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The Woman Who Met Herself
A heartbreaking, life-affirming BRAND NEW story from the No.1 bestselling author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont. Perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman, Colleen Hoover, and Jojo Moyes. What would you do, if you met your double?
Debbie Jones thinks life is an adventure. Even having lost her husband a year ago, she’s ready for whatever the world might throw her way. Being in her sixties doesn’t mean it’s all over for her yet, and she loves her new job doing neighbourhood support for a charity. Then she knocks on a stranger’s front door.
Ruth Waverley doesn’t like surprises. Her life isn’t perhaps all she once dreamed off, but what other options are there for a woman in her sixties? She’s proud of her home and children. And she likes her life well enough. Then she hears someone knocking at the door.
As the door opens, both Ruth and Debbie get the shock of their lives. As their eyes meet – the recognition is instant. Not because they’ve met before. But because they have the same face. They’re completely identical.
And everything is about to change, for both women. In ways they couldn’t possibly imagine…
Readers love Laura ‘Even when I couldn’t see properly as the tears streamed down my face rivalling the force of the Niagara Falls, I couldn’t put this novel down. It is raw, it is devastating (yes, I’m aware I’ve used that word before but it is!) and yet, it’s wonderful and I absolutely loved it!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Heartbreaking, uplifting, eye opening… Such a beautiful story.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Will break and melt your heart in equal measure. A genuinely stunning read!… Absolutely EXQUISITE… A powerful story about friendship, found family, lost love, identity, self-acceptance and living life authentically and to its fullest… A beautiful story that will never leave me.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow… amazing… Straight away it captures your heart, it is so beautifully written and impossible to put down… Have the tissues ready… it feels so real… it stays with you.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I absolutely loved this book. One of the most enjoyable that I have read this year. It is heartbreaking, beautiful and totally uplifting. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. It will also make you look back at your own life and examine the decisions and choices that you have made… A really life affirming read.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Gorgeous… Tender and beautiful… As hopeful as it is heart-breaking… I loved it.’ Amy Beashel, author
‘Captured my heart. It’s a tender and uplifting read… Leaves you feeling warm, hopeful, and satisfied.’ Lisa Timoney, author
Debbie Jones thinks life is an adventure. Even having lost her husband a year ago, she’s ready for whatever the world might throw her way. Being in her sixties doesn’t mean it’s all over for her yet, and she loves her new job doing neighbourhood support for a charity. Then she knocks on a stranger’s front door.
Ruth Waverley doesn’t like surprises. Her life isn’t perhaps all she once dreamed off, but what other options are there for a woman in her sixties? She’s proud of her home and children. And she likes her life well enough. Then she hears someone knocking at the door.
As the door opens, both Ruth and Debbie get the shock of their lives. As their eyes meet – the recognition is instant. Not because they’ve met before. But because they have the same face. They’re completely identical.
And everything is about to change, for both women. In ways they couldn’t possibly imagine…
Readers love Laura ‘Even when I couldn’t see properly as the tears streamed down my face rivalling the force of the Niagara Falls, I couldn’t put this novel down. It is raw, it is devastating (yes, I’m aware I’ve used that word before but it is!) and yet, it’s wonderful and I absolutely loved it!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Heartbreaking, uplifting, eye opening… Such a beautiful story.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Will break and melt your heart in equal measure. A genuinely stunning read!… Absolutely EXQUISITE… A powerful story about friendship, found family, lost love, identity, self-acceptance and living life authentically and to its fullest… A beautiful story that will never leave me.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow… amazing… Straight away it captures your heart, it is so beautifully written and impossible to put down… Have the tissues ready… it feels so real… it stays with you.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I absolutely loved this book. One of the most enjoyable that I have read this year. It is heartbreaking, beautiful and totally uplifting. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. It will also make you look back at your own life and examine the decisions and choices that you have made… A really life affirming read.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Gorgeous… Tender and beautiful… As hopeful as it is heart-breaking… I loved it.’ Amy Beashel, author
‘Captured my heart. It’s a tender and uplifting read… Leaves you feeling warm, hopeful, and satisfied.’ Lisa Timoney, author
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2025
2468 people are currently reading
1336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
May 18, 2025
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The Book Review Crew Blog
I love Laura Pearson's books, this is my sixth read by the author. I Wanted You To Know and The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine were five star reads for me. The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up , Missing Pieces and The Many Futures of Maddy Hart were four star reads. Laura Pearson continues to deliver as one of my favourite writers of women's fiction. She always has unique plotlines, but every story she tells is about self-discovery and family secrets. They're always very touching and thought-provoking.
This story is about Debbie and Ruth, who meet by happenstance and discover they are identical twins. Imagine meeting your twin for the first time at age sixty-two. The author brilliantly weaves a story so heartfelt and real that I felt like I was friends with these ladies. What I found interesting was that even though Debbie and Ruth are similar in looks, and they started out together yet their lives took such different paths. Debbie loves adventure, Ruth likes the comforts of home and routine. Both are interesting and compelling, just in different ways. I loved how they were both game to get to know each other and try to find some sort of connection. It was such an emotional journey for both of them, and I was so glad to be along for the ride.
