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The Truth About You and Me
Fall in love with a BRAND NEW heartbreaking read from Emma Cooper, perfect for fans of Dani Atkins and Cecelia Ahern When two strangers find themselves locked in a cinema overnight, it could be the start of a perfect meet cute… but as Maggie is about to discover, real life is so much more complicated than fiction.
Every Friday evening, Maggie attends the last showing at her local indie cinema. Then one night, local bookseller Jack goes to the same screening. These two strangers are about to fall in love – there’s just one Jack knows nothing about Maggie. Maggie knows everything about Jack.
Over a series of Fridays, Maggie and Jack get to know each other, but the closer they grow, the bigger the secrets that could tear them in two. Because Maggie has a unique with just the lightest touch, she knows exactly what someone is thinking. That’s how she knows how Jack’s picture-perfect life has fallen apart. And that she isn’t the perfect stranger he thinks she is.
Will she risk everything to tell him the truth – or is true love something that only happens in the movies?
Praise for Emma
'My favourite read of the year, all the stars!' Josie Silver
'A genius premise with a bit of time travel thrown in for good measure and the writing is to die for. All the stars.' Laura Pearson, bestselling author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont
'A masterpiece of pace and emotion. This story grips your heart and doesn’t let go until the last page.' Sam Tonge
'I absolutely adored this beautiful book. A clever premise, wonderful characters and a story that had me hooked from the very first page!' Clare Swatman
'I completely lost myself in this poignant, witty and wise novel. A beautiful take on the idea of first and lost loves.' Holly Seddon
‘I have devoured it, I have texted my children numerous times today to tell them I’m reading a fantastic book. I have gasped out loud a good few times.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘This was one of my favorite reads of 2024! I absolutely enjoyed every second.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘A true masterpiece in split-time storytelling. It’s unique, heart-wrenching, and filled with suspense, making it an unforgettable read. Highly recommended for fans of emotional, character-driven stories that keep you on the edge of your seat!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘I absolutely loved this book, sat up reading it until dawn as I was so enraptured with the story and the characters, I couldn’t bear to put it down.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Wow what can I say another brilliant read from this fabulous author who has the capability to tear your heart into about a million pieces and put it back together again.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘I told my husband about this book! Let me tell you, I read 2 books a week and rarely tell him about what I'm reading but this book! Wo
Every Friday evening, Maggie attends the last showing at her local indie cinema. Then one night, local bookseller Jack goes to the same screening. These two strangers are about to fall in love – there’s just one Jack knows nothing about Maggie. Maggie knows everything about Jack.
Over a series of Fridays, Maggie and Jack get to know each other, but the closer they grow, the bigger the secrets that could tear them in two. Because Maggie has a unique with just the lightest touch, she knows exactly what someone is thinking. That’s how she knows how Jack’s picture-perfect life has fallen apart. And that she isn’t the perfect stranger he thinks she is.
Will she risk everything to tell him the truth – or is true love something that only happens in the movies?
Praise for Emma
'My favourite read of the year, all the stars!' Josie Silver
'A genius premise with a bit of time travel thrown in for good measure and the writing is to die for. All the stars.' Laura Pearson, bestselling author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont
'A masterpiece of pace and emotion. This story grips your heart and doesn’t let go until the last page.' Sam Tonge
'I absolutely adored this beautiful book. A clever premise, wonderful characters and a story that had me hooked from the very first page!' Clare Swatman
'I completely lost myself in this poignant, witty and wise novel. A beautiful take on the idea of first and lost loves.' Holly Seddon
‘I have devoured it, I have texted my children numerous times today to tell them I’m reading a fantastic book. I have gasped out loud a good few times.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘This was one of my favorite reads of 2024! I absolutely enjoyed every second.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘A true masterpiece in split-time storytelling. It’s unique, heart-wrenching, and filled with suspense, making it an unforgettable read. Highly recommended for fans of emotional, character-driven stories that keep you on the edge of your seat!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘I absolutely loved this book, sat up reading it until dawn as I was so enraptured with the story and the characters, I couldn’t bear to put it down.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Wow what can I say another brilliant read from this fabulous author who has the capability to tear your heart into about a million pieces and put it back together again.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘I told my husband about this book! Let me tell you, I read 2 books a week and rarely tell him about what I'm reading but this book! Wo
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
38 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Emma Cooper
8 books214 followersEmma Cooper is a former teaching assistant, who lives in Shropshire, with her partner and four children. Her spare time consists of writing novels, drinking wine and watching box-sets with her partner of twenty-four years, who still makes her smile every day.
Emma has always wanted to be a writer – ever since her childhood, she’s been inventing characters (her favourite being her imaginary friend ‘Boot’) and is thrilled that she now gets to use this imagination to bring to life all of her creations.
The Songs of Us was inspired by Emma’s love of music and her ability to almost always embarrass herself, and her children, in the most mundane of situations. She was so fascinated by the idea of combining the two, that she began to write Melody’s story. Working full-time with a large family meant that Emma had to steal snippets of ‘spare’ time from her already chaotic and disorganised life; the majority of her novel was written during her lunchtime in a tiny school office. She never expected to fall so deeply in love with the King family and is overwhelmed that others feel the same.
She has three loves in life: reading, writing and her family…oh, and music, cheese, pizza, films – Maths is not one of her talents.
Emma keeps in touch with her readers and loves to hear from them on twitter @ItsEmmacooper and on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EmmacooperAuthor/
Emma has always wanted to be a writer – ever since her childhood, she’s been inventing characters (her favourite being her imaginary friend ‘Boot’) and is thrilled that she now gets to use this imagination to bring to life all of her creations.
The Songs of Us was inspired by Emma’s love of music and her ability to almost always embarrass herself, and her children, in the most mundane of situations. She was so fascinated by the idea of combining the two, that she began to write Melody’s story. Working full-time with a large family meant that Emma had to steal snippets of ‘spare’ time from her already chaotic and disorganised life; the majority of her novel was written during her lunchtime in a tiny school office. She never expected to fall so deeply in love with the King family and is overwhelmed that others feel the same.
She has three loves in life: reading, writing and her family…oh, and music, cheese, pizza, films – Maths is not one of her talents.
Emma keeps in touch with her readers and loves to hear from them on twitter @ItsEmmacooper and on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EmmacooperAuthor/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 15, 2025
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The Book Review Crew Blog
I am not a huge fan of romance. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a love story every now and then, but your typical rom-coms and other tropes aren't usually my cup of tea. There was something about this book that just drew me in and never let me go.
This story is about Maggie, who loves to go out to the movies every Friday night. There, she meets Jack, who is a bookseller, and he too loves going to see films. That's when a romance unfolds, but Maggie has a secret that sounds like it came from the plot of a book or movie: she can read minds with a simple touch. As she falls head over heels for Jack, she has to live with the burden of knowing him intimately—all his heartbreaks, hopes, and dreams. Jack knows nothing about Maggie's special ability, so Maggie must make a decision: should she share her secret and what she knows, or build a relationship full of secrets?
This story was deeply moving without being sickly sweet. I liked how slowly the relationship developed and how the two leads became friends first. Cooper has a tender way of telling the story, with warmth and wit. The characters were well-rounded and not just focused on their romance. Jack and Maggie developed a bond and were very realistic. The story is poignant; the touch of magical realism is light, so the story feels authentic in its telling. I was cheering Maggie and Jack on the entire time I was reading this. Both characters have been through a lot, and it shows. All. The. Stars.
I shouldn't be surprised by how much I enjoyed this, as I loved the author's book The One Before The One and can honestly say that I highly recommend both of these reads.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
I am not a huge fan of romance. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a love story every now and then, but your typical rom-coms and other tropes aren't usually my cup of tea. There was something about this book that just drew me in and never let me go.
This story is about Maggie, who loves to go out to the movies every Friday night. There, she meets Jack, who is a bookseller, and he too loves going to see films. That's when a romance unfolds, but Maggie has a secret that sounds like it came from the plot of a book or movie: she can read minds with a simple touch. As she falls head over heels for Jack, she has to live with the burden of knowing him intimately—all his heartbreaks, hopes, and dreams. Jack knows nothing about Maggie's special ability, so Maggie must make a decision: should she share her secret and what she knows, or build a relationship full of secrets?
This story was deeply moving without being sickly sweet. I liked how slowly the relationship developed and how the two leads became friends first. Cooper has a tender way of telling the story, with warmth and wit. The characters were well-rounded and not just focused on their romance. Jack and Maggie developed a bond and were very realistic. The story is poignant; the touch of magical realism is light, so the story feels authentic in its telling. I was cheering Maggie and Jack on the entire time I was reading this. Both characters have been through a lot, and it shows. All. The. Stars.
I shouldn't be surprised by how much I enjoyed this, as I loved the author's book The One Before The One and can honestly say that I highly recommend both of these reads.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
November 22, 2025
Every Friday night, Maggie goes to the local indie cinema to watch the last showing. Guarded with a coat and gloves so she can’t touch people, she watches fictional love stories take place on screen, wishing she could experience one herself, but knowing it was impossible. But when a handsome stranger in a fancy suit comes to the cinema and is locked inside with her, Maggie wonders if maybe she has a chance at love, even though she’d have to tell him the truth that she now knows everything about him.
