The Love Thief: A Novel

by Arielle Ford

A fast-paced, heartfelt ride through love, loss, and spiritual awakening.

Holly thought she'd found everything she ever wanted—until the man of her dreams shattered her heart and left her questioning everything. Betrayed and broken, her world unravels. But the opportunity of a lifetime lands in her lap, and she travels to India. Amidst a whirlwind of self-discovery, soul-stirring transformations (and a juicy revenge), she learns that love, though painful, can lead to something even greater.

Arielle Ford’s The Love Thief is a deliciously inspiring story for anyone who believes that even the most shattered heart can heal—especially when sprinkled with a dash of magic and a side of mouthwatering Indian recipes.

336 pages, Paperback

Published July 22, 2025

About the author

Arielle Ford is a leading personality in the personal growth and contemporary spirituality movement. For the past 30 years she has been living, teaching, and promoting consciousness through all forms of media. She is a celebrated love and relationship expert, author, speaker, and is the co-creator and host of Evolving Wisdom’s Art of Love series. Her mission is to help people Find Love, Keep Love and Be Love.
Arielle is a gifted writer and the author of eleven books including the international bestseller, THE SOULMATE SECRET: Manifest The Love of Your Life With The Law of Attraction (published in 21 languages and 40 countries).
She has also written many groundbreaking books including Turn Your Mate Into Your Soulmate: A Practical Guide To Happily Ever After and Wabi Sabi Love: The Ancient Art of Finding Perfect Love in Imperfect Relationships, and Turn Your Mate Into Your Soulmate.
A long-time “Student of Love,” Arielle regularly presents workshops around the world including England, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Kuwait, Canada, Romania, Ireland, Austria and Bali as well as personal growth centers such as Omega Institute, Kripalu, The Chopra Center, Esalen, Alternatives in London, AwesomenessFest, Celebrate Your Life, and many other prestigious venues..
Arielle has been called “The Cupid of Consciousness” and “The Fairy Godmother of Love.” She lives in La Jolla, CA with her husband/soulmate, Brian Hilliard and their feline friends.

Reviews

[Kelly Sullivan Walden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arielle Ford’s The Love Thief is the perfect summer read—think Eat, Pray, Love meets Dirty John. It’s a juicy, soul-healing ride through heartbreak, betrayal, and awakening, wrapped in wisdom, sass, and spirit. I laughed, cried, and got angry, and ultimately (I can't tell you how it ends...let's just say IT'S WORTH IT!)

—Dr. Kelly Sullivan Walden, aka Doctor Dream
Author of Dreamifesting

[Divina Infusino · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Love Thief" prompted three reactions from me.

First, I ran to my travel drawer to make sure my passport was up to date, then to the internet to research if India requires a visa.

Then, I flopped into an overstuffed chair and mentally scrolled through a list of women (and, yes, a few men) who’ve lived their own versions of Holly’s path: the dazzling high of new love, the gut-punch of betrayal, the volcanic anger, and that sweet revenge. What makes Holly unforgettable is how she rises from the challenges—wiser, wilder, and wonderfully herself.

Finally, I marveled that this modern, fun-read novel could wander to every corner of the heart and keep me engaged and wanting more the whole time.

Quite a feat. And so worth the read!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arielle does it again — soulful, wise, and so real.

The Love Thief is like a heart-to-heart with a dear friend who’s been through it all. It’s tender, juicy, and full of those little truths that help you heal and trust love again. I finished it feeling more hopeful than ever.

