His Other Life

by Anna E. Collins

The woman’s name blurs as tears spring into my eyes. I can’t believe my husband would betray me like this. But now he’s gone, she may be the only way to learn the truth about how he died…

Two years after my beloved Jonah was killed in a car accident, I retrace my steps to the romantic hotel we were staying in when his life was cut tragically short. The last thing I remember is the warmth of his hand in mine as we drove off through the pine trees towards our candlelit dinner. Then the beeping of monitors when I woke up alone in a hospital bed days later. What really happened that night?

But when I arrive at the hotel, a nervous-looking employee hands me my husband’s jacket. It still smells like him, and I discover something inside. A hastily scrawled note. Two words that turn my world upside call Gemma.

No one in Jonah’s life knows who Gemma could be. Flashes of an argument rush back to me painfully, and I feel myself fall apart. I remember his drunkenness, the sound of my own voice, heartbroken and betrayed. Did he use our anniversary to tell me he'd had an affair?

The truth will change everything I thought I knew about my marriage. Should I go home, and leave his secrets in the past? Or face the idea that I never really knew my husband at all?

Fans of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and The Last Thing He Told Me will be hooked by this unputdownable page-turner filled with shocking twists and tearjerking secrets.

Readers love His Other Life:

‘Holy smokes! Gasp!… I loved it so dang much! ALL the stars! This book I binged in a day! Had a hard time putting this book down… Amazing book!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I was completely hooked from the start and devoured it in one sitting… compelling… pulled me in from the very first chapter… one I won’t easily forget!’ Skrapcrazyreads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow, wow, wow, what a book!… Loved it!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Read in one day. It was heartbreaking, gave me goosebumps as I read. A rollercoaster.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow, this was a great read… truly heartbreaking… I seriously did not expect the ending… quite a twist.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heartbreaking… I was moved, shocked, smiling and wiping away a few tears during this read and I loved it. 5 stars.’ Bforbookreview, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Mystery, Contemporary, Family Drama, Womens Fiction, Fiction

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2025

About the author

ANNA E. COLLINS is a Seattle-area author who writes stories about the lives and loves of women. Once upon a time she was a teacher with a master’s degree in educational psychology. Nowadays, plotting fiction and raising humans are her main pursuits. Find her (and her canine sidekick) on Instagram, @aeccreates.

Reviews

[Paula (on hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew going in what this story was about and I was right so there are no surprises here but I wanted something different to read and this in the most part fit the bill....

This is a story about a married couple during covid period where the husband was having a secret affair with OW. Told from dual point of view of FMC & OW, we learn that 2 years prior to the night that MMC broke things off with OW because he wanted to make his marriage work to FMC, he was going to tell her about his affair and hoped that they could work things out.

At the same time, OW learned she was pregnant with his kid and tried to get in touch with him because she felt he needed to know before he confessed to his wife. As she was not able to reach him, she leaves him a message for him to call her. When FMC & hubby are driving home, they get into an accident after he tells he has been having an affair and he dies.

Two years later in the present, FMC is trying to find this woman who left him a v/m to see if she is the woman he cheated on her with. There is a lot that happens, including befriending an old man who helps her to find this OW who turns out to have a secret of his own. And the OW who has her own agenda which pissed me off.

Anyway, if you enjoy this type of plots, I think you will like this, but for me it was ruined by the ending which I won't spoil other than to say that had I been the FMC, I would have punched the daylights out of OW and slut-shamed her until she was begging for mercy - especially since she ruined FMC's life and she had the balls in the end to ask her for something and act like a victim.

I'm a no-holds bar type of gal who holds grudges and I did not like that ending at all. Not one bit.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than two years have passed since the tragic car crash that claimed the life of Isla’s husband, Jonah. The details of that fateful day remain elusive to her, and her life has come to a grinding halt. Even her once-proud career as a university professor no longer holds significance. Isla is consumed by a desperate need to remember the day leading up to the accident and unravel the reasons behind Jonah’s peculiar behavior.

In her quest for answers, Isla crosses paths with Maverick, a spry veteran who agrees to assist her. Despite his age of 90, Maverick exudes a youthful vitality that captivates Isla. Together, they embark on a journey to help Isla not only regain her memory of the crash but also find the strength to move forward with her life. A glimmer of hope emerges as Isla begins to piece together fragments of her past, even though the path ahead is fraught with uncertainty.