Words used to bring joy to Jack’s heart before the stroke. But now, it only causes frustration and sadness over what he feels he lost. Running a bookstore with alexia is something he did not expect to happen to him, so now he does his best to make himself scarce and away from people, which is how he ended up at a local cinema where he meets Maggie, and instantly his world gets brighter, and he wants to know more about the mysterious woman who loves movies.
Over the course of several Fridays, Jack and Maggie learn more and more about each other, each harboring a secret: Jack, his inability to read, and Maggie, her ability to hear and see people’s thoughts with a single touch. Will they be able to have a movie-worthy romance despite the secrets and pain guarding their wounded hearts?
First off, I’d like to thank my lovely GR friend Shelley for putting this book on my radar! 🥰 This book is now a new favorite read of mine for 2025 because it DESTROYED ME!!! 😭❤️🩹
Oh my gosh, I knew from the moment I read the first few chapters this was going to make me SOB MY EYES OUT because I already was. 😂 I texted my mom, laughing and crying over the fact that I was legit sobbing when I read that Jack had trouble reading because of his alexia. I don’t want to share too much, but it’s been a few difficult weeks, and let’s just say, I can’t wait for 2025 to end already. 😅 So with my heart already hurting and then reading about two people who need hugs and some sunshine in their lives, I was already a goner from page one.
I was rooting so hard for these two. Now I understand how readers feel when they get protective and want the best for the characters that have grown dear to them and consider them “their babies.” Because, goodness gracious, I wanted them to be happy so badly it hurt. I had to stop reading it so I could fully immerse myself in their stories. I’m glad I did because the book I wanted to get over with first was a whopping 1-star read, so I needed a pick-me-up book to get that one out of my head. 😅
The first and second acts of this book made me smile and chuckle and smile even more. But the third act? PERFECTION! CHEF’S KISS! Heck, the “third-act breakup” even felt necessary, and we all know how much I HATE those. 😂🫣 I’m not going to lie to you, there were constant tears in my eyes as I finished the book. Emma Cooper just went full swing in those last chapters, and I was sniffling and holding back my sobs so I wouldn’t scare anyone. 😂
Ugh, this was just so 👏🏼 freaking 👏🏼 good 👏🏼!!! The vibe and some of the story reminded me of La La Land and The King’s Speech (my favorite movie of all time, btw). Maggie was a girl after my own heart with her love for movies, especially the 80s stuff, and Jack with his love for books. ☺🫶🏼 And Riz? Absolutely love her!! 😭❤
This book was just perfect for me. I cannot stop thinking about it, and I even want to read it again, no matter if I sob my eyes out again! I highly, highly recommend this book, and I hope you love it as much as I did.💞
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Death, grief, mentions loss of parents, & phobias and OCD.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Yes (🌶🌶.5/5)
Words used to bring joy to Jack’s heart before the stroke. But now, it only causes frustration and sadness over what he feels he lost. Running a bookstore with alexia is something he did not expect to happen to him, so now he does his best to make himself scarce and away from people, which is how he ended up at a local cinema where he meets Maggie, and instantly his world gets brighter, and he wants to know more about the mysterious woman who loves movies.
Over the course of several Fridays, Jack and Maggie learn more and more about each other, each harboring a secret: Jack, his inability to read, and Maggie, her ability to hear and see people’s thoughts with a single touch. Will they be able to have a movie-worthy romance despite the secrets and pain guarding their wounded hearts?
First off, I’d like to thank my lovely GR friend Shelley for putting this book on my radar! 🥰 This book is now a new favorite read of mine for 2025 because it DESTROYED ME!!! 😭❤️🩹
Oh my gosh, I knew from the moment I read the first few chapters this was going to make me SOB MY EYES OUT because I already was. 😂 I texted my mom, laughing and crying over the fact that I was legit sobbing when I read that Jack had trouble reading because of his alexia. I don’t want to share too much, but it’s been a few difficult weeks, and let’s just say, I can’t wait for 2025 to end already. 😅 So with my heart already hurting and then reading about two people who need hugs and some sunshine in their lives, I was already a goner from page one.
I was rooting so hard for these two. Now I understand how readers feel when they get protective and want the best for the characters that have grown dear to them and consider them “their babies.” Because, goodness gracious, I wanted them to be happy so badly it hurt. I had to stop reading it so I could fully immerse myself in their stories. I’m glad I did because the book I wanted to get over with first was a whopping 1-star read, so I needed a pick-me-up book to get that one out of my head. 😅
The first and second acts of this book made me smile and chuckle and smile even more. But the third act? PERFECTION! CHEF’S KISS! Heck, the “third-act breakup” even felt necessary, and we all know how much I HATE those. 😂🫣 I’m not going to lie to you, there were constant tears in my eyes as I finished the book. Emma Cooper just went full swing in those last chapters, and I was sniffling and holding back my sobs so I wouldn’t scare anyone. 😂
Ugh, this was just so 👏🏼 freaking 👏🏼 good 👏🏼!!! The vibe and some of the story reminded me of La La Land and The King’s Speech (my favorite movie of all time, btw). Maggie was a girl after my own heart with her love for movies, especially the 80s stuff, and Jack with his love for books. ☺🫶🏼 And Riz? Absolutely love her!! 😭❤
This book was just perfect for me. I cannot stop thinking about it, and I even want to read it again, no matter if I sob my eyes out again! I highly, highly recommend this book, and I hope you love it as much as I did.💞
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Death, grief, mentions loss of parents, & phobias and OCD.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Yes (🌶🌶.5/5)
November 18, 2025
Wow, I adored this!
I hadn't read any of Emma Cooper books before, but the blurb got my interest piqued!
This was amazing. I adored the characters- Maggie and Jack are just wonderful people to write a story about!
There are secrets abound in this story, as Maggie and Jack try to live with their problems without anyone finding them out. But it made my heart ache for them. The novel has a touch of magic in there, and this was my favourite element- definitely reminded me of Cecelia Ahern's books!
This was a gorgeous story, and I am absolutely going to read anything Cooper writes.
I hadn't read any of Emma Cooper books before, but the blurb got my interest piqued!
This was amazing. I adored the characters- Maggie and Jack are just wonderful people to write a story about!
There are secrets abound in this story, as Maggie and Jack try to live with their problems without anyone finding them out. But it made my heart ache for them. The novel has a touch of magic in there, and this was my favourite element- definitely reminded me of Cecelia Ahern's books!
This was a gorgeous story, and I am absolutely going to read anything Cooper writes.
November 13, 2025
4 stars for me.
Maggie and Jack meet at the cinema.Maggie resist but there is no choice in the matter,she's falling for Jack and Jake is falling for her.The only thing that stopping her, it's that she knows what people thinking just by touching them.Worst of it is the memory of Jack being hurt in the past,and she's somehow connected to this accident.Maggie is scared that once Jack find out he will hate her.
Will a two lonely hearts grab that chance and just fall in love?
That book grab my attention from the beginning.Reading this book it has a romance and fiction feel,but Maggie knows what everyone is thinking just by touch add fantasy to it.I really liked friendship between them,both struggling with hard stuff in their life but giving themselves a chance to try and be happy.In moments painful and heartbreaking,other times sweet and hopeful this book had for me unique feel.My first by this author, and I hope to read more of her books.
Emotional and captivating novel,would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you netgalley and Boldwood Books for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Maggie and Jack meet at the cinema.Maggie resist but there is no choice in the matter,she's falling for Jack and Jake is falling for her.The only thing that stopping her, it's that she knows what people thinking just by touching them.Worst of it is the memory of Jack being hurt in the past,and she's somehow connected to this accident.Maggie is scared that once Jack find out he will hate her.
Will a two lonely hearts grab that chance and just fall in love?
That book grab my attention from the beginning.Reading this book it has a romance and fiction feel,but Maggie knows what everyone is thinking just by touch add fantasy to it.I really liked friendship between them,both struggling with hard stuff in their life but giving themselves a chance to try and be happy.In moments painful and heartbreaking,other times sweet and hopeful this book had for me unique feel.My first by this author, and I hope to read more of her books.
Emotional and captivating novel,would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you netgalley and Boldwood Books for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Want to read
October 17, 2025One of my fav, underrated, and first arc authors i received. It is available to request on netgalley.
She knows everything about him. For him, it’s the first that they met. What’s happening and what happened? Is it amnesia? My money is on a bit of magical realism. Usually Emma likes romance and magical realism together.
She knows everything about him. For him, it’s the first that they met. What’s happening and what happened? Is it amnesia? My money is on a bit of magical realism. Usually Emma likes romance and magical realism together.
November 18, 2025
[I've been working on sharpening my writing style to match NetGalley's standards, so stick with me here]
The Truth About You and Me is a thoughtful and heartfelt story that focuses on the emotional journeys of its characters, Maggie and Jack. Emma Cooper writes with a clarity that makes the book easy to follow while still giving space for deeper themes to develop. Her prose is direct and steady, and it creates a sense of intimacy that suits the story well.
From the outset, the narrative establishes a strong sense of anticipation. There is a thoughtful (and at times disarming) vulnerability in the way the characters are written. Their emotional arcs are coherent, even when their actions are messy. Cooper is particularly skilled at creating tension out of the everyday: a conversation, a hesitation, a moment of silence, turning its emotional honesty into one of the strongest elements of the story.