This is so much more than a book about two women who look alike, it's about learning something new about yourself while learning about someone else. It's about putting your needs first, as you're no good to anyone if you're not good to yourself. It's about life's surprises, making the most of every day. Pearson's writing is both poignant and uplifting, reminding us that life is full of surprises and that it's never too late to reinvent ourselves. I highly recommend this book and everything else by Laura Pearson . She writes the type of beautiful stories that stay with the reader long after the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
I love Laura Pearson's books, this is my sixth read by the author. I Wanted You To Know and The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine were five star reads for me. The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up , Missing Pieces and The Many Futures of Maddy Hart were four star reads. Laura Pearson continues to deliver as one of my favourite writers of women's fiction. She always has unique plotlines, but every story she tells is about self-discovery and family secrets. They're always very touching and thought-provoking.
This story is about Debbie and Ruth, who meet by happenstance and discover they are identical twins. Imagine meeting your twin for the first time at age sixty-two. The author brilliantly weaves a story so heartfelt and real that I felt like I was friends with these ladies. What I found interesting was that even though Debbie and Ruth are similar in looks, and they started out together yet their lives took such different paths. Debbie loves adventure, Ruth likes the comforts of home and routine. Both are interesting and compelling, just in different ways. I loved how they were both game to get to know each other and try to find some sort of connection. It was such an emotional journey for both of them, and I was so glad to be along for the ride.
This is so much more than a book about two women who look alike, it's about learning something new about yourself while learning about someone else. It's about putting your needs first, as you're no good to anyone if you're not good to yourself. It's about life's surprises, making the most of every day. Pearson's writing is both poignant and uplifting, reminding us that life is full of surprises and that it's never too late to reinvent ourselves. I highly recommend this book and everything else by Laura Pearson . She writes the type of beautiful stories that stay with the reader long after the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 29, 2025
In a Nutshell: A contemporary fiction about two women and their doppelgänger twist. Some good characters and thought-provoking sentiments. Some exaggerations and melodrama. So a typical uplit in many ways. Liked the first half, but the second half felt a bit shaky. Recommended to fans of the genre.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Many uplit stories with doppelgängers end with the characters swapping places with each other. Thankfully, this doesn’t go down that path. But the path it chooses to take is a bit unsteady.
Bookish Yays:
👭🏻 Debbie’s character. Loved her presence of mind, her boldness of spirit, and her largeness of heart.
👭🏻 The contrast between the personalities of Ruth and Debbie. Leads to some interesting moments. I like how the prologue itself challenges our initial perception about the lead characters’ state of happiness because of their personal situation. A good lesson on not to jump to conclusions based on minimal info.
👭🏻 The fact that both Debbie and Ruth are senior characters at 62, and the writing shows them as typical real women of that age, not as youthful matriarchs nor as geriatric curmudgeons.
👭🏻 The focus on women’s dilemmas, and how they are taken for granted at home is especially well done. The guilts of motherhood (especially in the initial days) are also explored convincingly.
👭🏻 The depiction of one secondary character’s dementia. As my father is in the initial stages of the same, this was very scary and true-to-life for me.
👭🏻 The title, which works on two levels if you think about it. It’s an indication not just of a woman who met her carbon copy but also of a woman who finally understood who she actually was rather than sticking to what the world thought she ought to be. Both these interpretations are applicable to Ruth as well as Debbie.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🎭 While the premise is great, there is not much mystery about the situation. It is quite easy to take a stab at the backstory of the resemblance, given the abundant clues. Of course, this isn't marketed as a mystery, so… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
🎭 There are plenty of subplots, not all of which are connected to the main story. Some of these are interesting, some are plain annoying.
🎭 The first-person interludes that come in between some chapters are quite interesting, but these also offer spoilers to us readers. We thus end up learning some key facts before Debbie or Ruth do.
🎭 The character-focused narrative and somewhat introspective tone are quite unusual for this genre. Many scenes invite reflection in a practical way. This, along with the resultant slower pace, might not work for some readers.
Bookish Nays:
🤼 No depth to most of the secondary characters. The men in Ruth's family are – no other way of putting this – idiots. The most irritating character to me, however, was Ruth’s younger sister, Kate. I couldn’t buy how she wanted Ruth and Debbie to go to the media with their strange story in order to use the resources she had access to as a journalist and dig into what might have happened. Could she not have used her network of connections to help her sister without killing their privacy?
🤼 The predictability. The plot sticks to a fairly guessable path, even though the characters are often caught unawares by the reveals. This could be forgiven because of the genre itself being straightforward. But what’s obviously formulaic is that most family characters are jerks and all non-family characters are heartwarming.
🤼 The first half is still fairly okay as the plot development is fairly controlled. The second half goes a bit haywire, with too much needless melodrama, unnecessary subplots and redundant twists.
All in all, not a bad read, but also not a memorable read. This is my fifth book by this author, and while I have liked all her works, this ends up the least favourite mainly because of the second half. I think I like her books better when they include a dash of magical realism, which was missing from this plot.
Recommended, but not as a must-read. It would work well when you are in the mood for an emotional and introspective found-family story.
3.25 stars.
My thanks to Boldwood Books for providing the DRC of “The Woman Who Met Herself” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Ruth Waverly, 62, lives with her husband Nigel in a good house and runs a baking business from home. Her grown-up twin sons are away from home and are successful in their independent lives.
