Her journey of confronting her past, uncovering secrets, and learning to forgive herself is deeply relatable - especially for anyone who’s ever lost someone.
This book should come with a trigger warning due to its themes of child loss and grief but it is one I wholeheartedly recommend.
It's an emotional rollercoaster, but one worth riding. Harris has written a story that will stay with me forever.
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m so grateful to have read this brave, beautiful book. Ali Harris is now firmly on my must-read list.
August 10, 2025
Sofie is someone who prefers to keep both feet firmly on the ground. If she does something, she wants to stay in control, and if there are risks involved, she wants to know what they are and how big they are in advance. That’s why she is determined to live by those rules, and a relationship, marriage, and certainly children are not things she envisions in her future.
But all of that can change. When you meet someone who approaches life in a completely different way and convinces you that everything will be alright, you realize you go along with it because you’ve found what you never thought you would: true love and a family that suddenly consists not of two, but of three people — until the worst imaginable happens…
This book is a chain of emotions, from euphoric highs to the deepest lows, and everything in between. The story is incredibly moving, and perhaps it hit me even harder because of the author’s background. It makes you realize how many families are confronted with this great grief every day, and I felt an overwhelming urge to hug my own child and thank heaven that everything went smoothly for me.
Every now and then I had to take a short break because the emotions became too much for me, and I admire Sofie for her strength. I completely understand that she needed to take her time and that no one should make decisions for her, but at the same time, I also found her a bit selfish — or am I being too harsh? I can’t imagine what she went through, but she wasn’t the only one, right? Her husband also had to go through this. I don’t know if my feeling is justified or not, but that’s how I experienced it.
It doesn’t matter how far along you are in pregnancy — for the physical recovery there is plenty of support, but what about mental recovery? That is a much heavier burden, and where do you stand then?
Saying I “enjoyed” this book may be the wrong word, but it definitely made me think and confront certain truths head-on.
Beautiful, raw, honest. 4 stars.
Thank you.
But all of that can change. When you meet someone who approaches life in a completely different way and convinces you that everything will be alright, you realize you go along with it because you’ve found what you never thought you would: true love and a family that suddenly consists not of two, but of three people — until the worst imaginable happens…
This book is a chain of emotions, from euphoric highs to the deepest lows, and everything in between. The story is incredibly moving, and perhaps it hit me even harder because of the author’s background. It makes you realize how many families are confronted with this great grief every day, and I felt an overwhelming urge to hug my own child and thank heaven that everything went smoothly for me.
Every now and then I had to take a short break because the emotions became too much for me, and I admire Sofie for her strength. I completely understand that she needed to take her time and that no one should make decisions for her, but at the same time, I also found her a bit selfish — or am I being too harsh? I can’t imagine what she went through, but she wasn’t the only one, right? Her husband also had to go through this. I don’t know if my feeling is justified or not, but that’s how I experienced it.
It doesn’t matter how far along you are in pregnancy — for the physical recovery there is plenty of support, but what about mental recovery? That is a much heavier burden, and where do you stand then?
Saying I “enjoyed” this book may be the wrong word, but it definitely made me think and confront certain truths head-on.
Beautiful, raw, honest. 4 stars.
Thank you.
September 11, 2025
Man. This book. I'm not sure if I'm really the right person to review it. To try and make any judgement on the story, the execution or the impact as I am not, nor will I ever be, a mother. Not for me, and in that sentiment, the Sofie we meet in the very, very, early stages of the book and I are in agreement. But then maybe, when it comes to emotional impact I would be exactly the right person to comment, as if the intended outcome as me lying on my bed, sobbing, or dropping tears onto my laptop keyboard as I type, then Ali Harris has absolutely totally and utterly aced it. This book hits, and it hits hard, and it would take a heart of stone not to be moved or affected by what you read here. I imagine that if you are a parent who has lost a child, at whatever stage in their life that may have been, it will deeply resonate. If you are someone who has people around them who have lost a child, then it is as important for you to be able to understand how to support them, even to just let them be however, or whoever, they need to be.