Thematically, the book explores grief, identity, and the difficult process of rebuilding oneself after life changes. Cooper handles these ideas with care. She doesn’t exaggerate the drama, and she doesn’t force emotional reactions; instead, the story grows gradually, allowing readers to settle into the characters’ experiences. I was Maggie. I was Jack.
There are moments, however, where the pacing becomes uneven. Some developments move too quickly, while others could benefit from a bit more detail or emotional depth. These shifts don’t undermine the book as a whole, but they do interrupt the flow at times.
Even so, the ending brings everything together in a satisfying way. It reflects the tone of the rest of the novel — gentle but sincere, I'd say — and it leaves a lasting impression.
Overall, The Truth About You and Me is a warm, accessible, and emotionally grounded read. Readers who enjoy character-driven stories with steady pacing and a strong emotional core will likely connect with it. I sure did. Emma is now one of my favourite authors, and this book is one of my favourite reads.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc — my heart is still rearranging itself.
The Truth About You and Me is a thoughtful and heartfelt story that focuses on the emotional journeys of its characters, Maggie and Jack. Emma Cooper writes with a clarity that makes the book easy to follow while still giving space for deeper themes to develop. Her prose is direct and steady, and it creates a sense of intimacy that suits the story well.
From the outset, the narrative establishes a strong sense of anticipation. There is a thoughtful (and at times disarming) vulnerability in the way the characters are written. Their emotional arcs are coherent, even when their actions are messy. Cooper is particularly skilled at creating tension out of the everyday: a conversation, a hesitation, a moment of silence, turning its emotional honesty into one of the strongest elements of the story.
Thematically, the book explores grief, identity, and the difficult process of rebuilding oneself after life changes. Cooper handles these ideas with care. She doesn’t exaggerate the drama, and she doesn’t force emotional reactions; instead, the story grows gradually, allowing readers to settle into the characters’ experiences. I was Maggie. I was Jack.
There are moments, however, where the pacing becomes uneven. Some developments move too quickly, while others could benefit from a bit more detail or emotional depth. These shifts don’t undermine the book as a whole, but they do interrupt the flow at times.
Even so, the ending brings everything together in a satisfying way. It reflects the tone of the rest of the novel — gentle but sincere, I'd say — and it leaves a lasting impression.
Overall, The Truth About You and Me is a warm, accessible, and emotionally grounded read. Readers who enjoy character-driven stories with steady pacing and a strong emotional core will likely connect with it. I sure did. Emma is now one of my favourite authors, and this book is one of my favourite reads.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc — my heart is still rearranging itself.
October 23, 2025
This was such a fun and different read! Jack and Maggie were absolutely adorable together, and I loved how they balanced each other so well. I really enjoyed the magical realism elements, the dual POV, and the way their friends-to-lovers and forced proximity dynamic played out, with Maggie’s mysterious past adding an extra layer of intrigue. I made several reader noises throughout, and I had a few theories that didn’t quite pan out, which kept me engaged. The ending was perfectly cute, and I loved seeing the cleaner x bookshop owner pairing come to life. Overall, this was a charming, mysterious, and heartwarming story that I would happily recommend.
Spice (just to inform future readers): 33
Spice (just to inform future readers): 33
November 12, 2025
Emma Cooper does it again! I was a big fan of The One Before The One but her newest novel is even better! The story of Maggie and Jack, both dealing with their own issues and tragedies, pushed together by destiny and maybe a little magic. I could not have been rooting for them more and was so quickly invested in both their back stories and their chance at love. Can they overcome their own baggage and find their HEA? Check it out on November 18th to find out!
October 14, 2025
Another read by Emma Cooper that I really enjoyed!
Maggie is a cleaner and finds joy in doing so, coming from the foster system she has grown to be independent and happy with life where it is. While jobs are not readily available she manages to be okay. At a weekly cleaning job at a movie theatre that plays old movies, Jack comes in after running away from a ceremony he was not mentally ready to attend. During a storm, the power is cut and they find themselves locked in. In a forced proximity situation for a couple of hours, they begin to find a friendship in one another.
Maggie can hear peoples thoughts, Jack suffered from a stroke from an unknown accident and has alexia (he can't read). The carefulness that Jack and Maggie have to one another is so freaking sweet. Especially when their feelings begin to grow and Maggie pulls back, because how can she physically be with someone she can't touch without hearing their thoughts without invading their privacy? While navigating their friendship and emotions, they both search for clues to the night of Jack's accident.
This was my second book by Emma, both reads have been page turners for me, whether if it were finding 'what happened' to 'are they going to end up together' in both books I have read.
If you are a fan of Catherine Cowles, this could be in your wheelhouse (minus the spice).
Thank you, Boldwood Books & Emma Cooper for my copy of an e-arc!
Maggie is a cleaner and finds joy in doing so, coming from the foster system she has grown to be independent and happy with life where it is. While jobs are not readily available she manages to be okay. At a weekly cleaning job at a movie theatre that plays old movies, Jack comes in after running away from a ceremony he was not mentally ready to attend. During a storm, the power is cut and they find themselves locked in. In a forced proximity situation for a couple of hours, they begin to find a friendship in one another.
Maggie can hear peoples thoughts, Jack suffered from a stroke from an unknown accident and has alexia (he can't read). The carefulness that Jack and Maggie have to one another is so freaking sweet. Especially when their feelings begin to grow and Maggie pulls back, because how can she physically be with someone she can't touch without hearing their thoughts without invading their privacy? While navigating their friendship and emotions, they both search for clues to the night of Jack's accident.
This was my second book by Emma, both reads have been page turners for me, whether if it were finding 'what happened' to 'are they going to end up together' in both books I have read.
If you are a fan of Catherine Cowles, this could be in your wheelhouse (minus the spice).
Thank you, Boldwood Books & Emma Cooper for my copy of an e-arc!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2025
Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes
The Truth About You and Me is a charming, emotional, and utterly captivating romance that I would happily recommend to anyone who loves heartfelt stories with a touch of magic. It’s the kind of book that reminds you why you love reading romance in the first place.
🔐 It’s packed full of romance, heartbreak, secrets, and all the messy magic of falling in love | ❣️ Dual POV | 📚 A Love Letter to Books and Films | 🎞️ Forced proximity | 👩❤️👨 Friends-to-Lovers | 💞 Slow Burn Romance | 🇬🇧 Harrowsby Bay (fictional?) / near Brighton
After absolutely loving Emma Cooper’s The One Before the One earlier this year, I couldn’t wait to dive into her latest release. I’ve just turned the final page, and I’m sitting here grinning ear to ear with a tiny tear still clinging to my lashes. Emma Cooper has done it again. This book delivered everything I adore in a romance and somehow managed to top her previous work.
Emma Cooper has this rare gift: she writes love stories that feel like they reach into your chest, cup your heart in warm hands, and refuse to let go. This is the second time Cooper has surprised me with such a wonderfully original premise. She blends romance with a touch of magical realism in a way that feels completely natural and deeply emotional.
I’ll be honest, I was in a terrible reading slump and picked this book up several times without being able to move past the first chapter. But on my fourth attempt, something finally clicked, and I’m so glad I didn’t give up. Once the story settled around me, I couldn’t put it down. I was fully immersed in Maggie and Jack’s worlds, deeply invested in their pasts, and rooting for their chance at love with every page.
Maggie’s ability could have felt strange or unrealistic, but instead it becomes something deeply human: a window into the loneliness of knowing too much, of longing to be known in return, and of wanting to love someone honestly, even when honesty feels dangerous.
Jack and Maggie are absolutely lovely together. Their chemistry is soft, earnest, and perfectly balanced. The dual POV works wonderfully, giving insight into their fears, hopes, and hidden wounds.
Yes, the pacing is slow, especially when it comes to their relationship. But in my opinion, the slow burn suits the story perfectly. Their connection grows gently and organically, giving space for character depth, emotional honesty, and the gradual unfolding of secrets.
One of the unexpected highlights for me was Maggie’s relationship with Riz. Their bond added a heartfelt emotional thread to the story, and the scenes toward the end had me tearing up—something a book hasn’t managed to do in quite a while.
The magical realism elements, the Friday-night cinema setting, the secrets hovering between them, and the friends-to-lovers/forced-proximity blend made the story feel both cozy and mysterious. Emma Cooper’s writing is simply beautiful—tender, lyrical, and emotionally astute. The character development was excellent and left me genuinely caring about each of them.
And the ending? Absolutely perfect—sweet, hopeful, and deeply satisfying.
((4.75 stars))
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Boldwood Books.
The Truth About You and Me is a charming, emotional, and utterly captivating romance that I would happily recommend to anyone who loves heartfelt stories with a touch of magic. It’s the kind of book that reminds you why you love reading romance in the first place.