[Christine Hohlbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arielle Ford's ability to transport the reader to a foreign world is unmatchable. The story begins with the protagonist Holly realizing her life had not turned out as she thought it would. This very relatable character takes us on a journey reminiscent of Elizabeth Gilbert's EAT PRAY LOVE in which she discovers her inner power through a blossoming friendship with a guru-like, humble Deepak who has experienced grief as well. Like anyone searching for answers to life's mysteries, Holly takes us to India, a place of healing and discovery. If you are curious about India, life and recovery from a narcissistic relationship, this book is for you. It is a journey of hurt, betrayal and healing. Because after all, success is the best form of revenge. An extremely satisfying read for all of us seeking justice in a world fraught with unfairness and fraud.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Arielle Ford and her self-help books on love. I've always loved the way she writes and tells stories, so when I heard that she had a fiction book out, I was elated! The story telling and story line had me engaged, and I am teleported into the Love Thief. I feel the story and I'm also taken in by the wisdom that flows through it. It was more than a casual read, it was transformative and fun and I can't wait for a sequel. If not a sequel, then another book with a captivating and engaging story from Arielle Ford please. It's been a while since I read anything apart from non-fiction. It was also a nice reminder to come back to having some fun and relaxing with a good book with a nice drink or snack in hand! Thank you Arielle!

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

Thank you to the author Arielle Ford And Netgallery for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Soul-Stirring Journey of Love, Betrayal, and Transformation

The Love Thief by Arielle Ford is an emotionally resonant novel that weaves together themes of heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery. Inspired by real events, the story follows Chef Holly, a talented and passionate woman whose life unravels after a devastating betrayal by the man she thought she would marry.

The novel's strength lies in its rich, immersive storytelling. Ford's prose is engaging and evocative, drawing readers into Holly's world and her journey toward healing. The setting of Rishikesh, India, adds a layer of spiritual depth to the narrative, providing a backdrop for Holly's transformation.

Holly's character is relatable and well-developed, and her emotional journey is portrayed with authenticity. The supporting characters, including wise teachers and memorable meals, enrich the story and contribute to Holly's growth. The inclusion of Indian recipes adds a delightful touch for food enthusiasts.

While the novel is compelling, some readers may find the pacing uneven at times, with certain sections feeling slower than others. Additionally, the revenge subplot, while intriguing, could have been explored in more depth to fully realize its potential.

Overall, The Love Thief is a captivating read that offers a blend of romance, spirituality, and personal growth. It's a story that reminds readers of the power of resilience and the possibility of finding love again after loss.

[Lisa Larter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's get straight to it: Arielle Ford's The Love Thief isn't just a book; it's a powerful lesson in resilience. We meet Holly, whose life gets completely derailed by betrayal and an accident. She heads to India, not seeking answers, but simply an escape from the pain.

But here's the truth: real growth happens when you're pushed outside your comfort zone. Holly finds unexpected strength, builds new connections, and slowly, powerfully, rebuilds her life. This isn't a fairy tale; it's a gritty, real journey fueled by wise guidance, incredible food (yes, those recipes sound amazing!), and a satisfying dose of poetic justice.

This book is a feast for the senses, but more importantly, it's a powerful reminder that heartbreak can be a catalyst for something richer, something more authentic. It's about reclaiming your power after a knockdown.

If you're looking for a read that combines deep soul-searching with a page-turning plot, complete with twists and a juicy revenge subplot, The Love Thief is your next must-read. Ford shows us that even when life tries to steal your love, you have the power to reclaim your joy, your strength, and your purpose.

This one's for anyone ready to turn pain into power.

[Kamal Kapur · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Soulful Journey Through Heartbreak and Healing
The Love Thief is not your typical love story—it’s a powerful, emotional, and often mystical ride through betrayal, loss, and rediscovery. Arielle Ford draws on her deep understanding of spiritual principles and human longing to create a story that is both entertaining and enlightening.
The novel follows Holly, a woman whose seemingly perfect life unravels in an instant. What begins as a story of romantic deception gradually transforms into a deeper, more universal tale of transformation. Set partly in India, the narrative weaves together ancient wisdom, modern heartbreak, and the very relatable messiness of falling apart before one can rebuild.
Ford’s prose is warm, clear, and engaging. But what I appreciated most was how the book gently leads the reader inward. Without ever preaching, it asks the question: How do we move from pain to peace? From loss to self-love?
This is a book for anyone who’s ever had their heart broken, for anyone curious about spiritual growth, or for those simply seeking a hopeful story with emotional depth and insight. I finished it feeling lighter—and more loving toward myself.
Highly recommended for fans of both fiction and personal transformation.

