Remember, I Love You

by Claudia Carroll

‘Remember I Love You will break your heart and put it back together again... this novel will captivate you and leave you feeling uplifted and hopeful' Sinead Moriarty

Recently-widowed father of one Luke is desperate for a sign.

Since his beloved wife Helen passed, Luke and six-year-old Amy are just about keeping the show on the road, but he’d do anything to have Helen near him again.

Connie’s much-missed mum was everything to her daughter. A friend, a cheer-leader, a comfort, and the best housemate Connie ever had. What she wouldn’t give to speak to her one more time…

Teenage twins Alex and Lucy both miss their dad desperately but neither have the words to put it right.

In the heart of Dublin, a quiet community is forming, drawn together by the loved ones they have lost, but kept together by friendship and laughter. As Luke, Connie, Alex, Lucy and the other patrons of the Leesom Street Café learn to smile again, none of them are quite ready for meeting the person who may be able to make all their dreams come true.

Because if you love and listen hard enough, goodbye might not be the end.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming, uplifting and utterly unforgettable, Claudia Carroll’s latest novel is perfect for all fans of Ruth Jones, Jojo Moyes, Cecilia Ahern and Shari Low.

Genres: Contemporary, Fiction

Audible Audio

Published February 12, 2025

About the author

Claudia was born in Dublin and is a graduate of UCD, the College of Music and of the Gaiety School of Acting. Since then she has worked extensively as an actress on the Irish stage, but is probably best known for her role as TV’s Nicola Prendergast in the long running Dublin soap opera, ‘Fair City.’

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog

Connie, Luke and Lucasta are all suffering from grief. How can a book about grieving the death of a loved one leave me feeling so hopeful? On a personal note I'm coming up on the one-year anniversary of the death of my beloved Uncle Mike, He is my mom's younger brother and I was worried that this book would make me feel sad but it didn't. Of course, we miss loved ones when they pass away but we needn't worry about them, they are always with us. I know my Uncle Mike isn't in pain any longer and he's watching over us. That is how this book left me feeling.

Even though it is such heavy topical matter it was done in a humorous way. Loved ones reaching out while on the toilet or your dearly departed mom giving you dating advice. I never felt the author was simplifying or belittling the healing process. Have you ever lost a loved one and sat around with friends and family sharing funny stories about them and laughing? That's what this book felt like to me.

Touching and funny with a dash of spiritual magic, Claudia Carroll wrote a poignant story about death and grieving that was actually a joy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

One Liner: Sweet and hopeful

Luke has been struggling with just about everything since the death of his wife, Helen. Handling their six-year-old daughter, Amy has been another uphill task. If only, he could have Helen near him again.

Connie’s relationship with her mum was one of the best. Her mum was her friend, housemate, and a cheerleader. Connie is devastated by the death of her mother and would do anything to speak to her once again.

Teen twins, Lucy and Alex, miss their dad terribly but cannot express it.

As their paths cross at a Bereavement Café, a cozy little place in Dublin, they meet a person who might make their dreams come true.

The story comes in the third-person POV of Connie, Luke, and Lucasta.

My Thoughts:

Though the book deals with the grief of losing a loved one, it has many lighthearted moments that balance out the heaviness.

The pacing is steady almost throughout. Moreover, the narrative shifts between the three tracks with ease. The limited third-person POV helps as it is easier to go with the change (compared to first-person POV).

The impact of losing a loved one comes across clearly in Luke and Connie’s tracks. Little Amy made me sad and happy. Luke’s work-life balance and Connie’s frustration about her job are realistic and thought-provoking.

Of course, I happily disliked the characters I was supposed to hate. The other characters like Stella, Phoebe, and Will were good and did their bit to support the plotline.

Since the official blurb mentions Lucy and Alex, I thought their track would be just as detailed as the others. Turns out, that’s not the case. They get some attention but not enough to be mentioned in the blurb.

Lucasta is a key character – eccentric, straightforward successful, and kindhearted. While I could see her side, I could also feel for her assistant. The resolution of their track is well done.