🔐 It’s packed full of romance, heartbreak, secrets, and all the messy magic of falling in love | ❣️ Dual POV | 📚 A Love Letter to Books and Films | 🎞️ Forced proximity | 👩❤️👨 Friends-to-Lovers | 💞 Slow Burn Romance | 🇬🇧 Harrowsby Bay (fictional?) / near Brighton
After absolutely loving Emma Cooper’s The One Before the One earlier this year, I couldn’t wait to dive into her latest release. I’ve just turned the final page, and I’m sitting here grinning ear to ear with a tiny tear still clinging to my lashes. Emma Cooper has done it again. This book delivered everything I adore in a romance and somehow managed to top her previous work.
Emma Cooper has this rare gift: she writes love stories that feel like they reach into your chest, cup your heart in warm hands, and refuse to let go. This is the second time Cooper has surprised me with such a wonderfully original premise. She blends romance with a touch of magical realism in a way that feels completely natural and deeply emotional.
I’ll be honest, I was in a terrible reading slump and picked this book up several times without being able to move past the first chapter. But on my fourth attempt, something finally clicked, and I’m so glad I didn’t give up. Once the story settled around me, I couldn’t put it down. I was fully immersed in Maggie and Jack’s worlds, deeply invested in their pasts, and rooting for their chance at love with every page.
Maggie’s ability could have felt strange or unrealistic, but instead it becomes something deeply human: a window into the loneliness of knowing too much, of longing to be known in return, and of wanting to love someone honestly, even when honesty feels dangerous.
Jack and Maggie are absolutely lovely together. Their chemistry is soft, earnest, and perfectly balanced. The dual POV works wonderfully, giving insight into their fears, hopes, and hidden wounds.
Yes, the pacing is slow, especially when it comes to their relationship. But in my opinion, the slow burn suits the story perfectly. Their connection grows gently and organically, giving space for character depth, emotional honesty, and the gradual unfolding of secrets.
One of the unexpected highlights for me was Maggie’s relationship with Riz. Their bond added a heartfelt emotional thread to the story, and the scenes toward the end had me tearing up—something a book hasn’t managed to do in quite a while.
The magical realism elements, the Friday-night cinema setting, the secrets hovering between them, and the friends-to-lovers/forced-proximity blend made the story feel both cozy and mysterious. Emma Cooper’s writing is simply beautiful—tender, lyrical, and emotionally astute. The character development was excellent and left me genuinely caring about each of them.
And the ending? Absolutely perfect—sweet, hopeful, and deeply satisfying.
((4.75 stars))
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Boldwood Books.
November 23, 2025
Oh my....swoon! A romance THAT I ACTUALLY LOVED!!🎈🎉🥳
I have found that I am no longer a rom-com reader. I like a little depth to story and characters when I read what is labeled a "romance". However, the blurb for this book really intrigued me, so I took a chance. I am so glad I did! It really reminded me in ways of one of my favorite's, "Your Perfect Year".
Maggie is a cleaner, and on Friday nights she cleans Flicker, the local theatre house. In return, she gets to watch all the late movies and eat all the snacks for free. one night, as she is the only person in the theatre watching, a man named Jack shows up. It is storming outside, and they get locked in the theatre. What follows is beautiful song and dance, where both parties are hiding hurts and conditions, yet are drawn together. IT begins as a friendship, but soon seems to move into romance. However, each character must confront past traumas and overcome and move past what is holding them back.
There is so much to this story! I knew that I would love it in the opening chapter, where Maggie is excited to watch "Some Kind of Wonderful", and refers to the kissing scene between Watts and Keith as the all time best kissing scene! I couldn't agree more- my all time favorite John Hughs film! So with that bond with the main character, I happily drank tea cozied up in a chair, and stayed up way, way too late!
The characters in this story are so wonderful! They each have a story to tell and have so much depth to them. Maggie and Jack are both empathetic, caring, funny, persistent, and also flawed. The supporting characters are just as richly written, and I loved Riz!!! The atmosphere that pervades this story is romantic, hopeful, bittersweet, and everything you want in this type of book. It did not come across as frivolous or contrived. I was so invested in how things would pan out.
It has all the feels. And there is one scene that gutted me. (Actually 2!). When Maggie makes a tough decision and has to tell Jack, the words and sentiments were so gorgeous and beautiful and heartfelt. I needed several tissues. I am still thinking about this scene.
I highly recommend this book! It has everything that makes a wonderful story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review!
I have found that I am no longer a rom-com reader. I like a little depth to story and characters when I read what is labeled a "romance". However, the blurb for this book really intrigued me, so I took a chance. I am so glad I did! It really reminded me in ways of one of my favorite's, "Your Perfect Year".
Maggie is a cleaner, and on Friday nights she cleans Flicker, the local theatre house. In return, she gets to watch all the late movies and eat all the snacks for free. one night, as she is the only person in the theatre watching, a man named Jack shows up. It is storming outside, and they get locked in the theatre. What follows is beautiful song and dance, where both parties are hiding hurts and conditions, yet are drawn together. IT begins as a friendship, but soon seems to move into romance. However, each character must confront past traumas and overcome and move past what is holding them back.
There is so much to this story! I knew that I would love it in the opening chapter, where Maggie is excited to watch "Some Kind of Wonderful", and refers to the kissing scene between Watts and Keith as the all time best kissing scene! I couldn't agree more- my all time favorite John Hughs film! So with that bond with the main character, I happily drank tea cozied up in a chair, and stayed up way, way too late!
The characters in this story are so wonderful! They each have a story to tell and have so much depth to them. Maggie and Jack are both empathetic, caring, funny, persistent, and also flawed. The supporting characters are just as richly written, and I loved Riz!!! The atmosphere that pervades this story is romantic, hopeful, bittersweet, and everything you want in this type of book. It did not come across as frivolous or contrived. I was so invested in how things would pan out.
It has all the feels. And there is one scene that gutted me. (Actually 2!). When Maggie makes a tough decision and has to tell Jack, the words and sentiments were so gorgeous and beautiful and heartfelt. I needed several tissues. I am still thinking about this scene.
I highly recommend this book! It has everything that makes a wonderful story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review!
October 22, 2025
The Truth About You and Me is a mix of contemporary women's fiction and romance with magical realism and heavier topics sprinkled in. This was the second book I've read by Emma Cooper. I loved her last book, The One Before the One, so I was eager to read this new title. Unfortunately, I didn't connect with this book as much as her previous one.
Summary: Maggie has the special ability of touching someone and hearing their thoughts, but this ability is often a curse and comes with knowledge most people would want to keep private. This ability has made Maggie struggle with maintaining deep relationships and it has made romantic relationships especially challenging. Jack also has a large life obstacle, specifically, overcoming the aftereffects of a head injury that left him with the inability to read. When Maggie and Jack are forced to spend time together in a cinema alone, they begin a friendship that propels them to face their deepest fears and issues, and potentially, find a future together.
Impression: The magical realism elements went too far in my opinion, and didn't feel believable. They felt far-fetched to me, and I am someone who normally loves a little magical realism in my fiction. I also didn't connect to the main characters in this story. The suspense elements of Jack's backstory didn't create a page-turning interest for me. Overall, it felt like the plot had a lot of side plots but none where completely worked out in a robust and satisfying way. It left me feeling disconnected from the whole thing. I will continue to read Emma Cooper's books, and I like her unique storyline ideas and the way she creates hybrid genre stories, but this one in particular isn't a favorite.
Content: Moderate use of strong (f--) language and other profanity, one vague/mild open door romance scene, a couple of homosexual side characters, some crude comments / sexual innuendoes.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My review is my honest opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.
Summary: Maggie has the special ability of touching someone and hearing their thoughts, but this ability is often a curse and comes with knowledge most people would want to keep private. This ability has made Maggie struggle with maintaining deep relationships and it has made romantic relationships especially challenging. Jack also has a large life obstacle, specifically, overcoming the aftereffects of a head injury that left him with the inability to read. When Maggie and Jack are forced to spend time together in a cinema alone, they begin a friendship that propels them to face their deepest fears and issues, and potentially, find a future together.
Impression: The magical realism elements went too far in my opinion, and didn't feel believable. They felt far-fetched to me, and I am someone who normally loves a little magical realism in my fiction. I also didn't connect to the main characters in this story. The suspense elements of Jack's backstory didn't create a page-turning interest for me. Overall, it felt like the plot had a lot of side plots but none where completely worked out in a robust and satisfying way. It left me feeling disconnected from the whole thing. I will continue to read Emma Cooper's books, and I like her unique storyline ideas and the way she creates hybrid genre stories, but this one in particular isn't a favorite.
Content: Moderate use of strong (f--) language and other profanity, one vague/mild open door romance scene, a couple of homosexual side characters, some crude comments / sexual innuendoes.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My review is my honest opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.
November 17, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Truth About You and Me isn’t the kind of book I usually go for, especially with the bit of magical realism in there. It’s very light, but still not something I normally gravitate towards. Even so, once I got into it, I found it a really touching and heartfelt read.
The setup is great. Two strangers get locked in an indie cinema overnight, which feels like the perfect rom com moment. I actually wish that part had gone on longer because it was such a fun way to start things off. After that, the story gets a bit deeper and more emotional in a way I wasn’t expecting.
Jack is such a lovely character. He’s warm and genuine and his heartbreak really hit me, especially the part about him losing the ability to read. Maggie took me a little longer to warm up to, but once I understood how her gift works and how much it affects her day to day life, I really felt for her. What seemed like a small detail at first ends up being something that completely shapes how she moves through the world.