As Isla delves deeper into her memories, flashback scenes reveal a life Jonah led in complete secrecy. This newfound knowledge fuels her determination to uncover the truth and find closure. Maverick’s presence and Louise’s availability provide her with unwavering support and assistance throughout her journey.

This touching and emotionally resonant story was an easy one-sitting read. The revelations that unfolded throughout the narrative evoked a range of feelings within me, leaving me with a profound sense of connection to Isla’s plight. This story compels me to seek out more from this talented author.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Jessica Wilczynski · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of His Other Life.

Isla has had a hard time moving on from her husband’s death two years ago. She feels responsible since she was driving but she has no memory of that night. She meets an elderly man while delivering for meals on wheels who wants to help her regain her memories so they take a road trip to the scene of the crash. She also has a lingering question as to why a woman named Gemma left a message for her husband the night he died.

This book had a big build up to absolutely nothing. I also guessed the twist pretty early on. The author was trying to tell too many stories at one time. The plot ended up being pretty far fetched. I was not a fan.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't the thriller I was expecting but it was still an amazing read. A woman has amnesia after being the driver in a car accident that killed her husband and goes on a road trip to retrace that day to try to get her memory back. So many secrets and twists (some you can see coming), but overall a very compulsive and quick read. I'm not quite sure about that ending though, but I guess some people are more forgiving than I would be. 4.5*

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Sam R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dang. I liked Jonah at first but then he turned into a real dick. Gemma also pissed me off 🤣. I loved Isla’s character and her connection with Mac 🥹. Every character connected somehow throughout the story and I loved how the author brought it all together. Some parts were predictable, but still good!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers a story that has been told countless times; (of a man who cheats on his wife, but then decides to stay with his wife and make a go of his marriage) told in an intriguing way. Isla has no memory of the crash that killed her husband Jonah, and her quest to recover her memory leads to the discovery of another life he led with someone else. And while the story does get drawn out and bogged down with grief, betrayal and rediscovery, it does have heartwarming elements with rays of hope sprinkled among the dreary chaos of Isla's life. The author allows you to connect with her characters and feel their triumph and pain. While the predictability of the story can be a negative, the positive definitely lies in the wholesomeness of the characters and the outcome. An easy to read happily-ever-after, that begins with tragedy. Good one!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nikolett · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Other Life by Anna E. Collins offered an experience that differed from my initial expectations, though not in a negative sense. The novel follows Anna, whose husband tragically dies in a car accident, leaving her with no recollection of the events surrounding his death. In her search for answers, she discovers a note with the name "Gemma" on it, which sets off a chain of events that upends her world.

Though I initially anticipated a psychological thriller, the story unfolds as a poignant exploration of truth, healing, and unexpected revelations. I found the narrative to be compelling and well-paced, with deeply developed characters that added richness to the experience. The conclusion brought a sense of calm, offering closure in a way that felt satisfying and thoughtful.

Collins’ writing style struck a perfect balance—both accessible and immersive, drawing me into the story without overwhelming complexity. While the emotions evoked by the book are difficult to articulate, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and found it to be the ideal read for me at the time. This was my first book by Anna E. Collins, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla can't remember the night her husband died. While trying to uncover the truth of that night, she starts to unravel even deeper secrets. Her husband wasn't the only person she didn't really know. Not everyone in her life is who she thinks they are.


Marriage is hard...marriage during the height of COVID was hard! I loved how the circumstances were relatable. I could easily see things like this actually happening. Maybe not tied up so nicely, but you get the idea. If you dont care to read about infidelity stories, though, I'd recommend sitting this one out. Personally, it's a bit of a guilty pleasure trope for me.


I loved this book. From start to finish, I was invested in these characters. Even though I had feelings that certain events and people were connected early on, it didn't cause me to enjoy the story any less.