Though there are hints of love, there is no romance. The focus firmly stays on the central theme. I appreciate it a lot. Even the epilogue is just right – hopeful for a happy future but at their own pace. After all, we cannot rush through the grieving process.

To summarize, Remember, I Love You is a story that’ll make you a wee bit sad but also feel happy and hopeful for the characters. The concept of Bereavement Café is beautiful (there are quite a few branches in and around the UK).

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Remember, I Love You, by Claudia Carroll, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Their is a group of people: Connie, Alex, Lucy, and Luke, have all lost someone close to them. This was a good read, sad at times though.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Dublin, Ireland, the story follows a number of characters who have lost a loved one whether that be mothers, fathers, partners or spouses.

We follow each of the characters on their journey through the grieving process, from the day-to-day struggles with loss to coming out the other end. The characters find themselves together at a Bereavement Cafe (which becomes a character in itself) and slowly find comfort and support in each other, as a group, as well as participation in spiritual based activities with the local celebrity author.

Whilst grief and loss is a central theme of this book, it’s written in a lighthearted manner with jest. I imagine anyone going through the early stages of loss may find some comfort in this book, and will be able to relate to much of the character’s day to day experiences such as returning to the stress of work, suddenly becoming a single parent, and getting prepared to sell a childhood home or the home of a parent… all whilst the world keeps spinning and life continues to rumble on at speed!

Quite the basic of stories but one that everyone will be able to relate to at some point in their lives.

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claudia Carroll is a new-to-me author, and I liked the title of this book. I really felt for all the characters in the book. For Luke and his six-year-old daughter Amy, after their wife and mother Helen died. I also enjoyed the developments between Luke and Stella. Stella has her own harrowing backstory.

Connie’s story had a small supeernatural element which was linked to something modern, which I liked, as it was an imaginative way to have this element without making it too predictable. Connie’s mother, and what she said and did in the afterlife made me smile and laugh. She was an amazing mother to Connie, and that came across so well. I especially like how they lived together and got on so well, even when Connie was an adult. Even I was comforted by how she treated her daughter, and how Connie didn’t think twice when turning to her for whatever she needed.

The twins Alex and Lucy also had a backstory that I was interested in, being a twin myself. They miss their dad so much. Each twin’s personality is so different, with Lucy being the most chatty and outgoing and Alex being quiet yet more hostile in her approach to life. Although there wasn’t a twin who was the person who had died in this book, the fact that there are twins still stirred up the lifelong sadness I feel at not having my identical twin sister by my side. It reinforces how much I miss her and the experiences only twins can share that we never had together.

I was drawn to various things: first, the characters and their backstory and wondering howthey’d all be connected. Then, to how each of the characters arrived at the Lessom Street Café. I found the idea of a bereavement café intriguing.

I did like the characters and plot. I found the pacing a little slow, and thought not much happened at times, but then people were just going about everyday life in the best way they could.

What’s clear though, is how much each character who lost a loved one still feels their loss so deeply. I know from experience that it happens like that, and I could identify, and sympathize, with all the characters, as I still feel the loss of my own loved ones, and always will.

It’s impossible not to feel curiosity, sadness, empathy and sympathy with the characters in this novel, and for me they and their stories are what makes it so. memorable. I’d have liked more detail for each of their backstories throughout the novel, though. What was really missing for me was backstory for all the characters in general, but especially for the deceased characters.

I liked Clare and her personality and commitment to Luke and Amy was heartwarming, as was every time Amy saw Clare’s daughters. I was happy at how they loved being together and got on so well.

Remember, I Love You is a heartwrenching, heartwaring and moving novel. It is wordy and there are a word echoes especially towards the end (one example is “at that “). In general , I feel there’s too much emphasis on the fact that Stella wears trouser/ pant suits, and that the mobile/cell phone Connie carries around is old and clunky. It was nice to witness how close the characters became as the story went on, as they are linked through all having experienced loss.

The epilogue was abrupt and felt rushed.

Thanks to Claudia Carroll and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

3 stars.