We all think we know how grief is meant to work, but it is a deeply personal journey for everyone, hitting some hard than others. In the scope of this book, Ali Harris has invited us into Sofie's life, and that of her beloved husband, Rory, at the best, and worst, times of their life. The early part of the book is told through two timelines - the early days of pregnancy, when everything is filled with hope, and maybe a little fear, and the moments in hospital when Sofie has to give birth to a son she already knows they have lost. It is the grim reality of the situation, beautiful, emotional and devastating all at once, and it left me feeling every emotion. And this is only the beginning. With a chance to get to know Sofie and Rory in the early days of the relationship, to understand the intensity of their bond, their excitement for their impending new arrival, it makes what comes to pass all that much harder to read about.
I really admire the author for sharing this story with us, knowing that she has lived through such times herself. The book leads us through the days weeks and months of Sofie and Rory's lives as both try hard to come to terms with the loss of their son, Leo, and how they take very different paths in navigating their grief. Touching on the grim realities of life - organising funerals, letting friends and family know, taking those first tentative steps back into the world knowing that people know, and feeling wholly responsible for what happened - the author really does walk us through every stage of the emotional rollercoaster this poor pair are on and we feel every single bump, rise and fall, with them.
I appreciate how she has explored the very different experience of grief, much of which, from Rory's perspective, remains hidden, as the story is told from Sofie's point of view and their ability to communicate is truly tested. And this book is not just about Sofie and Rory, which is perhaps important as, while as readers we should experience some of the suffocating grief that Sofie is living through, there is a delicate balance required. We're lucky we get that - parents who have suffered this loss never do - but by introducing Sofie's support network, her best friend, her mother and her mother's partner who Sofie had always pushed away, we get a sense that beyond all the grief there is still a kind of hope. Of possibilities.
I felt that the way in which Ali Harris explores Sofie's own coping mechanisms, mathematics, statistics, the very strict architecture of the calculation of Pi, all backed by her life as an actuary, work really well in this book, helping Sofie, and us by extension, navigate her grief, and grounding her at some of the most testing of times. Rory's career, as a news reporter, is all about being a public facing body, choosing to share his grief publicly in a way that is contra to everything Sofie wants or understands. It leads to some raw moments of honesty between the two in which I felt my heart break for them all over again. But, and this is important, whilst the grief may never end, it is not the be all and end all of the book. There is a sense of hope that is taken from the meaningless loss the couple suffer, and whilst it was impossible for the book to ever have a happy ending, the final pages of the book are fitting and poignant and really left me with the feeling that something good could still come from all of the devastation. And if if can do that for me, grumpy old non mother that I am, I can only imagine the feeling of catharsis if has had for the author and for families in her position who might choose to read the book.
If you are in a fragile mental state having been through something similar, then I do advise caution, but also to read the book when the time is right. Even if you cannot relate, still read the book. It's hard hitting, it's emotional, but it's an important read and I have to acknowledge the bravery of Ali Harris for writing it. Definitely recommended, but do bring tissues. You will need them.
We all think we know how grief is meant to work, but it is a deeply personal journey for everyone, hitting some hard than others. In the scope of this book, Ali Harris has invited us into Sofie's life, and that of her beloved husband, Rory, at the best, and worst, times of their life. The early part of the book is told through two timelines - the early days of pregnancy, when everything is filled with hope, and maybe a little fear, and the moments in hospital when Sofie has to give birth to a son she already knows they have lost. It is the grim reality of the situation, beautiful, emotional and devastating all at once, and it left me feeling every emotion. And this is only the beginning. With a chance to get to know Sofie and Rory in the early days of the relationship, to understand the intensity of their bond, their excitement for their impending new arrival, it makes what comes to pass all that much harder to read about.