My heart broke a couple of times reading this, but Collins did a phenomenal job mending it, too.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Other Life by Anna E. Collins.
I did like the cover and blurb of this book. It was a quick and easy read for me. I got into it straight away. I did feel for Isla straight away. I wasn't sure how I felt about Gemma. I loved Mav and Rowan. I did like the ending. I would recommend this book

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isla's husband was killed in a crash more than two years ago and Isla still wrestles with trying to figure out exactly what happened. She remembers being in the car with him at the time of the crash but not what actually happened, and its haunts her to the point of grinding her life to a halt. Thoughts of the accident consume her to the point that she's on the verge of loosing her job, her parents are at their wits end and she just needs resolution.
In her daily life which now consists of delivering Meals on Wheels, she meets Maverick, a spy veteran, who agrees to help her get to the truth. Despite being 90, he exude vitality that has Isla encouraged in a way she hasn't before. He helps her think that maybe by them going on a trip and recreating her past, it will help her move into the future. Slowly they begin to pice together her past even though she's afraid of what it might mean.
Isla dives deeper into her history and it bring flashbacks of scenes of her life with her husband Jonah leading up to the accident. They meet and befriend. Louise, who helps unlock more clues to the story, but we soon discover that Louise may offer more than just clues-she may be part of the story.
This was an emotional and touching read that is sure to resonate with old and young alike. If you've ever questioned who you are in the vast world, youll find yourself relating to each of these characters at different times.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard to put my feelings about this book into words. Is there a mystery occurring in this book? Yes. And while that is the main focus of the book, there is also a substory about family and grief that is absolutely beautiful.

Isla is looking for answers about her husband’s death. She doesn’t remember what happens and she’s stuck in her grief. It’s been two years and she hasn’t gone back to work. On their anniversary, she watches their wedding video and cooks dinner. She can’t seem to move on and she blames herself for his death. Everyone processes grief in their own way, but Isla hasn’t processed it at all. Her journey to try to figure out what happened the weekend of the accident not only her processing her grief, but it is insanely brave of her. When she has her AHA moment about what happened and the mystery is revealed, I was surprised; I didn’t see that coming at all. There was nothing in this book that would have helped me figure it out (that’s a great thing!).

There is also the substory about family here. Isla learns about a family member that she never knew about and to learn the back story of that family member and how they were all connected was also sad and hopeful at the same time.

I really liked how the author chose to end the book the way that it ended. It could have gone in a different way and I wouldn’t have loved it. I don’t want to say more than that because I don’t want to give it away.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

"His Other Life," by Anna E. Collins, was SUCH a good and addictive book. I listened to this one, and was glad that different readers narrated the parts for male and female characters and that the voices were all different, making it easy to know which character was speaking. That is not always the case. I would have rated this a 5 star read had there been fewer coincidences and had some of the twists been less obvious to me. Still, it was so much fun to read, and very difficult to pace myself. I had to keep going from beginning to end until it was all nicely tied up. This was a 4.5 star rating, but for purposes of Goodreads, I am rounding down to 4. I did figure out a few of the twists, but one big one kept me guessing until a chapter or two before it was revealed, rather than from the get go.
This is the story of a young widow who has spent two years blaming herself for her husband's death in an accident in which the wife, Isla, was driving. She woke up in the hospital, having been, technically, dead herself, for a short while, only to learn her beloved husband, Jonah, had died. Two years later she is still trying to get a grip on her life. She has been staying with her mother, but now her mother wants to sell their home, and Isla's employer, the university where she was an art history professor, wants to know when she will be back. She cannot remember anything about the accident, and wonders why she was driving, rather than Jonah, who normally drove when they were together. She will set out on a quest with a 90 year old man she met through her volunteering for Meals on Wheels, in order to figure out what truly happened two years earlier on that fateful, and tragic, day. In that search, she finds a note in her husband's coat pocket that says, simply, "Call Gemma." Who was Gemma and why had she been calling Jonah at the hotel where Jonah and Isla were celebrating their anniversary and were talking about starting a family? She makes a few other unsettling discoveries along the way. Her team grows when two others join her and the elderly Maverick in their search to solve the mystery of what really happened in that deadly accident.
The author lets us see, from the earliest pages whom Gemma is, and how she is connected to Jonah. She was such a sweet character, with no ill will, but a lot of foolish naïveté. It was impossible to hate her, or really any of the characters, even those who might be considered the villains of the tale.
Maverick's story was secondary story, but somehow connected to everything else that was happening. We learn of letters he wrote to the love of his life during the 1950s when he was recovering from injuries suffered during the Korean War. A young nurse had held his hand and been so kind to him that he never forgot her, so their history was a story within a story that added another layer to this really wonderful novel. It was riveting, for sure. I just wish the author had kept the secrets more tightly hidden, and had not revealed one final, highly unbelievable coincidence in the end.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Other Life is an emotional story, but it is also hopeful. The story is set in the present, but there are flashbacks from the previous 4 years. It's been more than two years since the tragic car crash that killed Isla’s husband, Jonah and seriously injured her. She has no memory of the accident or the days before, and she is full of guilt knowing that she was driving. Her life has ground to a halt, she has moved in with her mother and is on a leave of absence from her career as a university professor. She has no desire to go back to work, or leave her mother's house. She has finally started to volunteer for Meals on Wheels a couple of times a week and is very good with the clients she engages with. One of her clients is Maverick, aka Mav. She begins eating her lunch with him and sharing her story. She wants to find out what happened and he agrees to go on a roadtrip with her to retrace that weekend and see if it jogs her memory. Meanwhile we meet Jonah as Covid has hit. He and Isla are both working out of their home and their relationship is struggling. When he goes on a business trip, he breaks a tooth and gets it fixed in Vancouver. He meets Gemma, the dental hygienist and they become friends, eventually more. Isla has not idea about his infidelity, but she may find out.