Debbie Jones, also 62, is a widow with no kids and has newly moved into town. Craving for interaction, she takes a job soliciting door-to-door donations for a charity.
One day, Debbie knocks on Ruth's door. To their shock, they are doppelgängers of each other. That's when their life changes forever.
The story comes to us in the alternating third-person perspectives of Ruth and Debbie, with some interludes from an unknown character’s first-person POV.
Many uplit stories with doppelgängers end with the characters swapping places with each other. Thankfully, this doesn’t go down that path. But the path it chooses to take is a bit unsteady.
Bookish Yays:
👭🏻 Debbie’s character. Loved her presence of mind, her boldness of spirit, and her largeness of heart.
👭🏻 The contrast between the personalities of Ruth and Debbie. Leads to some interesting moments. I like how the prologue itself challenges our initial perception about the lead characters’ state of happiness because of their personal situation. A good lesson on not to jump to conclusions based on minimal info.
👭🏻 The fact that both Debbie and Ruth are senior characters at 62, and the writing shows them as typical real women of that age, not as youthful matriarchs nor as geriatric curmudgeons.
👭🏻 The focus on women’s dilemmas, and how they are taken for granted at home is especially well done. The guilts of motherhood (especially in the initial days) are also explored convincingly.
👭🏻 The depiction of one secondary character’s dementia. As my father is in the initial stages of the same, this was very scary and true-to-life for me.
👭🏻 The title, which works on two levels if you think about it. It’s an indication not just of a woman who met her carbon copy but also of a woman who finally understood who she actually was rather than sticking to what the world thought she ought to be. Both these interpretations are applicable to Ruth as well as Debbie.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🎭 While the premise is great, there is not much mystery about the situation. It is quite easy to take a stab at the backstory of the resemblance, given the abundant clues. Of course, this isn't marketed as a mystery, so… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
🎭 There are plenty of subplots, not all of which are connected to the main story. Some of these are interesting, some are plain annoying.
🎭 The first-person interludes that come in between some chapters are quite interesting, but these also offer spoilers to us readers. We thus end up learning some key facts before Debbie or Ruth do.
🎭 The character-focused narrative and somewhat introspective tone are quite unusual for this genre. Many scenes invite reflection in a practical way. This, along with the resultant slower pace, might not work for some readers.
Bookish Nays:
🤼 No depth to most of the secondary characters. The men in Ruth's family are – no other way of putting this – idiots. The most irritating character to me, however, was Ruth’s younger sister, Kate. I couldn’t buy how she wanted Ruth and Debbie to go to the media with their strange story in order to use the resources she had access to as a journalist and dig into what might have happened. Could she not have used her network of connections to help her sister without killing their privacy?
🤼 The predictability. The plot sticks to a fairly guessable path, even though the characters are often caught unawares by the reveals. This could be forgiven because of the genre itself being straightforward. But what’s obviously formulaic is that most family characters are jerks and all non-family characters are heartwarming.
🤼 The first half is still fairly okay as the plot development is fairly controlled. The second half goes a bit haywire, with too much needless melodrama, unnecessary subplots and redundant twists.
All in all, not a bad read, but also not a memorable read. This is my fifth book by this author, and while I have liked all her works, this ends up the least favourite mainly because of the second half. I think I like her books better when they include a dash of magical realism, which was missing from this plot.
Recommended, but not as a must-read. It would work well when you are in the mood for an emotional and introspective found-family story.
3.25 stars.
My thanks to Boldwood Books for providing the DRC of “The Woman Who Met Herself” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
May 13, 2025
The story has an interesting premise & good characters, though the follow-through could have been better.
Ruth Waverley, in her early sixties, (she has made baking cakes her professional pursuit), lives with her husband Nigel. They have twin sons who are grown up - Max & Chris. Ruth has a younger sister - Kate, and their mom is in a care institution. Debbie Jones, 62, lives alone. Her husband Richie died of a heart attack. She has no children. She has started work at 'Hopeful Horizons' – a volunteer organization. Debbie goes door to door asking people if they need help with mental health. One day, Debbie rings the bell at Ruth's. Both are stunned as they look to be identical. But neither was told they had a twin, so what is this about?
The story gets off to a good start with intriguing prospects for continuation. I liked the characters of Ruth & Debbie; and the contrasts in their personality. The other characters do not really come alive. Nothing very consequential happens in the later parts of the book and I felt it drag.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for a free electronic review copy.
Ruth Waverley, in her early sixties, (she has made baking cakes her professional pursuit), lives with her husband Nigel. They have twin sons who are grown up - Max & Chris. Ruth has a younger sister - Kate, and their mom is in a care institution. Debbie Jones, 62, lives alone. Her husband Richie died of a heart attack. She has no children. She has started work at 'Hopeful Horizons' – a volunteer organization. Debbie goes door to door asking people if they need help with mental health. One day, Debbie rings the bell at Ruth's. Both are stunned as they look to be identical. But neither was told they had a twin, so what is this about?
The story gets off to a good start with intriguing prospects for continuation. I liked the characters of Ruth & Debbie; and the contrasts in their personality. The other characters do not really come alive. Nothing very consequential happens in the later parts of the book and I felt it drag.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for a free electronic review copy.
July 3, 2025
Read this today all in one sitting.
Didn't expect to engage with it quite as much as I did but the characters were so compelling I just couldn't put it down!