I’ll admit it took me a bit to get into the beginning, but once it clicked, I really enjoyed it. The side characters add so much to the story. Riz was my favourite and brought a lot of charm and personality. I also liked how slowly the relationship developed. Maggie and Jack actually become friends first, which made their connection feel more believable.
There are some fun little nods to classic romantic comedies too. I loved the mention of Some Kind of Wonderful because that one’s a favourite of mine. And I liked that the book wasn’t just about the romance. Both characters are working on themselves and that gave the story a bit more depth.
The ending felt a tiny bit rushed for me, but overall it still landed emotionally. There were definitely some heart wrenching moments and even a few tears.
This was my first Emma Cooper book and I’d happily read another. The Truth About You and Me is a sweet, lightly magical and very heartfelt read. A solid 3.5 stars from me.
The Truth About You and Me isn’t the kind of book I usually go for, especially with the bit of magical realism in there. It’s very light, but still not something I normally gravitate towards. Even so, once I got into it, I found it a really touching and heartfelt read.
The setup is great. Two strangers get locked in an indie cinema overnight, which feels like the perfect rom com moment. I actually wish that part had gone on longer because it was such a fun way to start things off. After that, the story gets a bit deeper and more emotional in a way I wasn’t expecting.
Jack is such a lovely character. He’s warm and genuine and his heartbreak really hit me, especially the part about him losing the ability to read. Maggie took me a little longer to warm up to, but once I understood how her gift works and how much it affects her day to day life, I really felt for her. What seemed like a small detail at first ends up being something that completely shapes how she moves through the world.
I’ll admit it took me a bit to get into the beginning, but once it clicked, I really enjoyed it. The side characters add so much to the story. Riz was my favourite and brought a lot of charm and personality. I also liked how slowly the relationship developed. Maggie and Jack actually become friends first, which made their connection feel more believable.
There are some fun little nods to classic romantic comedies too. I loved the mention of Some Kind of Wonderful because that one’s a favourite of mine. And I liked that the book wasn’t just about the romance. Both characters are working on themselves and that gave the story a bit more depth.
The ending felt a tiny bit rushed for me, but overall it still landed emotionally. There were definitely some heart wrenching moments and even a few tears.
This was my first Emma Cooper book and I’d happily read another. The Truth About You and Me is a sweet, lightly magical and very heartfelt read. A solid 3.5 stars from me.
November 3, 2025
Emma Cooper has a knack for weaving stories that feel both extraordinary and utterly human, and The Truth About You and Me is no exception. This novel blends quiet magic with raw emotion, wrapping you in a love story that’s as unpredictable as it is tender.
Maggie has spent her life carrying a secret that isolates her — with just a touch, she can sense another person’s thoughts. It’s a gift that feels more like a burden, especially when she meets Jack, the local bookseller who seems to live his life surrounded by stories but guarded by silence. Their connection begins in the most unexpected way — a late-night indie cinema screening that turns into something more when they’re accidentally locked inside together. What follows is a slow, soulful unraveling of two people learning that honesty doesn’t always come easily, and sometimes love demands you risk being truly seen.
Cooper writes with a lyricism that feels almost cinematic — every Friday-night encounter flickers with that warm glow of possibility and the ache of what might never be. Maggie’s voice is fragile and fierce all at once; she’s someone who’s been burned by knowing too much about others but still dares to believe in connection. Jack, with his quiet charm and broken edges, is the kind of hero who doesn’t sweep in to save the day but instead listens, learns, and loves with patience.
The story lingers on the idea of truth — how we hide behind kindness, how we mistake knowing someone for understanding them, and how love, when it’s real, asks us to drop our defenses. It’s intimate, bittersweet, and beautifully layered.
If you loved The Songs of Us or The Day We Met, you’ll recognize Cooper’s signature mix of heartbreak and hope. But here, she takes it one step further — exploring the fine line between emotional honesty and the danger of seeing too much.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie has spent her life carrying a secret that isolates her — with just a touch, she can sense another person’s thoughts. It’s a gift that feels more like a burden, especially when she meets Jack, the local bookseller who seems to live his life surrounded by stories but guarded by silence. Their connection begins in the most unexpected way — a late-night indie cinema screening that turns into something more when they’re accidentally locked inside together. What follows is a slow, soulful unraveling of two people learning that honesty doesn’t always come easily, and sometimes love demands you risk being truly seen.
Cooper writes with a lyricism that feels almost cinematic — every Friday-night encounter flickers with that warm glow of possibility and the ache of what might never be. Maggie’s voice is fragile and fierce all at once; she’s someone who’s been burned by knowing too much about others but still dares to believe in connection. Jack, with his quiet charm and broken edges, is the kind of hero who doesn’t sweep in to save the day but instead listens, learns, and loves with patience.
The story lingers on the idea of truth — how we hide behind kindness, how we mistake knowing someone for understanding them, and how love, when it’s real, asks us to drop our defenses. It’s intimate, bittersweet, and beautifully layered.
If you loved The Songs of Us or The Day We Met, you’ll recognize Cooper’s signature mix of heartbreak and hope. But here, she takes it one step further — exploring the fine line between emotional honesty and the danger of seeing too much.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2025
The Truth About You and Me is one of those rare books that feels familiar and magical at the same time, a romance that bends reality just enough to make your heart ache.
Maggie’s “gift” should make her life easier…right? I mean, who hasn’t wished they could read someone’s mind at least once? But for Maggie, it’s less a superpower and more a curse. With just a touch, she’s flooded with the thoughts of everyone around her. Every insecurity, every fear, every sharp edge. It’s isolating, overwhelming, and it’s pushed her into a life where distance feels safer than connection.
Enter Jack. Their stormy, trapped-in-a-cinema meet-cute is awkward, funny, and so perfectly them...two people who would rather be invisible suddenly forced into the spotlight. Maggie’s frantic “germaphobe” routine had me laughing, but also aching for her because we know the truth: she isn’t scared of germs…she’s scared of people.
Jack’s secret is just as heavy. After a stroke, he can’t read...not street signs, not menus, not the books in the shop he technically owns. A bookseller who can’t read. A woman who can read minds but can’t speak her own truth. Both hiding in plain sight.
Their connection feels fragile and real, built in stolen Fridays and tentative steps forward. And yes…I may have wanted to shake Maggie a few times and yell, “Just tell him already!” But the beauty of this story is watching two wounded people try, fail, and try again as they figure out how to be vulnerable.
Maggie’s love for movies, especially her obsession with John Hughes, is such a fun thread woven through the story. And the supporting cast? Tess and Riz absolutely shine, grounding Maggie in a world where she is loved even when she doesn’t trust herself.
This is a different kind of romance...quirky, tender, heartbreaking, and hopeful. A story about secrets, connection, and how sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply tell someone the truth about who you really are.
Maggie’s “gift” should make her life easier…right? I mean, who hasn’t wished they could read someone’s mind at least once? But for Maggie, it’s less a superpower and more a curse. With just a touch, she’s flooded with the thoughts of everyone around her. Every insecurity, every fear, every sharp edge. It’s isolating, overwhelming, and it’s pushed her into a life where distance feels safer than connection.
Enter Jack. Their stormy, trapped-in-a-cinema meet-cute is awkward, funny, and so perfectly them...two people who would rather be invisible suddenly forced into the spotlight. Maggie’s frantic “germaphobe” routine had me laughing, but also aching for her because we know the truth: she isn’t scared of germs…she’s scared of people.
Jack’s secret is just as heavy. After a stroke, he can’t read...not street signs, not menus, not the books in the shop he technically owns. A bookseller who can’t read. A woman who can read minds but can’t speak her own truth. Both hiding in plain sight.
Their connection feels fragile and real, built in stolen Fridays and tentative steps forward. And yes…I may have wanted to shake Maggie a few times and yell, “Just tell him already!” But the beauty of this story is watching two wounded people try, fail, and try again as they figure out how to be vulnerable.
Maggie’s love for movies, especially her obsession with John Hughes, is such a fun thread woven through the story. And the supporting cast? Tess and Riz absolutely shine, grounding Maggie in a world where she is loved even when she doesn’t trust herself.
This is a different kind of romance...quirky, tender, heartbreaking, and hopeful. A story about secrets, connection, and how sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply tell someone the truth about who you really are.
November 16, 2025
Every Friday night, Maggie escapes to her local indie cinema, where she keeps a quiet distance from the world. When Jack, a local bookseller with troubles of his own, begins attending the same screenings, a gentle friendship forms between them. But Maggie carries a secret: with the lightest touch, she can sense people’s thoughts, something that lets her see the hurt Jack hides behind his easy charm. As their connection deepens into something tender and hopeful, Maggie struggles with the truth she hasn’t shared. Jack believes he’s falling for a stranger, but Maggie already knows far more about him than she should.
Maggie’s unique gift of being able to sense exactly what someone is thinking with the lightest touch could have been pure magic, but Emma Cooper uses it to explore something much deeper. Maggie’s ability brings her as much sorrow as insight, making her both fragile and profoundly empathetic. It’s a poignant reminder that what people present to the world rarely reflects what they’re truly feeling inside. The romance between Maggie and Jack is truly special. Their Friday-night meetings at the indie cinema slowly shift from coincidence to connection, and hearing both of their POVs enriches the story beautifully. As their friendship grows, so do their feelings and understanding of one another. They each carry their own wounds, yet together they find comfort, healing, and the courage to open their hearts again. They genuinely bring out the best in each other.