His Other Life is an interesting story with more going on than what appears on the surface. I liked Isla, but also wanted to give her a kick in the butt. I was glad her mother made some decisions that forced her to come out of hiding. Mav was a great character. He was in his 90s, but still relatively spry. He had been a sailor and had a lot of tattoos on his face, that freaked a lot of people out. As Isla got to know him, she didn't even see them anymore. Mav's nurse followed along behind them, to be available if something happened, which gave Isla the creeps because she was sure they were being followed. He turned out to be a really nice guy and helped them in their search. I think he was my favourite character in the book. The more places Isla goes, the more frustrated she gets as her memory doesn't seem to be coming back. She is just about ready to give up when something tweaks. I enjoyed this book, but one thing that I am not a fan of is infidelity. I know it is what drove this book so I could overlook that part that I was not a fan of. As the story goes forward, there are some twists that I wasn't expecting, but fit this story perfectly. There are also some letters between an army veteran and a nurse by the name of Cass sprinkled throughout. I wasn't sure what the tie in was, but that is all pulled together at the end. As I read this one, I had a lot of different emotions come into play from anger, frustration, sympathy, caring and more. A book that left me feeling hopeful that forgiveness is possible even under the most dire situations.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Other Life by Anna E. Collins is an emotionally charged journey of grief, betrayal, and rediscovery that will resonate with readers who enjoy stories blending suspense and personal growth. The novel follows Isla, a woman still reeling from the tragic loss of her husband, Jonah, in a car accident over two years ago. Unable to recall the events leading up to his death, Isla is trapped in a cycle of unanswered questions and unresolved grief.

Isla’s journey begins to shift when she meets Maverick, a spirited 90-year-old veteran, whose sharp wit and unyielding support breathe new life into her search for the truth. Their unexpected friendship becomes a cornerstone as Isla starts to retrace her steps from the day of the accident. Along the way, shocking revelations about Jonah’s hidden life come to light, forcing Isla to confront betrayal, loss, and the complex layers of love.

Collins masterfully weaves an engaging narrative filled with twists, emotional depth, and a touch of hope. The relationship between Isla and Maverick is a standout, offering a heartwarming counterpoint to the darker discoveries Isla uncovers. Flashbacks provide a poignant look at Isla’s past with Jonah, adding emotional weight to her quest for closure.

Likes:
Emotional Depth: Isla’s grief and determination are portrayed with authenticity, making her journey relatable and impactful.
Dynamic Characters: Maverick is a delight, bringing humor and wisdom to a story steeped in sorrow. Isla’s evolution throughout the novel is compelling.
Suspenseful Twists: The revelations about Jonah’s secrets keep the pages turning, adding a layer of intrigue to Isla’s quest for answers.
Dislikes:
Predictability: While the story is engaging, some plot points and twists may feel familiar to seasoned readers of domestic dramas.
Secondary Characters: Certain supporting characters, like Louise, could have been fleshed out more to deepen the narrative.
Overall, His Other Life is a heartfelt and suspenseful exploration of the lies that can fracture relationships and the resilience it takes to rebuild one’s life after tragedy. Collins strikes a delicate balance between emotional resonance and mystery, making this a satisfying read for fans of both. Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this touching novel—highly recommended!