Imagine knocking on someone's door only to be answered by...you.
A family drama with huge emotional resonance I highly recommend it.
Didn't expect to engage with it quite as much as I did but the characters were so compelling I just couldn't put it down!
Imagine knocking on someone's door only to be answered by...you.
A family drama with huge emotional resonance I highly recommend it.
July 31, 2025
4 🌟
Another cute story by Laura Pearson. While I found the characters endearing, I found myself confused keeping the characters straight for some reason, not sure why. The idea of finding your twin much later in life and all the family drama that comes with it made for a good story.
Another cute story by Laura Pearson. While I found the characters endearing, I found myself confused keeping the characters straight for some reason, not sure why. The idea of finding your twin much later in life and all the family drama that comes with it made for a good story.
June 7, 2025
Fabulous feel-good fiction!
May 17, 2025
This is the story of Debbie and Ruth, who meet by chance when they are in their 60s. Perhaps the meeting is by fate. The meeting is shocking; it is like looking at themselves in the mirror. They are identical.
The unravelling of the story takes place bit by bit. The obvious is quick to come to light, but the circumstances and the details emerge throughout the book. It is an emotional and complicated story.
Ruth and Debbie develop a cautious but quick relationship. Emotions are involved, especially when lifelong truths are discovered to be untrue.
I am drawn to both Ruth and Debbie. Their characters are the same but different. They seem very true to life. They are not perfect. The secondary characters are interesting too, as they provide the reader with diversion from the main plot.
I was surprised when I turned the last page of the last chapter. Everything in the story had been resolved, but I didn't expect it to be over. I guess I wanted to read more about Ruth and Debbie.
I have read several books by Laura Pearson. While they are about women finding resolution in some aspect of their life. But, at the same time, they have all been quite different. I like the writing and I have liked all the characters she has created.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The unravelling of the story takes place bit by bit. The obvious is quick to come to light, but the circumstances and the details emerge throughout the book. It is an emotional and complicated story.
Ruth and Debbie develop a cautious but quick relationship. Emotions are involved, especially when lifelong truths are discovered to be untrue.
I am drawn to both Ruth and Debbie. Their characters are the same but different. They seem very true to life. They are not perfect. The secondary characters are interesting too, as they provide the reader with diversion from the main plot.
I was surprised when I turned the last page of the last chapter. Everything in the story had been resolved, but I didn't expect it to be over. I guess I wanted to read more about Ruth and Debbie.
I have read several books by Laura Pearson. While they are about women finding resolution in some aspect of their life. But, at the same time, they have all been quite different. I like the writing and I have liked all the characters she has created.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
May 28, 2025
I remember a time – not that long ago – when publishers would have run a mile from a book realistically portraying the lives of two women in their sixties, however unusual the situation they’re presented with. Thank goodness things have changed – I loved every moment I spent in the company of these two wonderful women, and was enthralled by their stories as they gradually unfolded.
Recently widowed, Debbie has moved to Loughborough for a fresh start – she’s very much a people person, ideally suited to the job she’s found, knocking on doors to ask for donations to a mental health charity, a cause close to her heart. She makes friends wherever she goes – a chat and smile with the people on their doorsteps, the students she works with who sometimes need a bit of help (and sometimes a little more than that), a busy man who needs help walking his dog. Although she’s moved on, memories of her husband are everywhere – but life’s good, and she’s doing just fine.
Ruth bakes and decorates cakes for every occasion – it’s turned into a small business, but also an escape from the tedious monotony of her life. Her sons have left home and have no time for her in their busy lives, her husband takes her for granted and can barely bring himself to keep up a conversation – thank goodness for her sister who, as well as always being there for her, takes it in turns to visit their mum (who has dementia) in her nursing home who rarely recognises either of them.
Then comes that pivotal moment – when Debbie knocks on Ruth’s door, and they’re both stunned to realise that they have the same face. And it’s not just a similarity – they’re identical. They’ve both followed very different paths in their lives, but there’s more to come. Debbie’s already living her best life, ready to enjoy every new adventure (a night at the students’ union – why not?) – and Ruth needs to find the courage to make changes in her life too, and finally live a little.
The whole story is quite beautifully told, as you share the lives of both women, get to know them so well, and really hope that the things they discover, their newly found friendship, and the changes they make will bring them both happiness. They’re both extraordinarily real, women you soon feel you know really well, so easy to identify with when you’re a similar age – and I certainly found plenty I recognised in Ruth’s visits to her mother with her occasional heart-rending moments of clarity and understanding. The whole story’s gently told, and there are so many moments to bring a smile or a tear – the author’s emotional touch is just perfect.
There’s a great deal more to this book than I’ve covered in my brief summary – secrets and family complications, a few real surprises, more than a touch of heartbreak, a bit of stepping into the unknown, grasping opportunities when they offer themselves, even a touch of romance – and I loved every single moment. The book’s premise might be unusual, but the author has built around it a gorgeous, uplifting and life-affirming story that will remain with me for some time. One of my books of the year, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
Recently widowed, Debbie has moved to Loughborough for a fresh start – she’s very much a people person, ideally suited to the job she’s found, knocking on doors to ask for donations to a mental health charity, a cause close to her heart. She makes friends wherever she goes – a chat and smile with the people on their doorsteps, the students she works with who sometimes need a bit of help (and sometimes a little more than that), a busy man who needs help walking his dog. Although she’s moved on, memories of her husband are everywhere – but life’s good, and she’s doing just fine.