I especially loved the thread of John Hughes films woven throughout the story. As someone who grew up with those movies, I completely understood Maggie’s affection for them. Watching Jack and Maggie share pieces of themselves while watching those films was incredibly touching.
This is a beautifully crafted love story that blends whimsy, heartbreak, and hope in the most memorable way.
Maggie’s unique gift of being able to sense exactly what someone is thinking with the lightest touch could have been pure magic, but Emma Cooper uses it to explore something much deeper. Maggie’s ability brings her as much sorrow as insight, making her both fragile and profoundly empathetic. It’s a poignant reminder that what people present to the world rarely reflects what they’re truly feeling inside. The romance between Maggie and Jack is truly special. Their Friday-night meetings at the indie cinema slowly shift from coincidence to connection, and hearing both of their POVs enriches the story beautifully. As their friendship grows, so do their feelings and understanding of one another. They each carry their own wounds, yet together they find comfort, healing, and the courage to open their hearts again. They genuinely bring out the best in each other.
I especially loved the thread of John Hughes films woven throughout the story. As someone who grew up with those movies, I completely understood Maggie’s affection for them. Watching Jack and Maggie share pieces of themselves while watching those films was incredibly touching.
This is a beautifully crafted love story that blends whimsy, heartbreak, and hope in the most memorable way.
November 26, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and @BoldwoodBooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this book expecting a cute rom com vibe, but Emma Cooper said, “Sure… but also let me tug on every emotional thread you’ve got.”
The story is super cute, Maggie goes to the same late night indie cinema showing every Friday, and one week she ends up stuck there with Jack, the local bookseller who seems like he has his whole life together. They start crossing paths week after week, getting closer in a slow burn kind of way.
The problem is that Maggie already knows Jack’s life is not as shiny as it looks because with just a touch she can hear what people are thinking. So she knows way more about him than he does about her, which makes this whole “falling in love” thing a bit complicated.
I really loved their vibe. Their conversations felt real and authentic, like the kind of moments you replay in your head later because they just made you feel good. And Jack is just a Cinnamon roll level sweet, but also hurting in a way that makes you root for him.
Maggie’s ability could’ve easily felt gimmicky, but the author uses it more like this quiet, emotional superpower that lets Maggie understand people on a deeper level, sometimes to her own detriment. And honestly, it adds a nice little bit of magic to the whole story.
If I’m nitpicking, I wanted just a bit more time after the big reveal to sit with the emotions, but that’s only because I was so invested in these two dorks figuring their stuff out.
This was cute, charming, a little heartbreaking, and just really sweet. If you’re into cozy love stories with a twist, this one’s the book for you.
4.25 Stars!
#TheTruthAboutYouandMe, #EmmaCooper, #RomCom, #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks
I went into this book expecting a cute rom com vibe, but Emma Cooper said, “Sure… but also let me tug on every emotional thread you’ve got.”
The story is super cute, Maggie goes to the same late night indie cinema showing every Friday, and one week she ends up stuck there with Jack, the local bookseller who seems like he has his whole life together. They start crossing paths week after week, getting closer in a slow burn kind of way.
The problem is that Maggie already knows Jack’s life is not as shiny as it looks because with just a touch she can hear what people are thinking. So she knows way more about him than he does about her, which makes this whole “falling in love” thing a bit complicated.
I really loved their vibe. Their conversations felt real and authentic, like the kind of moments you replay in your head later because they just made you feel good. And Jack is just a Cinnamon roll level sweet, but also hurting in a way that makes you root for him.
Maggie’s ability could’ve easily felt gimmicky, but the author uses it more like this quiet, emotional superpower that lets Maggie understand people on a deeper level, sometimes to her own detriment. And honestly, it adds a nice little bit of magic to the whole story.
If I’m nitpicking, I wanted just a bit more time after the big reveal to sit with the emotions, but that’s only because I was so invested in these two dorks figuring their stuff out.
This was cute, charming, a little heartbreaking, and just really sweet. If you’re into cozy love stories with a twist, this one’s the book for you.
4.25 Stars!
#TheTruthAboutYouandMe, #EmmaCooper, #RomCom, #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks
November 8, 2025
Thank you to Emma Cooper, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc!
The Truth About You and Me follows Maggie and Jack who meet at the cinema where Maggie works and find themselves trapped together for the night during a powercut. What follows is a heartwarming friendship that slowly blossoms into a love story to rival those that Maggie has spent her life watching on the big screen but has never allowed herself to experience herself. Maggie has always kept people at arms length - literally - but when she meets Jack, her life is turned on its head and she faces an impossible dilemma. Let Jack into her life and her heart or let her chance at true love pass her by.
I absolutely adored this one. I’ve never read anything by Emma Cooper before but the blurb sounded so intriguing that I couldn’t not give it a go and I’m so glad I did.
I loved both Maggie and Jack and it was a pleasure to read their relationship develop so genuinely and I was rooting for them the whole time. The magical realism was a pleasant surprise and was done so well as well as the mystery surrounding what happened to Jack.
My favourite part of the book though was probably Maggie’s relationship with Riz. It had me so emotional at the end and it’s been a while since a book has had me tearing up!
To anyone looking for a cosy, heartwarming and wholesome but emotional read, I would 100% recommend this one and I can’t wait to read more from Emma Cooper. Her writing style was great, her character development (both main and side) was on point and I might have just found my new favourite author.
The Truth About You and Me follows Maggie and Jack who meet at the cinema where Maggie works and find themselves trapped together for the night during a powercut. What follows is a heartwarming friendship that slowly blossoms into a love story to rival those that Maggie has spent her life watching on the big screen but has never allowed herself to experience herself. Maggie has always kept people at arms length - literally - but when she meets Jack, her life is turned on its head and she faces an impossible dilemma. Let Jack into her life and her heart or let her chance at true love pass her by.
I absolutely adored this one. I’ve never read anything by Emma Cooper before but the blurb sounded so intriguing that I couldn’t not give it a go and I’m so glad I did.
I loved both Maggie and Jack and it was a pleasure to read their relationship develop so genuinely and I was rooting for them the whole time. The magical realism was a pleasant surprise and was done so well as well as the mystery surrounding what happened to Jack.
My favourite part of the book though was probably Maggie’s relationship with Riz. It had me so emotional at the end and it’s been a while since a book has had me tearing up!
To anyone looking for a cosy, heartwarming and wholesome but emotional read, I would 100% recommend this one and I can’t wait to read more from Emma Cooper. Her writing style was great, her character development (both main and side) was on point and I might have just found my new favourite author.
November 20, 2025
The Truth about You and Me by Emma Cooper is a riveting story of Maggie and Jack. Maggie and Jack both enjoy films and going to the local cinema.
They meet after one night at the cinema after being locked inside. They want to continue to get to know each other, but they both fear the other’s reaction to their secrets and pasts.
Maggie through touch can read people’s thoughts, and Jack, who runs a bookshop, is trying to recover his ability to read after suffering a stroke.
As we learned more about Maggie and Jack, I was hooked from the very beginning of the story. There is anticipation about how each would react to the other’s secrets. Both protagonists were patient and empathetic, even when they could not fully understand the other’s experiences. They were human.
I found how they each tried to understand the other’s experiences poignant and moving - Jack trying to understand how Maggie can hear people’s thoughts and and Maggie being there for Jack as he recovers from a stroke and tries to restore his ability to read.
This story shows us the kaleidoscope of feelings that encompass love - both love lost and love found. It shows us the vulnerability and fear when we share ourselves.
This story is emotional, heartfelt, hopeful, and one of healing. It is well-paced, featuring a slow build as Maggie and Jack learn about each other and learn how they can be together.
This was the first book by Emma Cooper I’ve read and look forward to reading more.
Thank you NetGalley, Love Books Tours, The Shelf Care Club / Boldwood Books and Emma Cooper for the gifted digital copy of the book!
They meet after one night at the cinema after being locked inside. They want to continue to get to know each other, but they both fear the other’s reaction to their secrets and pasts.
Maggie through touch can read people’s thoughts, and Jack, who runs a bookshop, is trying to recover his ability to read after suffering a stroke.
As we learned more about Maggie and Jack, I was hooked from the very beginning of the story. There is anticipation about how each would react to the other’s secrets. Both protagonists were patient and empathetic, even when they could not fully understand the other’s experiences. They were human.
I found how they each tried to understand the other’s experiences poignant and moving - Jack trying to understand how Maggie can hear people’s thoughts and and Maggie being there for Jack as he recovers from a stroke and tries to restore his ability to read.
This story shows us the kaleidoscope of feelings that encompass love - both love lost and love found. It shows us the vulnerability and fear when we share ourselves.
This story is emotional, heartfelt, hopeful, and one of healing. It is well-paced, featuring a slow build as Maggie and Jack learn about each other and learn how they can be together.
This was the first book by Emma Cooper I’ve read and look forward to reading more.