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading Isla's story, it had intrigue, mystery, and a loved one whispering in her ear, but it seemed I kept feeling like there were more questions than answers, which I couldn't figure out. It kept me reading, there was no way I could stop reading, and the build up was amazing, Then I was getting the answers to the questions my brain had. Isla lost her memory the night of the accident her husband was killed, she thought she must have caused the accident, and she closed her life off to her friends and family. The day came when she decided to go on a road trip to where her and her husband had gone for their anniversary, and this author is a good writer. The people who come along with her, are wonderful people, but I keep thinking they aren't being honest. Reading about all her discoveries, has me still not putting the book down, and when she seems to have discovered almost everything, but still couldn't recall the accident, but for some reason she did what she had done the night of the accident, and she could remember. That is all I am going to tell you, because, I am finished the book, and it feels like I was in a whirlwind, and have to process it all. I can guarantee this book is going to stay with me for a long time.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. 5 stars is as high as I can go, and this story, gripped me, my brain was really engaged, it was so suspenseful, it was impossible to figure out where Anna E. Collins was taking me, and the story is still with me, still trying to process all I went through here. I waited a day before reviewing this book.

[Kris Zeller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla can't remember anything about the accident that took her husband's life. They were on a romantic anniversary trip.... and then he was gone. Now, a few year later, she's headed back to the hotel they stayed at to try to jog her memory. Unfortunately, when she gets there, she's handed her husband's coat and a note in the pocket says 'Call Gemma'. Who is Gemma? Why was he supposed to call her? With more questions than answers, Isla is even more intent on recovering her memories.

Ultimately, I liked this book, but I will say I think the description is a bit misleading. The way the little blurb is written it sounds like the story starts with Isla returning to the hotel and finding the note, so I ended up feeling like it was very slow when 30 or 40 percent of the way in she was just starting to leave for her trip. So it took a little adjusting genre wise since I thought we were jumping into an affair story and it took half the book to get there. In any case, once she got to the hotel the story moved a long a lot more quickly and I blew through the back half of the book and ended up really enjoying it. All of the characters are flawed but likeable and the storyline stays pretty believable, though I do think the women were painted as a bit too tolerant and forgiving.

Overall I recommend this one for fans of Jodi Picoult fans or anyone who enjoys an alternating perspectives family-based story.

[Emerald Maple · Rating 4 out of 5]

This starts with Isla still picking up the broken pieces of her life two years on from the car accident that killed her husband. An accident where she was driving but has no memory of. She is having a hard time, moved back in with her mom and barely leaves the house. She decides to get her life back on track starting with a trip to the place where her husband died and Collins takes us on Isla's journey as she begins to remember more of that night.

Originally, I was more interested in Maverick's motives and the possible stalker than Isla. We know from the book title that Jonah did have another life and get introduced to it pretty early through some back and forth between the past with Jonah and Gemma and the present with Isla. It takes until halfway through to get to that 'Call Gemma' note where it gets more interesting, the beginning of the book is a little slow and mundane life stuff.

But an enjoyable read with a few minor surprises and closure at the end. I wouldn't really call it heartbreaking. Sure it was sad that there was an accident but it is more about getting answers, closure and becoming herself again than the past. The description makes it seem more like a mystery while the book is more general fiction.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the copy for review.

[MoMo Book Diary · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Other Life by Anna E. Collins is an engaging, emotionally charged story that keeps the reader hooked as it explores love, betrayal, and the pursuit of truth. The mystery around Jonah’s untimely death and the discovery of his secret life, had me intrigued from the start.

However, I felt the pacing was a bit uneven, with a large chunk of the book focusing on backstory and filler content before diving into the meat of the plot. This made the book feel longer than it needed to be. While the build-up helped set the emotional stage, it did sometimes feel like the story was dragging before reaching the key revelations promised in the blurb.

That said, once the plot started to unfold, I found it to be well thought through and believable. The twist was something I guessed early on, but that didn’t take away from the satisfaction of seeing it play out. The layers of Jonah’s secrets were intricately woven into the narrative, and I found myself invested in uncovering the truth.

As for the characters, I have to admit that they weren’t the most likable at first, especially the protagonist, who struggles with her emotions and memories. But as the story progressed, I began to understand them more, and by the end, they had grown on me. The emotional depth and personal growth of the characters gave the story a satisfying conclusion, even if the journey to get there was a bit slower than I would have liked.