I really admire the author for sharing this story with us, knowing that she has lived through such times herself. The book leads us through the days weeks and months of Sofie and Rory's lives as both try hard to come to terms with the loss of their son, Leo, and how they take very different paths in navigating their grief. Touching on the grim realities of life - organising funerals, letting friends and family know, taking those first tentative steps back into the world knowing that people know, and feeling wholly responsible for what happened - the author really does walk us through every stage of the emotional rollercoaster this poor pair are on and we feel every single bump, rise and fall, with them.
I appreciate how she has explored the very different experience of grief, much of which, from Rory's perspective, remains hidden, as the story is told from Sofie's point of view and their ability to communicate is truly tested. And this book is not just about Sofie and Rory, which is perhaps important as, while as readers we should experience some of the suffocating grief that Sofie is living through, there is a delicate balance required. We're lucky we get that - parents who have suffered this loss never do - but by introducing Sofie's support network, her best friend, her mother and her mother's partner who Sofie had always pushed away, we get a sense that beyond all the grief there is still a kind of hope. Of possibilities.
I felt that the way in which Ali Harris explores Sofie's own coping mechanisms, mathematics, statistics, the very strict architecture of the calculation of Pi, all backed by her life as an actuary, work really well in this book, helping Sofie, and us by extension, navigate her grief, and grounding her at some of the most testing of times. Rory's career, as a news reporter, is all about being a public facing body, choosing to share his grief publicly in a way that is contra to everything Sofie wants or understands. It leads to some raw moments of honesty between the two in which I felt my heart break for them all over again. But, and this is important, whilst the grief may never end, it is not the be all and end all of the book. There is a sense of hope that is taken from the meaningless loss the couple suffer, and whilst it was impossible for the book to ever have a happy ending, the final pages of the book are fitting and poignant and really left me with the feeling that something good could still come from all of the devastation. And if if can do that for me, grumpy old non mother that I am, I can only imagine the feeling of catharsis if has had for the author and for families in her position who might choose to read the book.
If you are in a fragile mental state having been through something similar, then I do advise caution, but also to read the book when the time is right. Even if you cannot relate, still read the book. It's hard hitting, it's emotional, but it's an important read and I have to acknowledge the bravery of Ali Harris for writing it. Definitely recommended, but do bring tissues. You will need them.
June 26, 2025
This Wasn't Meant to Happen by Ali Harris is an absolutely captivating read that took me on an emotional rollercoaster. From the start, I was drawn into the lives of the main characters, each with their own unique struggles and challenges. The way Harris develops them throughout the book is nothing short of brilliant. I loved seeing how the relationships evolved, particularly between Sophie and her estranged father, and how they both navigated the difficult terrain of forgiveness and healing.
The plot itself was full of surprises, and I was absolutely hooked as the story unfolded. The twists were so well-done, particularly the moment when Sophie’s secret is revealed, and it shifts everything we thought we knew about her past. Watching her finally confront the truth was a powerful, emotional experience.
But what really sets this book apart is the character growth. Each character, especially Sophie and her family, goes through such a profound transformation, and it felt incredibly satisfying to witness. The journey of self-discovery and the theme of second chances are woven into the narrative in such a thoughtful and impactful way.
I can’t recommend This Wasn't Meant to Happen enough. It’s a beautifully written, suspenseful, and emotionally charged novel that will stay with you long after the last page. Ali Harris has definitely earned a place on my list of must-read authors!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The plot itself was full of surprises, and I was absolutely hooked as the story unfolded. The twists were so well-done, particularly the moment when Sophie’s secret is revealed, and it shifts everything we thought we knew about her past. Watching her finally confront the truth was a powerful, emotional experience.
But what really sets this book apart is the character growth. Each character, especially Sophie and her family, goes through such a profound transformation, and it felt incredibly satisfying to witness. The journey of self-discovery and the theme of second chances are woven into the narrative in such a thoughtful and impactful way.