Thank you NetGalley, Love Books Tours, The Shelf Care Club / Boldwood Books and Emma Cooper for the gifted digital copy of the book!
November 3, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! This book was an absolute emotional masterclass! It fully lives up to the praise of being a heartbreaking read and immediately hooked me with its perfectly balanced mix of movie-worthy romance and profound emotional tragedy!!
The strangers, Maggie and Jack, are unexpectedly locked in a local indie cinema overnight, what starts as the ultimate meet-cute quickly reveals itself to be a devastatingly complicated path to love, and I love THIS type of book!!
What I think Emma did so brilliantly was use this fantastical element to explore the most real, raw questions about true love. She made me ask myself, “Can true love exist if one person knows everything and the other knows nothing?” Maggie’s agonising dilemma over whether to risk everything to tell him the truth makes every subsequent encounter so poignant and tense. If you’re like me and love character-driven stories that deeply explore the aftermath of personal loss, this novel is for you. I also adored Emma’s writing style, it’s another thing that made this book exceptional.
It’s the perfect book for a cosy winter read when you’ve got time for a bit of deep reflection… just make sure you’ve got a tissue handy!! I found this book ideal to curl up with, its themes really resonate during the winter months.
This book is stunning and an unforgettable read that I highly recommend if you appreciate fiction that doesn’t shy away from the heavy, beautiful emotions of life and loss. It’ll keep you reading until dawn, completely enraptured by Maggie and Jack’s fate!
The strangers, Maggie and Jack, are unexpectedly locked in a local indie cinema overnight, what starts as the ultimate meet-cute quickly reveals itself to be a devastatingly complicated path to love, and I love THIS type of book!!
What I think Emma did so brilliantly was use this fantastical element to explore the most real, raw questions about true love. She made me ask myself, “Can true love exist if one person knows everything and the other knows nothing?” Maggie’s agonising dilemma over whether to risk everything to tell him the truth makes every subsequent encounter so poignant and tense. If you’re like me and love character-driven stories that deeply explore the aftermath of personal loss, this novel is for you. I also adored Emma’s writing style, it’s another thing that made this book exceptional.
It’s the perfect book for a cosy winter read when you’ve got time for a bit of deep reflection… just make sure you’ve got a tissue handy!! I found this book ideal to curl up with, its themes really resonate during the winter months.
This book is stunning and an unforgettable read that I highly recommend if you appreciate fiction that doesn’t shy away from the heavy, beautiful emotions of life and loss. It’ll keep you reading until dawn, completely enraptured by Maggie and Jack’s fate!
November 6, 2025
I was a huge fan of Emma's previous book "The One Before the One" so I couldn’t wait to dive into her latest release. Luckily, NetGalley gave me the opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review — and wow, I absolutely LOVED it!
Summary:
Every Friday, Maggie attends the last showing at her local indie cinema. Then one night, bookseller Jack goes to the same screening. These two strangers are about to fall in love – there’s just one complication: Jack knows nothing about Maggie. Maggie knows everything about Jack.
Over a series of Fridays, Maggie and Jack get to know each other, but the closer they grow, the bigger the secrets that could tear them in two. Because Maggie has a unique gift: with just the lightest touch, she knows exactly what someone is thinking.
I found this to be such an original story. The love between the characters is palpable — you root for them with every page. They were absolutely adorable together, and I couldn’t get enough. I spent two evenings curled up on the couch, completely immersed. Every spare moment I had, I picked the book back up. It was impossible to let go.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I adored Emma’s previous novel and honestly didn’t think this one could top it. I was wrong. This story is just as beautiful — if not more so. It’s heartbreakingly tender and full of warmth. I read the final pages on the train and had to discreetly wipe away a few tears. One of the most beautiful books I’ve read this year.
I give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)
Summary:
Every Friday, Maggie attends the last showing at her local indie cinema. Then one night, bookseller Jack goes to the same screening. These two strangers are about to fall in love – there’s just one complication: Jack knows nothing about Maggie. Maggie knows everything about Jack.
Over a series of Fridays, Maggie and Jack get to know each other, but the closer they grow, the bigger the secrets that could tear them in two. Because Maggie has a unique gift: with just the lightest touch, she knows exactly what someone is thinking.
I found this to be such an original story. The love between the characters is palpable — you root for them with every page. They were absolutely adorable together, and I couldn’t get enough. I spent two evenings curled up on the couch, completely immersed. Every spare moment I had, I picked the book back up. It was impossible to let go.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I adored Emma’s previous novel and honestly didn’t think this one could top it. I was wrong. This story is just as beautiful — if not more so. It’s heartbreakingly tender and full of warmth. I read the final pages on the train and had to discreetly wipe away a few tears. One of the most beautiful books I’ve read this year.
I give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)
October 10, 2025
Maggie Wright nunca ha tenido una vida fácil. Marcada por un pasado que prefiere no recordar, ha aprendido a vivir en los márgenes: limpiando casas ajenas, evitando el contacto físico y refugiándose en una rutina donde nada ni nadie pueda hacerle daño. Su único compañero fiel es Henry, su vieja aspiradora roja, y los personajes de las películas de los ochenta que le permiten creer, por unas horas, en los finales felices.
Jack McAllister, en cambio, solía tenerlo todo: una prometida, una familia unida y una librería que era su orgullo. Pero un accidente cerebrovascular lo deja con alexia, una condición que le impide leer. Para alguien que vivía rodeado de libros y palabras, perderlas es como perder una parte de sí mismo. Desde entonces, Jack se ha convertido en la sombra de quien fue, atrapado en un mundo que ya no entiende y en una soledad que no sabe cómo romper.
Una noche, la lluvia, el destino los reúne en un pequeño cine de pueblo. Maggie está terminando su turno de limpieza cuando Jack entra buscando refugio. Un apagón los deja atrapados, y lo que comienza como una conversación incómoda se transforma en un encuentro que marcará sus vidas. Sin tocarse, sin siquiera conocerse del todo, ambos comienzan a derribar los muros que los mantienen aislados.
__
El capítulo 50 😭😭😭😭
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Jack McAllister, en cambio, solía tenerlo todo: una prometida, una familia unida y una librería que era su orgullo. Pero un accidente cerebrovascular lo deja con alexia, una condición que le impide leer. Para alguien que vivía rodeado de libros y palabras, perderlas es como perder una parte de sí mismo. Desde entonces, Jack se ha convertido en la sombra de quien fue, atrapado en un mundo que ya no entiende y en una soledad que no sabe cómo romper.
Una noche, la lluvia, el destino los reúne en un pequeño cine de pueblo. Maggie está terminando su turno de limpieza cuando Jack entra buscando refugio. Un apagón los deja atrapados, y lo que comienza como una conversación incómoda se transforma en un encuentro que marcará sus vidas. Sin tocarse, sin siquiera conocerse del todo, ambos comienzan a derribar los muros que los mantienen aislados.
__
El capítulo 50 😭😭😭😭
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 24, 2025
'I know more than I should about the man standing next to me'.
Despite being orphaned at a young age, Maggie has found joy in her simple life. Cleaning people's houses gives her a real sense of helping people out, as well as allowing her to keep her hands gloved and no one thinking she's odd. Maggie has a gift, or a curse really. When she touches people she can hear what they're thinking - understand what they're feeling. When she meets Jack, it's clear that a romance would be out of the question, no matter how much she likes him. But an accidental touch reveals not only trauma in Jack's own life but also that they're meeting may have been more fate than accident.
'The Truth About You and Me' reminded me of Cecelia Arhern's, 'In a Thousand Different Ways'. Both are romances that involve quirky characters with unique abilities. In this story, Emma Cooper explores the idea of not only the redemptive power of honesty to others, and most importantly yourself, but also the fine line between silence and lying by omission. Overall, I found this book very readable and I can see why it comes so highly recommended on Goodreads. However, I did find the prolonged miscommunication and fear of speaking up frustrating and a bit of a distraction for me. For those who love a cute, slow build romance, filled with quirkiness, it's well worth the read.
'Love is made up of all the broken pieces that make us us'.
Despite being orphaned at a young age, Maggie has found joy in her simple life. Cleaning people's houses gives her a real sense of helping people out, as well as allowing her to keep her hands gloved and no one thinking she's odd. Maggie has a gift, or a curse really. When she touches people she can hear what they're thinking - understand what they're feeling. When she meets Jack, it's clear that a romance would be out of the question, no matter how much she likes him. But an accidental touch reveals not only trauma in Jack's own life but also that they're meeting may have been more fate than accident.
'The Truth About You and Me' reminded me of Cecelia Arhern's, 'In a Thousand Different Ways'. Both are romances that involve quirky characters with unique abilities. In this story, Emma Cooper explores the idea of not only the redemptive power of honesty to others, and most importantly yourself, but also the fine line between silence and lying by omission. Overall, I found this book very readable and I can see why it comes so highly recommended on Goodreads. However, I did find the prolonged miscommunication and fear of speaking up frustrating and a bit of a distraction for me. For those who love a cute, slow build romance, filled with quirkiness, it's well worth the read.
'Love is made up of all the broken pieces that make us us'.
November 5, 2025
The Truth about You and Me is a delight. It's a beautiful romance which is haunting and melancholy. I'm not going to write about the plot because it's too easy to spoil, but I can say that both Jack and Maggie are wounded and have healing to do before they can make a life together.