[Dawn Probert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book, beautifully written, beautiful friendships and strong women. It was a joy to read. I loved Luke and Amy and his adorable sister and nieces. I loved Stella and her steely determination that Luke could and should do better for Amy and I loved the flourish that lacsta brought to the story. I would really like to read more about Claudia and hear Wills story more.
I was hooked from the first couple of chapters and I really recommend this beautiful book.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to read again a book by Claudia Carroll! And I was not disappointed! The story is about death and grieving... but don't worry, even though the subject can seem a bit serious and heavy, the story is a fun one with a bit of spirituality and emotional moments. This book is really a joy to read! I highly recommend it!!!

[Isabell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes

A Heartfelt Story of Grief, Hope, and New Beginnings

💖​ Heartwarming | ​😊​ Unexpectedly uplifting | ​🇮🇪​ Dublin

Recently widowed Luke is struggling to hold things together for his daughter, while Connie longs for one more moment with her late mum. Twins Alex and Lucy miss their dad but can’t find the words to share their grief. In the heart of Dublin, the Leesom Street Café becomes a haven where love, loss, and friendship collide — and where they just might discover that goodbye isn’t always the end.

Remember, I Love You by Claudia Carroll is a beautiful story about love, loss, and the connections that keep us going, even in our darkest moments. Set in Dublin, the story centers around Luke, recently widowed and struggling to hold things together for his young daughter, Amy. Connie, grieving the loss of her beloved mum, longs for just one more conversation. Meanwhile, teenage twins Alex and Lucy desperately miss their dad but struggle to express it. Their paths cross at the Leesom Street Café — a quiet refuge where friendship, grief, and laughter gently intertwine.

The story unfolds through the third-person points of view of Connie, Luke, and Lucasta. I found myself especially connected to Connie. Having lost my own mother about a year and a half ago — someone who was not just my mum but my best friend and housemate for years — I saw so many parallels between Connie’s grief and my own. Her emotions felt raw and real, and I truly appreciated how sensitively Carroll handled her storyline.

What surprised me most was the tone of the book. You don’t expect a novel centered around grief and loss to be light, funny, and even warm — but that’s exactly what Remember, I Love You delivers. There’s a beautiful balance here: the heartbreak is there, yes, but it’s softened by moments of humor, kindness, and hope.

It’s impossible not to feel empathy and curiosity for these characters. Their individual journeys tug at your heart, and it’s their humanity that makes the story so memorable. That said, I did wish there had been more backstory — not just for the main characters, but especially for the ones they’ve lost. I found myself craving a deeper connection to the deceased characters who shaped so much of the living ones’ grief. A few more layers would have made the emotional stakes even richer.

One downside for me was the ending. While the pacing felt steady throughout, the resolution came a little too quickly and neatly. Each character’s storyline lingered in the same emotional space for most of the book, only for everything to wrap up rather conveniently in the final pages. It felt a bit rushed, and I would have loved a more gradual, in-depth resolution to their journeys.

Still, this is a tender, charming, and surprisingly uplifting read about learning to live with loss and finding new beginnings in unexpected places. A perfect choice if you’re looking for a heartfelt story with warmth, humor, and just the right touch of bittersweetness.

[Julie Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

No one expects a book where the central theme is death and loss and grief to be warm and funny and not at all depressing, but that is exactly what you will get when you pick up Remember, I Love You by Claudia Carroll. If you ever wanted a book to remind you that life goes on, this is the one for you.

The story follows a group of people in Dublin who are all dealing with the loss of someone close to them, whether it be a parent, spouse, fiancé or something else. Anyone who has lost someone important to them knows what a struggle grief is, how lost and alone it can make you, how desperate to cling on to anything to stop you from drowning in the pain. This is where the Bereavement Cafe comes in. It is a place where people can gather and talk about their grief with people who understand, and it becomes a lifeline for this disparate group who are trying to make sense of their lives after loss.

But then famous author, Lucasta Liversidge, arrives in their mist, and there is a possibility that she might have the power to bring them messages from their departed loved ones. But is this a hope that any of these lost souls should cling on to? Does she really have the power to change their lives for the better in their darkest hour?