[Freya Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free eARC from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is my own honest opinion about the book.

Book Review: The Love Thief
Release Date: July 22nd, 2025

⭐️⭐️ - it was okay
🌶️🌶️ behind closed doors (implied)

(These opinions are mine, if you don't agree, talk about that on your page)

A woman in her late 30s ignores her mother’s warning and gets engaged to a bad man. When said bad man cheats on her she gets in a car wreck and goes to India on a life journey. Then she comes home and falls in love with the agent on her ex-fiancés case. The end.

From the beginning the dialogue feels forced, unnatural and incredibly clunky. Somewhere in the middle I started saying “of course that happens now.” And the “romance” at the end felt very awkward and very rushed, similar to the one at the beginning. The whole book felt like someone took a nonfiction book and then tried to make it into a novel but add a little romance.

[Danielle Dorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a picky reader... I need a bunch of boxes to be checked: first, the book has to have a spiritual dimension and deeper meaning. Second, the writing has to be smart. third, I need some unexpected turns and fourth, please oh please, a satisfying ending. The Love Thief did it all for me. I was on board with Holly from the opening pages and related so much to her strengths and her blind spots. Also, having never been to India myself but knowing so many people who have, the writing about that part of the world was sensual and delicious. I hate to say something as cliche as a "perfect summer read," but literally The Love Thief serves exactly that. Brava, Arielle Ford!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arielle Ford, well known for her books on love and relationships makes a powerful debut as a novelist with The Love Thief. It's emotional, soulful, and deeply relatable.

Blending her signature wisdom with vivid storytelling, she takes you on a journey through heartbreak,
transformation and healing. The characters are real, the pacing is perfect and the message stays with you.

A heartfelt and inspiring novel for anyone who believes in the power of love-especially when it shows up in unexpected ways.

[Puja Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Love Thief feels like a friend taking your hand and saying, I’ve been there too.

Through the main character Holly’s journey from devastation to self-discovery, women will see reflections of their own pain, resilience, and the slow, powerful process of reclaiming joy. Arielle Ford’s long time work with love coaching shines through as we see that sometimes the love we most need to find is the one we give ourselves. It came to me at the right time.

Such an easy read, I finished it in a few days!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five minutes into the book, I was hooked. I didn't expect to read one third of it in an evening, but I related so much to the heroine's plight, and soon found myself immersed in a sensory rich world of adventure. I did not expect to learn so much about myself and about life along the way. I've recommended The Love Thief to so many friends for the joy of the story, but also the wisdom gained in the journey.

[Krista Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually tear through audiobooks but I wanted to savor every chapter in her world so I took my time.
Arielle Ford's patience, wisdom and devotion to studying love and relationships pays off. She's written 11 nonfiction books so her writing about love and betrayal are rooted in reality. Her love of India, San Diego, food, fashion and spirituality shine through. This book is a delight which I highly recommend. I will listen to this book numerous times. It's a triumph!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this very unique book! It is both an intriguing novel and a spiritual healing journey which combined in the most awesome way. I first heard about it from Colette Baron Reid who always has the best recommendations. I love spirituality, healing and romance novels so it was really great to read a book that had it all. I also loved learning all about the Indian customs, practices, culture, locations and cuisine. I definitely want to read the authors' other books.

[Francene Katzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Love Thief, and I really loved it. This was a wonderful story about love, sometimes it was heartbreaking. I think this is a must 5 star read. I highly recommend this book.

[Allison Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This totally swept me away. You can practically smell the spices and feel the heat of India coming off the page. So vivid and full of color. I tore through it in two sittings. Couldn’t put it down!

[Amy]

not into the plot or characters

[Donna Cope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out good but the second half kind of flopped. Didn’t enjoy it as much unfortunately.

[Kait Hilliard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read. I was transported on a journey halfway across the world to heal and find love in an expected ending. The Indian food recipes are an added bonus. The perfect summer read!