Ruth bakes and decorates cakes for every occasion – it’s turned into a small business, but also an escape from the tedious monotony of her life. Her sons have left home and have no time for her in their busy lives, her husband takes her for granted and can barely bring himself to keep up a conversation – thank goodness for her sister who, as well as always being there for her, takes it in turns to visit their mum (who has dementia) in her nursing home who rarely recognises either of them.
Then comes that pivotal moment – when Debbie knocks on Ruth’s door, and they’re both stunned to realise that they have the same face. And it’s not just a similarity – they’re identical. They’ve both followed very different paths in their lives, but there’s more to come. Debbie’s already living her best life, ready to enjoy every new adventure (a night at the students’ union – why not?) – and Ruth needs to find the courage to make changes in her life too, and finally live a little.
The whole story is quite beautifully told, as you share the lives of both women, get to know them so well, and really hope that the things they discover, their newly found friendship, and the changes they make will bring them both happiness. They’re both extraordinarily real, women you soon feel you know really well, so easy to identify with when you’re a similar age – and I certainly found plenty I recognised in Ruth’s visits to her mother with her occasional heart-rending moments of clarity and understanding. The whole story’s gently told, and there are so many moments to bring a smile or a tear – the author’s emotional touch is just perfect.
There’s a great deal more to this book than I’ve covered in my brief summary – secrets and family complications, a few real surprises, more than a touch of heartbreak, a bit of stepping into the unknown, grasping opportunities when they offer themselves, even a touch of romance – and I loved every single moment. The book’s premise might be unusual, but the author has built around it a gorgeous, uplifting and life-affirming story that will remain with me for some time. One of my books of the year, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
November 12, 2025
Great book. The idea of two identical strangers meeting in their sixties is so unique. I fell in love with Debbie and Ruth's stories of self discovery and second chances. Super moving and recommended.
July 28, 2025
Really enjoyed this breath of fresh air story. Was lovely and uplifting . Do like a Laura Pearson book , onto the next one
August 6, 2025
Trying to remember to write a review for my brother.
Sleep is elusive tonight, so I've read The Woman Who Met Herself, while lying in bed next to sleeping MOH. It is by the author who wrote The Last List of Mabel Beaumont.
It's a good story.
A strange mix of really hitting some important insights into being a woman within a family, relationships, motherhood, raising sons and acting a caregiver to others. In a sort of unrecognised and unthanked way that was at times hard to read. Though I know many men who take on a full and equal share of childcare, housework, cooking, laundry etc etc. I know more women who take on the lion's share, despite also working full time.
The reflections were all from a female perspective. There are two female MCs. There are many other characters, but the female voices are dominant. It would have been nice to have heard some male perspectives, but it wasn't part of this story.
And then there are those times when people, in books, don't say anything, and that is frustrating. Though, probably realistic. We think things and don't say them, but I'm internally shouting to open your mouth and speak!! There was a lot unsaid and unrealised.
Overall, it has left me feeling sad but appreciative of the family and relationships I have. I feel sad for the powerful descriptions of grief, loss, motherhood and choices we have to make.
Sleep is elusive tonight, so I've read The Woman Who Met Herself, while lying in bed next to sleeping MOH. It is by the author who wrote The Last List of Mabel Beaumont.
It's a good story.
A strange mix of really hitting some important insights into being a woman within a family, relationships, motherhood, raising sons and acting a caregiver to others. In a sort of unrecognised and unthanked way that was at times hard to read. Though I know many men who take on a full and equal share of childcare, housework, cooking, laundry etc etc. I know more women who take on the lion's share, despite also working full time.
The reflections were all from a female perspective. There are two female MCs. There are many other characters, but the female voices are dominant. It would have been nice to have heard some male perspectives, but it wasn't part of this story.
And then there are those times when people, in books, don't say anything, and that is frustrating. Though, probably realistic. We think things and don't say them, but I'm internally shouting to open your mouth and speak!! There was a lot unsaid and unrealised.
Overall, it has left me feeling sad but appreciative of the family and relationships I have. I feel sad for the powerful descriptions of grief, loss, motherhood and choices we have to make.
September 22, 2025
Actual rating 4.5.
October 17, 2025
This is my first novel by Laura Pearson and I thoroughly enjoyed it . Really easy to read with a cast of interesting characters.
Debbie is a recently widowed 62 year old . She's just moved to a new neighbourhood and is working collecting donations door to door . One day the door opens and she comes face to face with her identical twin .
A lovely story and one I highly recommend . Will be reading more by this author!
Debbie is a recently widowed 62 year old . She's just moved to a new neighbourhood and is working collecting donations door to door . One day the door opens and she comes face to face with her identical twin .
A lovely story and one I highly recommend . Will be reading more by this author!
August 22, 2025
A nice story about separated twins who find each other by accident. A lot of the story is about how their lives change after and the differences in who they are. Easy, comfortable read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
The thing I love about Laura Pearson's writing is that her characters are presented in such a deceptively simple way, but always go on to reveal complex hidden depths. This charming story about two women in their early sixties who meet by accident and discover that they are in fact identical twins separated soon after birth is on one level so straightforward and even predictable, and on another so psychologically insightful about family dynamics and sibling rivalry, that at points it brought tears to my eyes.