This is a book about holding on and letting go, about remembering the people we have loved and lost, but living life to the fullest in the aftermath of grief, about forging new relationships whilst honouring the ones we had. It may seem impossible in the moment, but with love and support it can be done, and anyone who has been in this situation will be able to relate. This story is so honest and will really resonate with anyone who has been in this situation.

All of the characters in this book feel like real people to the reader and my heart broke for all of them. Luke, trying to hold his life together for his daughter when his wife is gone, Connie, whose whole life is collapsing with the death of her mother, and the twins who don’t seem to have been brought together by their shared grief. It is all so sad and, yet, this book contains so much hope when people come together to support and care for each other. That’s the uplifting message to take away from the story.

The author writes with such tenderness and understanding of people and of grief, but also manages to insert a thread of humour throughout that stops the book sinking too far into the maudlin which keeps this book in the vein of a light read, which is unusual and fresh when dealing with this subject. I felt like it hit the perfect tone and, as someone who has dealt with a terrible grief, the book left me feeling uplifted and upbeat, which was wonderful.

Don’t shy away from this book because of its subject matter, it is a fantastic read.

[Helen Leecy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Claudia Carroll for longer than I’ve been properly reviewing books, so I was absolutely thrilled to get an ARC of Remember I Love You. She’s one of those authors I always trust to deliver a brilliant read, so I went into this one with high expectations. That said, it wasn’t quite what I anticipated—this book leans heavily into the spiritual, with séances, messages from beyond the grave, and an overall theme of life after death. It’s not what I normally gravitate towards, but I was completely drawn in from the start and ended up really enjoying it.
One of the things Carroll does so well is creating characters that feel real, and that’s absolutely the case here. I became so invested in their lives, their heartbreak, and their emotional journeys that I didn’t want to put the book down. There’s a genuine warmth to her writing, even when tackling heavier topics like grief and loss, and I found myself getting quite emotional in places. The relationships between the characters, especially the family dynamics, were beautifully written, and I loved how everything unfolded naturally rather than feeling forced.
Despite the more mystical elements, the book never felt over-the-top or unbelievable. Carroll balances the supernatural side with very grounded human emotions, making it feel less like a ghost story and more like a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and what happens when we’re left behind. 
If I had one minor issue, it’s that the ending felt a little rushed. One moment, I was deep in the story, and then suddenly, I’d almost reached the end and had to pause to process whether everything had been tied up. It had, but I would have liked just a bit more time to sit with it all before it wrapped up. That said, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
Remember I Love You might not have been the book I was expecting, but it was an emotional, heartfelt read that stayed with me after I finished. Carroll’s writing is as engaging as ever, and while it had a different tone from some of her previous books, it still had that signature warmth and depth that makes her stories so compelling. If you’re open to something with a slightly spiritual twist, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go.

[Ivy Kaprow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set in Ireland this book is about loss, grief, and hope. Connie is an out of work actor and in addition to grieving the loss of her mother, her best friend and housemate, she is also stressing over the need to sell her house at her brother’s request. When she hears a brick phone ringing in the attic she picks it up only to hear her mom talking to her from the other side.
Luke is an overworked architect and Dad to 6 year old Amy. He is trying to navigate single parenthood and helping Amy grieve (in addition to handling his own grief) as he comes to grips with the loss of his wife, Helen.
Lucasta is the beloved author of the hit Mercy series, going on 20 years strong. While this octogenarian is known for her wonderful books and unconventional ways, she’s less known for conversing with spirits from the other side. Our three protagonists meet at a Bereavement Cafe; Connie and Luke attend at the insistence of others and Lucasta attends in the hopes of connecting a spirit who has come to her with her grieving husband.
I was drawn to this book because the synopsis sounded cute. I knew it was likely going to be sappy, but I was here for it. I was not expecting it to be as one dimensional as it was, however. While the book is about 300 pages (give or take 30- the kindle version is 321, the paperback 328, and the hardcover 272) there is absolutely no flushing out of the characters or plot. The book focuses mainly on Connie, Luke, and Lucasta and they are essentially on a hamster wheel for the majority of the book. Each of their parts are the same thing until the end when miraculously all of their problems are resolved in a handful of pages.
It felt as though the author knew how she wanted the book to start and end but she never really worked out the middle. If this were the case she would have done better to write about all of the side characters we meet at the bereavement cafe during the middle. While we still would have been confused as to how Connie, Luke, and Lucasta found their resolutions, at least we wouldn’t have been bored to tears during the middle.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this. I’m sorry I didn’t like it more. Remember, I Love You hits the shelves on February 12th.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-wrenching, uplifting and immensely enjoyable, Remember, I Love You is the unmissable new novel from bestseller Claudia Carroll.