I can’t recommend This Wasn't Meant to Happen enough. It’s a beautifully written, suspenseful, and emotionally charged novel that will stay with you long after the last page. Ali Harris has definitely earned a place on my list of must-read authors!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 1, 2025
Trigger warning: baby loss
What an incredible book this was. I don’t think I’ve ever cried as much reading (listening to) a book as I have done for This Wasn’t Meant To Happen. I myself have been fortunate to never experience baby loss but I held my children a little closer, so grateful to have them with me.
The novel tells the story of Sophie, Rory and their still born baby boy Leo. You know from the start what you’re going to read and it’s incredibly well laid out. It’s a bittersweet read, very emotional, sad and devastating. The raw pain is leaping off the pages and I found it at times unbearable to keep going. I honestly cried so, so much. But I also felt it was important to feel that pain and grief.
At the same time as having this very tender portrait of grief and loss, it’s also incredibly life affirming. Full of hope, love and a journey of healing. I found so much beauty in these pages, and I learned a lot. My biggest take away from reading this is to be there and talk about it if the person who has lost a child wants to do that. I can see how people don’t know how to react and offer platitudes, but it’s so important to be there and listen, properly.
Both authors’ notes at beginning and end are very powerful, as is the whole book. The audio book for this one is wonderful too!
I absolutely loved this book, and cannot recommend it more highly!
What an incredible book this was. I don’t think I’ve ever cried as much reading (listening to) a book as I have done for This Wasn’t Meant To Happen. I myself have been fortunate to never experience baby loss but I held my children a little closer, so grateful to have them with me.
The novel tells the story of Sophie, Rory and their still born baby boy Leo. You know from the start what you’re going to read and it’s incredibly well laid out. It’s a bittersweet read, very emotional, sad and devastating. The raw pain is leaping off the pages and I found it at times unbearable to keep going. I honestly cried so, so much. But I also felt it was important to feel that pain and grief.
At the same time as having this very tender portrait of grief and loss, it’s also incredibly life affirming. Full of hope, love and a journey of healing. I found so much beauty in these pages, and I learned a lot. My biggest take away from reading this is to be there and talk about it if the person who has lost a child wants to do that. I can see how people don’t know how to react and offer platitudes, but it’s so important to be there and listen, properly.
Both authors’ notes at beginning and end are very powerful, as is the whole book. The audio book for this one is wonderful too!
I absolutely loved this book, and cannot recommend it more highly!
August 7, 2025
I’m not even certain if I can really put into words how this book made me feel. It’s full of tragedy, full of unyielding grief and yet, there is so much love and hope.
I think it’s obviously very important when going into this book that you’re aware of what the main storyline is, in case it’s something that you would prefer not to read, but also this is one of those books that simply demands to be read. This novel could help someone with their grief, or help loved ones navigate someone else’s grief. It certainly opened my eyes up to the reality of child loss, including statistics that I was previously unaware of.
You can tell the author has poured her heart and soul into this piece of work, as the passion and pain flows out of every page, every sentence. While this isn’t a biography, the author used her personal experiences with grief to write this book and it shows. The sadness is so real, so raw, that I was in tears at multiple stages during my read through.
So, I’ve used many words to try and describe how this book made me feel. And yet, I just really think that you ought to read it and experience it for yourself. Phenomenal.
Thank you to HarperCollins and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think it’s obviously very important when going into this book that you’re aware of what the main storyline is, in case it’s something that you would prefer not to read, but also this is one of those books that simply demands to be read. This novel could help someone with their grief, or help loved ones navigate someone else’s grief. It certainly opened my eyes up to the reality of child loss, including statistics that I was previously unaware of.
You can tell the author has poured her heart and soul into this piece of work, as the passion and pain flows out of every page, every sentence. While this isn’t a biography, the author used her personal experiences with grief to write this book and it shows. The sadness is so real, so raw, that I was in tears at multiple stages during my read through.