Debbie, childless, recently widowed and hoping to make new friends in the unfamiliar town where she now rents a flat, takes on a voluntary role for a bereavement charity, door-knocking and signing up new donors. Ruth, tolerating a stale and unsatisfactory marriage whilst running a cake-baking business from her kitchen, is the mother of adult twin boys, one of whom has come back home for a spell following problems both in his work and in his relationship. When Ruth opens the door to Debbie and both women find themselves staring at a mirror image, the shock and disbelief may well be imagined - for neither had any reason to believe that they'd ever had a twin.
What follows is of course the lengthy and painful process of untangling their respective histories. Debbie never knew her father, and her mother was mentally unstable, leaving her with memories of an insecure childhood and an early bereavement. Ruth grew up with a loving mother, father, and younger sister, Kate. How could this have happened? Were they both adopted, and sent to different families? Or is one of their two mothers the birth-mother of both? Debbie's mother died when she was a teenager, but Ruth's is still living, albeit in a care home and battling dementia ...
Getting to know one another, and coping with the varying reactions of Ruth's family - her husband, sons and younger sister all have different reactions to the discovery of her long-lost twin - takes a bit of time, and each has something important to learn from the other as regards attitudes to life, love and relationships, as well as regarding their different life experiences.
The truth when it's finally revealed is very sad for both twins, but in the meantime they have discovered a strong bond, a deep affection for one another, and the courage to make some very necessary changes in both their lives. A heart-warming read.
Debbie, childless, recently widowed and hoping to make new friends in the unfamiliar town where she now rents a flat, takes on a voluntary role for a bereavement charity, door-knocking and signing up new donors. Ruth, tolerating a stale and unsatisfactory marriage whilst running a cake-baking business from her kitchen, is the mother of adult twin boys, one of whom has come back home for a spell following problems both in his work and in his relationship. When Ruth opens the door to Debbie and both women find themselves staring at a mirror image, the shock and disbelief may well be imagined - for neither had any reason to believe that they'd ever had a twin.
What follows is of course the lengthy and painful process of untangling their respective histories. Debbie never knew her father, and her mother was mentally unstable, leaving her with memories of an insecure childhood and an early bereavement. Ruth grew up with a loving mother, father, and younger sister, Kate. How could this have happened? Were they both adopted, and sent to different families? Or is one of their two mothers the birth-mother of both? Debbie's mother died when she was a teenager, but Ruth's is still living, albeit in a care home and battling dementia ...
Getting to know one another, and coping with the varying reactions of Ruth's family - her husband, sons and younger sister all have different reactions to the discovery of her long-lost twin - takes a bit of time, and each has something important to learn from the other as regards attitudes to life, love and relationships, as well as regarding their different life experiences.
The truth when it's finally revealed is very sad for both twins, but in the meantime they have discovered a strong bond, a deep affection for one another, and the courage to make some very necessary changes in both their lives. A heart-warming read.
April 20, 2025
Debbie Jones, recently widowed, is a door to door charity fundraiser. She is a people person, experienced in dealing with any reaction when the door is opened to her. Apart from the day that Ruth Waverley opens the door, and looks back with a face that is hers, exactly like hers. Both women are surprised, understandably. To give any more of the story away would be a spoiler, so I will leave it there.
Laura brought the characters to life extremely well, I felt that I knew them, that they could have been my friends.
It is a story of envisaging what your life may have looked like, how your personality would have formed, if another path had been yours. Also of learning that even though the grass seems greener outwardly, it isn’t necessarily the case; understanding that there is still time to make a change, it’s not too late.
Laura Pearson writes with great empathy, with a lot of heart. She always makes me wonder how I would react in the same situation. This is a heartwarming book, which I raced through. It is a gentle, light read, just over 300 pages, a book you can lose yourself in for an enjoyable day.
Laura brought the characters to life extremely well, I felt that I knew them, that they could have been my friends.
It is a story of envisaging what your life may have looked like, how your personality would have formed, if another path had been yours. Also of learning that even though the grass seems greener outwardly, it isn’t necessarily the case; understanding that there is still time to make a change, it’s not too late.
Laura Pearson writes with great empathy, with a lot of heart. She always makes me wonder how I would react in the same situation. This is a heartwarming book, which I raced through. It is a gentle, light read, just over 300 pages, a book you can lose yourself in for an enjoyable day.
May 17, 2025
Oh, I love these kinds of family-related stories!
I thoroughly enjoyed the last Laura Pearson book I read, so was thrilled to read this newest title from her.
Imagine getting to your 60s and suddenly being faced with a person who should have been in your life from day one?
This is what happens to Debbie Jones and Ruth Waverly.
Faced with one another, on one of Debbie's routine door-knock visits as a part of her job, collecting donations and secular donors for a charity, the two women are shocked to see themselves.
Two people who look almost identical.
I don't want to rehash the story, but this is the almost unbelievable story of twins, separated at a very young age, unaware of the existence of the other.
How they go about finding out their beginnings, the reason for their separation, and how each woman grows, as if by finding the other, they have finally gained the confidence to take steps they never would have before, is written so beautifully.