The bottom had fallen out of Luke’s world when his beloved wife Helen passed away. With his daughter Amy to bring up single-handedly, getting through each day is a struggle for the pair of them. Luke would do anything to have just one more moment with Helen, but he knows that all his wishing and yearning will not bring the woman he loves with all of his heart back. Connie is also dealing with her grief after the loss of her beloved mother, who was her entire world. Her mum was her best friend, confidante and the best housemate she ever had. How on earth can she go on without her? Teenage twins Alex and Lucy are also missing their dad desperately yet neither have the words to articulate how much his absence from their lives is affecting them.

But just when they think that all is lost, the four of them stumble into the Leesom Street Café and, alongside the other patrons, form a community of people willing to support, elevate and champion each other. As Connie, Alex, Lucy and Luke learn to smile again, will they find everything they seek in this most unlikely of places? Are they willing to look forward to the future? Or will their fear and pain prevent them from healing?

Claudia Carroll’s Remember, I Love You is an exquisite page-turner that will have you sobbing your heart out on one page and laughing out loud on the next. Written with style, sensitivity, intelligence and wit, Remember, I Love You is a stellar tale about love, loss, grief, hope, despair and friendship that is up there with some of Marian Keyes’ finest works.

A book you will want to recommend to all your friends and family, Remember, I Love You is an absolute triumph for Claudia Carroll.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Eclectic Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

What do an out-of-work actress, a struggling single dad and a psychic octogenarian have in common? Grief. It's  a heavy subject. It can wrap you in a fog that feels impossible to cut through. But what if you could view it through a slightly different lens that combines humor with heart? That’s exactly what Claudia Carroll does in her latest book set in Dublin, Ireland. 

We embark on a journey with a cast of characters, each grappling with their own version of heartache. They stumble into the magical Bereavement Cafe, a comforting place like that quirky friend who always knows how to lighten the mood.

This book is filled with delightful charm. It doesn’t shy away from the rawness of grief, but instead wraps it in a lighthearted tone that resonates with anyone on a similar path. Through chuckles and moments of shared laughter, we see the characters begin to heal. They find ways to connect not only with their own pain but also with each other. 

So if you’re someone who has faced loss, this book might just be the companion you didn’t know you needed. Through laughter and tears, you’ll find comfort in the shared experiences of others. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find a little bit of hope along the way.

Thank you to Ms. Carroll for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Aoife · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this just in time for Publication Day tomorrow - 12th Feb and want to you thank Claudia Carroll, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this early release copy.

It was a joy to read, from start to finish. I have always been a fan of Claudia Carroll books (Eventhough she’ll always be Nicola to me) and this was no exception.

She opens our eyes and hearts to this idea of bereavement cafes / grief cafes (and I was glad to google that these have started to pop up across these shores), a safe space for people wherever they are in their grief journey to find solace, share stories and heal together. There’s no dramatics, unrealistic expectations, just the raw realities we face whether as as a child, spouse, sibling etc, with a seance or two thrown in for good measure!

Definitely recommend and if you didn’t manage to get it on NetGalley it’s only €2 at the moment on Amazon, which is mad for a new book! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Remember-Lov...

[Jenny McClinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

This beautiful and uplifting read follows a few characters who have recently lost someone special in their lives. Mostly strangers at first, they come together and help each other come to terms with their grief.