In the end, His Other Life is a solid four-star read. While I felt it could have been more concise, the well-crafted plot and satisfying ending made it worth the read. The book left me with a sense of closure and an appreciation for the journey, even though it took a bit longer than expected to get there.

[Nicole Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading in Between the Wines book review #12/125 for 2025:
Rating: 3 🍷🍷🍷
Book: His Other Life
Author: Anna E. Collins
AVAILABLE NOW!!! Released on February 6, 2025!
BOOK TOUR

Sipping thoughts: In the words of the author, this book really shows the
interconnectedness of people” and how one person can change the trajectory of your life. While there is suspense and mystery, the book is more a family drama full of grief, lies, and deceit. I really felt for Isla. My heart was ripped out as she kept trying to remember the night of the crash. I loved Mav and Rowan and felt they gave so much to the story. If you are looking for a heart-wrenching, bitter sweet story of love, forgiveness, grief, and serendipity, this is the book for you.

Cheers and thank you to @Netgalley and @Bookouture for an advanced copy of @HisOtherLife.

#HisOtherLife #AnnaECollins #Bookouture #NetGalley #ARC #advancedreader #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bokreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult #BookTour

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first experience reading Anna E. Collins, and let me tell you, I was completely hooked from the start and devoured it in one sitting.

In this compelling story, Isla is deeply troubled by the mysterious accident that has left her feeling broken and unable to move on with her life. At her mother's insistence, she gets involved in a senior food delivery program where she meets Mav, a 90-year-old man who nudges her to seek out what happened leading up to the accident. With his gentle guidance, Isla begins to confront the dark night that changed everything, hoping she will find the answers she so desperately needs to make sense of her past.

As Isla embarks on her journey, each revelation leads to more questions, ultimately upending everything she believed to be true about her life.

Collins' masterful writing brought the characters to life in such a way that they leapt off the page and into my imagination as if I was watching this story unfold from the sidelines. She pulled me in from the very first chapter, and I found myself completely captivated until the surprising conclusion. This journey of discovery is one I won’t easily forget!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with the advanced copy to read and review.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you @bookouture & @netgalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Two years after Jonah's death in a car accident, his widow, Isla, still haunted by the past, revisits the romantic hotel where they shared their last moments together. Upon her arrival, she is unexpectedly handed Jonah's jacket, where she finds a note, saying, ‘Call Gemma’ in the pocket. Suddenly, Isla begins to question everything about her marriage. Had Jonah had been unfaithful?

Faced with the choice of uncovering the truth about his secrets or burying the past, Isla must decide if she is ready to confront the truth.

MY THOUGHTS: This book is touted as a “totally heartbreaking, unforgettable, and gripping page-turner.” So I’m not sure why I was expecting more of a thriller, but I would say this is more a mixture of family drama and women’s friendship fiction. The story flows well, creatively combining alternating timelines and love stories; and I liked all of the characters except Jonah and Gemma. Isla makes new friends who work together to help her confront her past. That part was touching. I was not prepared for the twist at the end, but the love stories end with a unique tie.

[wellreadtraveler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow. I feel like I have read so many books that make the claim “ gripping, a page turner, suspenseful…” that the words are over played. I can tell you the Author Anna Collin’s has every right to use those words. I did not have this book figured out and there is a few jaw dropping moments including one that I put the book down to pause and go back over some details because I was in shock. Well done Anna.
Isla has been crippled with guilt and anxiety since the terrible accident that took her husband’s life. She was driving the car however she doesn’t remember any detail other than that. Her job, her friends, her life is on hold because the pain is to crippling. When Isla meets an elderly gentleman on her meals on wheels route they form a strange relationship. Maverick is 90 with a face full of tats but is spry and there’s just something about him that Isla likes. Mav encourages Isla to take a trip down memory lane that will hopefully spark her memories of the past and help give her the answers she needs for closure.
The two take a journey and pick up a few friends along the way. Isla sets off to find out about the crash but finds so much more then she ever could’ve expected.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit mystery, a little bit historical fiction, a little bit emotional women's fiction, a touch of the supernatural, a whole heap of deception and a hint of romance - whatever your genre, it's in this book!