There is a cast of side characters that give both women extra layers to their personalities and characters.
I really enjoyed this.
I thoroughly enjoyed the last Laura Pearson book I read, so was thrilled to read this newest title from her.
Imagine getting to your 60s and suddenly being faced with a person who should have been in your life from day one?
This is what happens to Debbie Jones and Ruth Waverly.
Faced with one another, on one of Debbie's routine door-knock visits as a part of her job, collecting donations and secular donors for a charity, the two women are shocked to see themselves.
Two people who look almost identical.
I don't want to rehash the story, but this is the almost unbelievable story of twins, separated at a very young age, unaware of the existence of the other.
How they go about finding out their beginnings, the reason for their separation, and how each woman grows, as if by finding the other, they have finally gained the confidence to take steps they never would have before, is written so beautifully.
There is a cast of side characters that give both women extra layers to their personalities and characters.
I really enjoyed this.
May 30, 2025
A few weeks ago, I posted about an author I love and I said that I was genetically predisposed to love her books! I think that, having now read four of Laura Pearson's books, I am almost prepared to make that same declaration for her! I love her unusual ideas and the ways that she goes about writing them
When there is an unexpected knock at her door, Ruth Waverley has no idea that her life is going to be completely changed. Standing on the other side is widow Debbie Jones who is working as a charity doorknocker. When the door opens, they see a woman who looks practically identical to themselves. After the initial shock wears off Ruth and Debbie agree to meet to begin to discover each other's pasts. After all, it can't just be a coincidence that they look so alike.
Ruth has been married to Nigel for many years. They have raised twin boys, and now she has a cherished granddaughter. She bakes cakes from her home kitchen - fancy birthday cakes and the like - but she doesn't really feel seen by her family, especially by her husband. She and her younger sister Kate are also dealing with their elderly mum whose dementia is getting worse. There are the clear days when she recognises her children, but other days she has no idea who they are.
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September 10, 2025
I have read a few of Laura's books and they have all been great. This one was no exception. It is a nice easy read, a beautiful and heart warming story.
***************************
What would you do, if you met your double?
Debbie Jones thinks life is an adventure. Even having lost her husband a year ago, she’s ready for whatever the world might throw her way. Being in her sixties doesn’t mean it’s all over for her yet, and she loves her new job doing neighbourhood support for a charity. Then she knocks on a stranger’s front door.
Ruth Waverley doesn’t like surprises. Her life isn’t perhaps all she once dreamed off, but what other options are there for a woman in her sixties? She’s proud of her home and children. And she likes her life well enough. Then she hears someone knocking at the door.
As the door opens, both Ruth and Debbie get the shock of their lives. As their eyes meet – the recognition is instant. Not because they’ve met before. But because they have the same face. They’re completely identical.
And everything is about to change, for both women. In ways they couldn’t possibly imagine…
***************************
What would you do, if you met your double?
Debbie Jones thinks life is an adventure. Even having lost her husband a year ago, she’s ready for whatever the world might throw her way. Being in her sixties doesn’t mean it’s all over for her yet, and she loves her new job doing neighbourhood support for a charity. Then she knocks on a stranger’s front door.
Ruth Waverley doesn’t like surprises. Her life isn’t perhaps all she once dreamed off, but what other options are there for a woman in her sixties? She’s proud of her home and children. And she likes her life well enough. Then she hears someone knocking at the door.
As the door opens, both Ruth and Debbie get the shock of their lives. As their eyes meet – the recognition is instant. Not because they’ve met before. But because they have the same face. They’re completely identical.
And everything is about to change, for both women. In ways they couldn’t possibly imagine…
May 27, 2025
The Woman Who Met Herself is an interesting story. The premise is engaging and the book is written in a way that has you wanting to keep reading to find out how the story unfolds.
The main characters, Ruth & Debbie, are very interesting and though similar have very different personalities and lives. There are also interesting secondary characters and storylines.
There are parts that feel quite emotional and the story tackles some big issues including motherhood, loss, abortion, mental health, divorce, homosexuality. There were parts that felt a bit repetitive - that the author did not need to rehash and that impacted my reading slightly.
Overall though, I enjoyed this story and would be interested in reading additional works written by this author.
3.75 stars
The main characters, Ruth & Debbie, are very interesting and though similar have very different personalities and lives. There are also interesting secondary characters and storylines.
There are parts that feel quite emotional and the story tackles some big issues including motherhood, loss, abortion, mental health, divorce, homosexuality. There were parts that felt a bit repetitive - that the author did not need to rehash and that impacted my reading slightly.
Overall though, I enjoyed this story and would be interested in reading additional works written by this author.
3.75 stars
August 30, 2025
Loved loved loved it
Omg have you ever picked up a book and even before finish first chapter you just know your gonna love the book. Well this was one of those books for me.
I fell in love with the writing and the story from the start of the book. Debbie recently moved to new town, widowed and new job at 62 yrs of age. While out going door to door a door she knocks on throws her life upside down as standing infront of her is herself. A mirror image of Debbie but it ain't Debbie. It's Ruth.
2 women 2 different lives Never knowing one another and now here they are both unsure what is happening.
As they get to know each other and figure out what happened in their childhoods it reflects on their current lives and opens a door to a while new possibilities and life.