Luke has recently lost his wife, but with a little girl and a high-flying job is struggling to keep on top of everything as well as allow time for grief and himself.

Connie is missing her Mum, and with her brother forcing the sale of the family home is trying to work out the best way forward for her future, but then she suddenly receives an unusual phone call.

Will they find a way through their grief? What is in their future?

This was a wonderful, beautiful read, and it was uplifting with all the support the group of new friends provide.

I love how the chapters go through the different characters, so you get to see what is happening with each one. This helps not only build the storyline, but makes you want to hear more next time their chapters come around.

There is an element of their loved ones trying to reach out to their grieving family, which not only adds to the storyline, but supports their healing and adds a few laughs along the way.

Overall, a beautiful and uplifting read, where a group come together to support each other through their time of grief.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this charming and heartbreaking new release, readers follow recently widowed Luke, his six-year-old daughter Amy, and his extended family as they cope with the loss of his wife and Amy’s mom Helen. However, Luke stumbles into a community of people drawn together by their individual stories of grief -- Connie’s missing her mother, twins Alex and Lucy miss their father but cope in very different ways -- at the Leesom Street Cafe. None of them are prepared for a second chance at happiness, since the grief is just too recent, but life continues anyway. As readers join them on their journeys, they too will discover how goodbye might not be the end of their stories. Incredibly emotional and deeply personal, the characters alternate narrating chapters, allowing readers to see how their trajectories change and develop as they try to cope and move on. The characters’ different stories of loss are well-written and touching without overwhelming the other stories, which readers will love. The complex characters and heartbreaking backstories, when paired with their heartwarming futures and possibilities, is poignant, powerful, and immersive, drawing readers into Luke, Connie, Alex, Lucy, and the rest of their community’s stories in this fantastically emotional tear-jerker of a novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when romance writers shift to more women's fiction, and that is what Claudia Carroll is doing here. This is actually a fun, interesting story about a group brought together by the common thread of the loss of a loved one when they all attend meetings at The Bereavement Cafe. The individual losses are all developed in the book. The losses are different, but all have left common feelings in the patrons of the cafe.

The characters and their losses are all developed in a way that they each have their own story within the overall story. Some stories are sad, some are funny, but they all go to show that life continues after loss and there can be happiness and love again if you just open yourself to it.

I really enjoyed this book from this author and will be looking for more of this type from her. I loved the quirky characters!

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ebook. All thoughts are my own.

[Erin Sparkes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death. It’s inevitable and yet no one likes to talk about it. Luke lost his wife and mother of their six year old daughter and has been struggling to work and be a father. Connie lost her mother, who was also her best friend, and things have been all wrong ever since. They and others like them, who have lost someone important and are not okay, are all drawn to the Bereavement Cafe. A place to talk about the people they miss, the feelings they experience with other people going through it too. But some of their loved ones want to say goodbye and they might find someone to help them do so.
This was a sweet story about finding a way forward after loss. An ensemble piece, we get to watch people at different stages of grief, grieving for different relationships, help each other. With a little supernatural sprinkled in.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for letting me read #rememberiloveyou a bit early. Look for it Feb 12 2025

[LeeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claudia Carroll writes with such heart, about grief and friendship and family. I loved how each of the characters came to be a found family while grieving in their own ways. Such a simple idea to use multiple narrative voices, each telling their own story that somehow fits seamlessly into 3ch other's.

I have been in Connie's shoes. I think the need to hear mom's voice one more time may be universal. Even now, a quarter of my lifetime later, I dream of getting a phone call from my mother.

The most clear message to me: "Because it's your mother who's making these wondrous miracles happen in your life. No question about it. So much more effective too, don't you think? What a wonderful lady she must have been." 🥹

I think I could have highlighted the whole book. The hike in chapter 38, though, was definitely a standout. Bittersweet joy, melancholy laughter, and a view from the summit.