His Other Life follows Isla, two years after the death of her husband. Jonah, in a car crash that her own memory has blocked out. with the encouragement of 90 year old Mav, one of Isla's Meals on Wheels clients, Isla realises that in order to move on, she needs to know what happened that night. A note in Jonah's pocket, simply saying, "call Gemma", becomes the focus of Isla and Mav's search for the truth.

The story is well written and i found myself immersed in Isla's world. I did work out one of the big twists very early on, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story as there were plenty more surprises in store!

4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Anna E. Collins and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

Not to worry. I still have eyes like a hawk and reflexes like the jungle cats of the Amazon, according to my doctor.

Being out in public with Maverick was an interesting experience. He was warm and cordial to everyone they interacted with, but his face made people stare as if someone on a most-wanted list had walked past.

God, I’ve been nervous and excited all morning. Nervo-cited. Let’s hug.


My Review:

This one kept me reading long past my bedtime as I didn’t want to put my precious Kindle down. The storylines were easy to follow, well-nuanced, and cleverly layered despite having three timelines. The characters were well-developed and realistically flawed yet generally likable. This was my first exposure to this wily author’s word-craft; count me an instant fan.

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book ripped out my heart and then put it back together again!
Isla has been grieving the death of her husband for the past two years. She can barely function most days because she can’t remember what happened the night he died. Isla works for Meals on Wheels and meets Mav. She opens up to him and they take a road trip to regain her memory. Along the way we meet Rowan and Louise and they all work together to help Isla. I don’t want to give too much away- except to say that you should read this!
This is a heartwarming story and I love the twist at the end. I am looking forward to more books by Anna E. Collins. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#HisOtherLife #AnnaECollins #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was a great read…filled with emotion, mourning, new beginnings and discovery. I’m not a fan of cheating in books …but I was intrigued with this story so I kept reading.

Isla is in a deep depression and just wants answers and to get relief from the guilt she feels everyday. She’s become somewhat of a recluse but finds comfort with an unexpected friend she meets through work.

Gemma isn’t looking for love but an unexpected friendship to romance begins with a man she meets at work. Things are not as they seem.

This book is truly heartbreaking for Isla…however, her strength, determination and forgiveness is quite amazing. I seriously did not expect the ending…quite a twist.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the complimentary copy.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isla’s husband was killed two years ago after an accident, however Isla is still struggling to remember exactly what happened. She decides to try and rediscover that day and as she sets her sights on regaining her memories, she discovers his secrets.

This ended up not being at all what I expected, however it was still a compelling read. I expected something a bit more twisty and fast paced but this was quite slow, especially at the start. I also found it fairly predictable. Saying that, the premise and Isla’s journey were interesting and I enjoyed discovering the characters, especially Isla and her connection with her friend Mav. This was a good drama but just a bit slow for me at the time of reading. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Isla’s character. She had so many obstacles to overcome after losing her husband. She doesn’t remember what happened the day of the accident, and she really wants to put the pieces together to get answers. Through her volunteer job with Meals on Wheels she meets Maverick, who’s supportive of her and wants to help her find them. Having the older person character in this story adds so much depth. We get a little of Mav’s history as the story goes on. Technically it’s dual timeline, but we get Mav’s POV through letters.

There were so many pieces to this story. I definitely didn’t figure out the twists. I didn’t want to stop reading because I wanted the same answers that Isla did.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two years later, after the car accident that killed her husband, Isla is still dealing with bits of amnesia as well as guilt. After finding a suspicious picture on his camera, she sets off to find out what or if her husband was hiding. The name of the book as well as the picture allude to the fact that Jonah was having an affair. Through some very interesting twists and turns we go with Islan on her hunt for the truth. It was a good read, I could've done without the mentions of covid however it didn't take over the book.

All in all it was a good read.

Thank you to Anna E Collins, NetGalley and Bookouture Publications for allowing me this early digital version in exchange for my review.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing your other half has died in an accident is terrible and it's only natural you need time to grieve. 

That is not the only thing on your mind though. You cannot remember what happened except for a few facts that make you even feel worse. Replaying happy memories and feeling sorry for yourself is not going to help you. 

The only thing you need is to retrace your steps and find out what really went on that day. 

Will Isla get what she came for? 

This was a great and intriguing story. It had suspense, lots of revelations and lots of love in it. Those three things were sprinkled with a few heartbreaking scenes as well which made it a very emotional read too.

I was moved, shocked, smiling and wiping away a few tears during this read and I loved it. 5 stars

Thank you