So, I’ve used many words to try and describe how this book made me feel. And yet, I just really think that you ought to read it and experience it for yourself. Phenomenal.
Thank you to HarperCollins and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2025
This is one of those books that you can't help be affected by - it's a beautifully written and emotional read that captures the devastation felt by parents with a stillborn pregnancy.
It's also cleverly written as it mixes that excitement that all new parents feel when they find out that they're expecting, alongside the raw despair when you're told that the baby has died and how that impacts the mother and father - and how difficult it is to share that grief with friends and family.
Sofie is the mother sharing her story and I've never wanted to leap into a book so much and give her a huge hug as much as I did. The journey of meeting her husband, falling in love, looking forward to the next chapter in their life as parents, all to be taken away and how that leaves them feeling so empty. It's a brilliant book to read if you've gone through that sadness yourself, or know someone that has and knowing how you can support them just by being around.
Despite the sadness of the situation, I also found it quite a hopeful book as it doesn't become too depressive or negative, and looks at the way they both navigate the grief of losing baby Leo. A story that has been written so compassionately.
It's also cleverly written as it mixes that excitement that all new parents feel when they find out that they're expecting, alongside the raw despair when you're told that the baby has died and how that impacts the mother and father - and how difficult it is to share that grief with friends and family.
Sofie is the mother sharing her story and I've never wanted to leap into a book so much and give her a huge hug as much as I did. The journey of meeting her husband, falling in love, looking forward to the next chapter in their life as parents, all to be taken away and how that leaves them feeling so empty. It's a brilliant book to read if you've gone through that sadness yourself, or know someone that has and knowing how you can support them just by being around.
Despite the sadness of the situation, I also found it quite a hopeful book as it doesn't become too depressive or negative, and looks at the way they both navigate the grief of losing baby Leo. A story that has been written so compassionately.
September 18, 2025
A heartfelt thank you to @aliharriswriter and @onemorechapterhc for the incredible #gifted e-book!
Prepare yourself for an emotional ride through the depths of grief and the resilience of the human spirit. This book is a powerful story about pregnancy loss and how one woman, Sofie, finds her way through despair toward healing.
From the very first page, I was captivated. Sofie’s raw emotions and struggles as she endures the heartbreak of delivering her stillborn son pulled me into her world. The portrayal of grief shared by her husband Rory, her mother, her best friend, and others felt intensely real and moving.
Having experienced a miscarriage myself 18 years ago, I was transported back to that painful day, feeling Sofie's grief as if it were my own. Yet, amidst the pain, there’s a glimmer of hope. Sofie and Rory channel their sorrow into helping others, demonstrating the healing power of compassion.
The writing is beautiful, evoking deep emotions and bringing each character to life. Through Sofie’s perspective, we walk her path of heartbreak, acceptance, and eventually, renewal.
This is a must-read for everyone. It’s a story that will stay with you long after the last page. Available now, dive in and experience this extraordinary story.
Prepare yourself for an emotional ride through the depths of grief and the resilience of the human spirit. This book is a powerful story about pregnancy loss and how one woman, Sofie, finds her way through despair toward healing.
From the very first page, I was captivated. Sofie’s raw emotions and struggles as she endures the heartbreak of delivering her stillborn son pulled me into her world. The portrayal of grief shared by her husband Rory, her mother, her best friend, and others felt intensely real and moving.
Having experienced a miscarriage myself 18 years ago, I was transported back to that painful day, feeling Sofie's grief as if it were my own. Yet, amidst the pain, there’s a glimmer of hope. Sofie and Rory channel their sorrow into helping others, demonstrating the healing power of compassion.
The writing is beautiful, evoking deep emotions and bringing each character to life. Through Sofie’s perspective, we walk her path of heartbreak, acceptance, and eventually, renewal.
This is a must-read for everyone. It’s a story that will stay with you long after the last page. Available now, dive in and experience this extraordinary story.
August 24, 2025
A truly beautiful book.