Maggie is brave and so impressive in the way that she's made something of herself out of a tragic childhood and with a very big secret, and her inherent goodness shines from her. Jack meets Maggie when he's at his lowest and she gives him a reason to persevere with his recovery. The representation of alexia as the result of a brain injury feels accurate and I liked that there wasn't a perfect solution or recovery for Jack. Maggie's trauma is complicated (and magical!) and this is handled believably as well. The little bit of magical realism was so cleverly woven through all of Jack and Maggie's moments as they fell in love.
Riz is one of the loveliest secondary characters I've read in a while, and shout out to Henry 😉
Jack's family are as family can be – well meaning, but too loud, too much and waaaaaaay too unhelpful.
For a messy British romance that touches on mental health, wealth inequality, and found family, this is such a great read!
Thank you Emma Cooper and Boldwood Books for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
Maggie is brave and so impressive in the way that she's made something of herself out of a tragic childhood and with a very big secret, and her inherent goodness shines from her. Jack meets Maggie when he's at his lowest and she gives him a reason to persevere with his recovery. The representation of alexia as the result of a brain injury feels accurate and I liked that there wasn't a perfect solution or recovery for Jack. Maggie's trauma is complicated (and magical!) and this is handled believably as well. The little bit of magical realism was so cleverly woven through all of Jack and Maggie's moments as they fell in love.
Riz is one of the loveliest secondary characters I've read in a while, and shout out to Henry 😉
Jack's family are as family can be – well meaning, but too loud, too much and waaaaaaay too unhelpful.
For a messy British romance that touches on mental health, wealth inequality, and found family, this is such a great read!
Thank you Emma Cooper and Boldwood Books for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
November 14, 2025
This book is an absolute delight that quietly charms your heart. Maggie, a self-employed cleaner, and empathetic soul has a secret - one that make her life quite difficult. She has protected herself from the world, but all that is about to change one night in a small movie theatre when a storm casts bookshop owner, Jack, into her path. Jack has his own burdens making his journey through life quite problematic as well. Their interaction on this night and beyond is about to shift their paths dramatically. There is absolutely nothing about this story that I didn't love. Every character contributed something special to the story with my favourite being Riz, an older lady who Maggie cleans for, however Nell, Jack's bookshop manager is a pretty close second. Beyond the romance, was a story of being human, of connections and every kind of love that can be offered up. One of my favourite scenes happens towards the end of the book and it isn't even involving Maggie but rather a storytelling moment with children - it was just magic. Emma Cooper paints lovely pictures with her words and makes you feel like the world is a kinder place after you finish that last page. An absolute must to read as 2025 comes to a close. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this story.
November 18, 2025
a story of hope - the simplest way to describe the story even tho it's so much more.
this is the story of overcoming your struggles, finding yourself, and learning to love yourself. Jack and Maggie were the sweetest most innocent souls that deserve the warmest hug and all the support. I was really rooting for them to letting each other in and trusting each other. They let the other open themselves up at their pace, finding a love for each other that made them feel safe.
I loved all the rom-com movie references. They all felt so fitting to the story as they took in each story full of love and whimsy. I loved that while they took the stories of books and film as reference points to their developing relationship - they still understood that at times real life wants to punch you in the gut and you don't always get that ending you want. Life makes you work for it.
I will say I hated Jack's parents 💀 they acted so kindly but their actions and intentions were straight up mean. They felt so fake - wanting to encourage their son but on their terms, saying they love Maggie but then thinking how she's "not normal" (rude af), and being so judgemental.
Thank you Boldwood for the ARC!!
this is the story of overcoming your struggles, finding yourself, and learning to love yourself. Jack and Maggie were the sweetest most innocent souls that deserve the warmest hug and all the support. I was really rooting for them to letting each other in and trusting each other. They let the other open themselves up at their pace, finding a love for each other that made them feel safe.
I loved all the rom-com movie references. They all felt so fitting to the story as they took in each story full of love and whimsy. I loved that while they took the stories of books and film as reference points to their developing relationship - they still understood that at times real life wants to punch you in the gut and you don't always get that ending you want. Life makes you work for it.
I will say I hated Jack's parents 💀 they acted so kindly but their actions and intentions were straight up mean. They felt so fake - wanting to encourage their son but on their terms, saying they love Maggie but then thinking how she's "not normal" (rude af), and being so judgemental.
Thank you Boldwood for the ARC!!
November 11, 2025
As forced-proximity meetings go, this is a great one. Maggie and Jack (and Henry - if you know, you know) are accidentally locked in a cinema overnight, and it's the catalyst for a beautifully developed relationship between two lonely people who have their own reasons not to let their walls down. The idea of being able to hear others' thoughts is clever, and also somewhat disquieting, because it shines a light on all those times that you wouldn't want someone to know what you're thinking and it makes Maggie's predicament absolutely heart-wrenching. While the connection between Maggie and Jack is the central point of the book, there's so much more to it: how and when to show your real self to someone, how to heal from and live with those life-shattering moments that could crush your spirit if you let them, and the exploration of the layers of secrets and honesty that we all have to manage. The writing is full of warmth, humour and so much emotion, and they are so well balanced that you can't help but be drawn into the story and connect with these characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2025
3/5
Let me start by saying that I loved the writing! I did, however, find the realism of Maggie's "gift" off-putting. What I mean by that is more about the dialect of the characters in their minds, not necessarily that reading minds isnt realistic because duh. But, real people don't think in full sentences like Maggie was hearing. For example, one character that she hears their thoughts says, "I hope my wife doesnt find out about this." It just feels off, like reading dialogue that wouldn't actually happen between normal people. Maybe this is just a me thing, but it took me a minute to get into the story because of this! I also think the beginning was just a bit slow.
However, I did love some of the characters, specifically Riz! My favorite scene in the book was the last scene with Riz, when Maggie sees all the moments with Art. It made me want to go snuggle my husband. I liked the plot of figuring out what happened to Jack. I enjoyed the writing, as I mentioned before. Overall, was an easy read with interesting plot points. However, some of the details were unnatural and made it hard to get through, especially at first.
Let me start by saying that I loved the writing! I did, however, find the realism of Maggie's "gift" off-putting. What I mean by that is more about the dialect of the characters in their minds, not necessarily that reading minds isnt realistic because duh. But, real people don't think in full sentences like Maggie was hearing. For example, one character that she hears their thoughts says, "I hope my wife doesnt find out about this." It just feels off, like reading dialogue that wouldn't actually happen between normal people. Maybe this is just a me thing, but it took me a minute to get into the story because of this! I also think the beginning was just a bit slow.
However, I did love some of the characters, specifically Riz! My favorite scene in the book was the last scene with Riz, when Maggie sees all the moments with Art. It made me want to go snuggle my husband. I liked the plot of figuring out what happened to Jack. I enjoyed the writing, as I mentioned before. Overall, was an easy read with interesting plot points. However, some of the details were unnatural and made it hard to get through, especially at first.
October 12, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
The Truth About You and Me — what an interesting book. It introduced me to alexia, a real neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to read despite being able to write or speak normally. (How fascinating and heartbreaking is that?) So for anyone who says listening to an audiobook “doesn’t count as reading” — imagine what it means for those who can’t read with their eyes.
There’s a touch of magical realism here, but it also feels like a tender portrayal of OCD and anxiety — the quiet, relentless kind many of us understand all too well. The writing is beautiful, filled with strong messages that kept me highlighting line after line. This isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about resilience, love, and courage in the face of both mental and physical challenges. I adored all the movie and book references, and the setting — a bookstore and a movie theater — made my book-loving heart happy. A surprising and heartfelt read. I was rooting for them the entire way. Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
The Truth About You and Me — what an interesting book. It introduced me to alexia, a real neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to read despite being able to write or speak normally. (How fascinating and heartbreaking is that?) So for anyone who says listening to an audiobook “doesn’t count as reading” — imagine what it means for those who can’t read with their eyes.
There’s a touch of magical realism here, but it also feels like a tender portrayal of OCD and anxiety — the quiet, relentless kind many of us understand all too well. The writing is beautiful, filled with strong messages that kept me highlighting line after line. This isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about resilience, love, and courage in the face of both mental and physical challenges. I adored all the movie and book references, and the setting — a bookstore and a movie theater — made my book-loving heart happy. A surprising and heartfelt read. I was rooting for them the entire way. Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
October 24, 2025
This was such a sweet book. It was my second book by Emma Cooper and now I’ve got to tackle her backlist because I’ve loved both of the books I’ve read.
I love a touch of magical realism in my books and this one did it well.
Imagine if you could hear and see someone’s thoughts just by touching them? It’s something that Maggie’s has loved with her whole life and it’s a “curse” that controls everything she does. Then you have Jack, a bookstore owner who suffers from alexia, the inability to recognize letters, after a recent stroke.
Maggie and Jack are each dealing with their own struggles, but make an excellent pair. They have great chemistry and a true compassion and understanding for each other. There’s also a smidge of found family in this book.
This book was quite emotional times and I actually shed a few tears at a few scenes.
I definitely recommend this one! It releases on November 18, 2025. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
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