Will definitely be reading more books from Laura Pearson
Omg have you ever picked up a book and even before finish first chapter you just know your gonna love the book. Well this was one of those books for me.
I fell in love with the writing and the story from the start of the book. Debbie recently moved to new town, widowed and new job at 62 yrs of age. While out going door to door a door she knocks on throws her life upside down as standing infront of her is herself. A mirror image of Debbie but it ain't Debbie. It's Ruth.
2 women 2 different lives Never knowing one another and now here they are both unsure what is happening.
As they get to know each other and figure out what happened in their childhoods it reflects on their current lives and opens a door to a while new possibilities and life.
Will definitely be reading more books from Laura Pearson
November 1, 2025
This book was such an unexpected pleasure. It’s full on modern day fiction and I listened on audio.
The story is of identical twins who meet each other at the door one day out of the blue having no idea the other existed and what happens from there.
I’d say the story is sweet and comforting and hopeful but if I also say there was a miscarriage, a divorce, failed relationship, several deaths, some bad parenting, etc so not sweet but not sugary.
I loved the two FMCs who both contribute their voice to the story. They are identical twins with very different personalities and I’m sure readers can find themselves more in one or the other. I was fully delighted by all the characters in the story. Even the minor ones were well written and all added to the story in a meaningful way. The plot moved forward and a speed consistent with the actions of the characters and it all just fit. I really enjoyed this listen.
The story is of identical twins who meet each other at the door one day out of the blue having no idea the other existed and what happens from there.
I’d say the story is sweet and comforting and hopeful but if I also say there was a miscarriage, a divorce, failed relationship, several deaths, some bad parenting, etc so not sweet but not sugary.
I loved the two FMCs who both contribute their voice to the story. They are identical twins with very different personalities and I’m sure readers can find themselves more in one or the other. I was fully delighted by all the characters in the story. Even the minor ones were well written and all added to the story in a meaningful way. The plot moved forward and a speed consistent with the actions of the characters and it all just fit. I really enjoyed this listen.
November 16, 2025
This was an incredibly tender and gentle read. I actually initially thought it was going to be some sort of magical realism genre, but the reality of Ruth and Debbie being long-lost twins makes much more sense.
The way that Ruth and Debbie warmed up to one another and grew both as individuals and as twins was very heartening. The author didn’t shy from showing less admirable aspects of their personalities, but she also didn’t shy from showing their love and heart. They kind of remind me of “Grace and Frankie”, though with less intense personalities.
If you’re looking for an easy, gentle book, this one will be perfect.
The way that Ruth and Debbie warmed up to one another and grew both as individuals and as twins was very heartening. The author didn’t shy from showing less admirable aspects of their personalities, but she also didn’t shy from showing their love and heart. They kind of remind me of “Grace and Frankie”, though with less intense personalities.
If you’re looking for an easy, gentle book, this one will be perfect.
August 8, 2025
Typical Laura Pearson- thankfully!
Laura’s books pick such wonderfully diverse themes, yet are also quite similar by virtue of how she brings them to life with her writing- and this one is no different!
The tale of two sisters, who hadn’t know each other existed, until they come face to face over 60 years since they were parted. This page turner tells the tale of them finding each other and finding themselves in the process, leading them to very different places in their lives.
Laura’s books pick such wonderfully diverse themes, yet are also quite similar by virtue of how she brings them to life with her writing- and this one is no different!
The tale of two sisters, who hadn’t know each other existed, until they come face to face over 60 years since they were parted. This page turner tells the tale of them finding each other and finding themselves in the process, leading them to very different places in their lives.
October 12, 2025
A sweet, heart-warming story about identical twins that randomly meet in their 60s, and the knock on effect this has on their lives. As with all of Laura Pearson’s books I’ve read so far, the characters are well-written and relatable. I liked the positive message that life is not over for women when they hit middle age- there can be many life-changing adventures ahead if you’re brave enough to make choices that make you happy.
June 3, 2025
I’m a Laura Pearson fan, with that being said this book didn’t resonate with me as well as others. I’m chalking it up to timing.
Her books are about families and life’s ups and downs. I never felt close to Ruth, Debbie or Kate. I could easily have stopped at 50%. I’m not in the majority on this one, by all means read it. I plan to read more of her books.
Her books are about families and life’s ups and downs. I never felt close to Ruth, Debbie or Kate. I could easily have stopped at 50%. I’m not in the majority on this one, by all means read it. I plan to read more of her books.
May 23, 2025
The Woman who Met herself by Laura Pearson⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another great book from this author. Ruth and Debbie stumble across each other and they look identical. There unfolds a story of families. Loved all the characters. Such a lovely book.
Another great book from this author. Ruth and Debbie stumble across each other and they look identical. There unfolds a story of families. Loved all the characters. Such a lovely book.
July 7, 2025
Laura Pearson’s books are always such charming, complex, heartfelt slices of life with a touch of magic (whether it be legit magic or pure whimsy) tucked in. This audiobook, narrated by Julie Maisey, was so easy to enjoy. Despite the circumstances both Ruth and Debbie face, there is joy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
August 12, 2025
I do like Laura Pearson, she’s a thoughtful writer with original ideas. As usual, there’s great character development and you are quickly drawn in to their lives. ‘Debbie’ is particularly interesting and someone all of us would be glad to meet.
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