Sofie is an actuary, working daily with statistics and facts - she likes logic. When she and husband Rory find themselves unexpectedly with a baby on the way, she isn't sure how to feel. When losing son Leo to stillbirth fractures their life, they have to find their way to a future, whatever that may look like.
Extremely emotive, with so many difficult subject matters covered, but handled tactfully and beautifully. The book is full of characters you can relate to - from those who do not know how to talk to the couple, to those who are always at hand to help. The grief of everyone floods out of the pages, and it was impossible to not cry along with them. The author prefaces the story with her own experience, and it is clear the book has been written from the heart.
Sofie is an actuary, working daily with statistics and facts - she likes logic. When she and husband Rory find themselves unexpectedly with a baby on the way, she isn't sure how to feel. When losing son Leo to stillbirth fractures their life, they have to find their way to a future, whatever that may look like.
Extremely emotive, with so many difficult subject matters covered, but handled tactfully and beautifully. The book is full of characters you can relate to - from those who do not know how to talk to the couple, to those who are always at hand to help. The grief of everyone floods out of the pages, and it was impossible to not cry along with them. The author prefaces the story with her own experience, and it is clear the book has been written from the heart.
August 30, 2025
This Wasn’t Meant to Happen by Ali Harris
This book broke me and healed me all at once. From the very first chapters, it stirred up memories I’ve kept buried, and for a moment I wasn’t sure I could keep going. But I’m so glad I did. Ali Harris writes with such honesty and tenderness that I felt seen in ways I didn’t expect.
What moved me most was the way she poured her own lived experience into these pages. She doesn’t just capture her own heartbreak, she shines a light on the quiet pain carried by the people around her too. It’s raw, unflinching, and deeply human.
This was my first book by Ali Harris, and it left a mark on me. I know it won’t be my last- I’ll be reaching for more of her work, hoping to feel that same mix of ache and hope again.
This book broke me and healed me all at once. From the very first chapters, it stirred up memories I’ve kept buried, and for a moment I wasn’t sure I could keep going. But I’m so glad I did. Ali Harris writes with such honesty and tenderness that I felt seen in ways I didn’t expect.
What moved me most was the way she poured her own lived experience into these pages. She doesn’t just capture her own heartbreak, she shines a light on the quiet pain carried by the people around her too. It’s raw, unflinching, and deeply human.
This was my first book by Ali Harris, and it left a mark on me. I know it won’t be my last- I’ll be reaching for more of her work, hoping to feel that same mix of ache and hope again.
June 27, 2025
This novel may well form the basis for a manual on how to handle loss, grief and pain. It’s a novel that delves into the minds of how people deal with their loss, in this case a stillborn, full term baby Leo. The coping strategies are different for everyone one, but with support and encouragement, it is possible. So very sad, beautifully written with such empathy from the author’s own experiences. A must read for anyone who has lost a loved one, but particularly a baby for whatever reason.
My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my views.
My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my views.
August 2, 2025
This Wasn’t Meant to Happen is an emotional and beautifully written story about love, loss, and finding your way through unimaginable grief.
Sofie, a risk-averse woman who plans her life by numbers, is forced to face the one thing she could never prepare for, the stillbirth of her baby. What follows is a raw, honest journey through grief, love, and the strain it places on her marriage.
Ali Harris writes from personal experience (a guess), and it shows. The emotions feel real, the characters flawed but deeply human, and the story stays with you long after finishing. It’s heartbreaking, but also full of quiet hope and strength.
Sofie, a risk-averse woman who plans her life by numbers, is forced to face the one thing she could never prepare for, the stillbirth of her baby. What follows is a raw, honest journey through grief, love, and the strain it places on her marriage.
Ali Harris writes from personal experience (a guess), and it shows. The emotions feel real, the characters flawed but deeply human, and the story stays with you long after finishing. It’s heartbreaking, but also full of quiet hope and strength.
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