Keep taking the steps.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remember, I Love You is a very touching and heartwarming read that just pulls at your emotions. This is my first read by this author and I will happily look at her other books when I can. The main theme here is bereavement and grief. A group of bereaved people meet weekly at a cafe to support each other and remember their loved ones. I think the story is beautifully written, easy to follow and most of the characters are likeable and very relateable, although I did find a few a bit irritating. Claudia Carroll touches on the emotions, feelings and thoughts after a loss very eloquently and sensitively. I really felt for Luke and Amy and think the author is spot on on describing how a loss can affect people both individually and as a family unit. Overall a thought provoking, well written and poignant read that I would recommend.

3 stars

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie, Luke, Alex and Lucy are all struggling with grief in their own ways after the passing of someone they loved. The author has written a tender, emotional, heartwrenching story immersed with bits of humour and hope for a brighter future. I love the idea of the cafe and I know it benefits and supports everyone but I also understand the characters hesitancy in joining as everyones grief is personal and different. It's not easy but I enjoyed every word of this book on a hard subject. I don't know if I am a believer but I am open too. It's what we all dream of receiving a message from a loved one who has passed away. The characters learn to watch and listen. My heart broke for six year old little Amy who lost her mother. I cried but I also smiled and laughed. It's a sad but happy sort of story!

[theweebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wasn't sure what to make of this book when I first started it as I wasn't sure it was for me. However, I'm so glad I read it.

The characters are all so realistic and relatable, all going through the different stages and emotions of grief that most of us understand if you've lost a loved one.

The idea of a Bereavement Cafe was intriguing and one that appealed to me. The participants were so diverse and my heart went out to each of them. My favourites had to be Connie, Luke, Stella and the twins.

The book is not all doom and gloom, especially when the eccentric Lucasta makes an appearance. I loved her.

A heart-wrenching and heartwarming story that had laughter, love and hope running through it.

Thank you Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for my gifted copy and spot on the blog tour in exchange for my honest review.

[Roz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I raced through it’s wonderfully written pages soaking up the emotions and the stories of the characters who visit the cafe.

While I enjoyed all the stories and characters I particularly loved that of Luke, widowed young with a small child and trying to hold down a job. He and indeed all the characters are written with such empathy and care, their stories of dealing with grief and living on when loved ones have left was a joy to read.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book and can’t believe that this is the first novel by this author I have read. I will certainly be looking out for more.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story about love, loss and growing around the sadness. This was a delightful story to read, there were a couple of moments that broke my heart, but honestly overall I adored this story, there was something really special about it. The bereavement café is a great idea, we have one locally to me and its always a great place for a cuppa and to make you realise that life ca n be happy again. Even if its listening to someone tell an embarrassing story about their loved one that they haven’t ever shared before. I loved the telephone idea and Lucasta stole the show in some moments, but I loved every minute of this story. It is about grief and loss, but its done in a beautiful manner and will show you that its not all grey clouds and darkness.

[Sarah Truckell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review.

Interesting concept - a group of people meet at a bereavement cafe - all experiencing the loss of a loved one. Lovely characters that you warm to and want the best for. Architect Luke and his six year old daughter Amy - he’s trying to continue his demanding job and bring up Amy after the loss of wife Helen. Actor Connie whose brother wants to sell the house Connie had lived in with their late Mum. Novelist Lucasta who hears the voices of those who have died and relays messages. A pair of teenage sisters grieving for their dad. And other characters.

There are funny and sad moments but written in a sensitive way. It’s a story of how the group can help and support one another.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remember I Love You is another wonderful read by Claudia Carroll. Each of the main characters have lost someone close to them and they each form a close bond when they start to attend weekly get togethers at a cafe on Leeson Streer in Dublin City centre. There they are given the opportunity to talk about their loved ones. Whilst this may sound like a sad read it’s not all that , yes it’s emotional at times but there are plenty of laughter throughout the book as well. I loved all the characters and I felt the author described them all so well. In spite of the characters having lost someone close to them I also found this to be an uplifting read at times and it did put a smile on my face in places .

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember I love you was a pleasure to read, a true heart-wrenching and heartwarming story that isn’t all sadness, it’s still full of love and hope. I thought the idea of bereavement cafes / grief cafes was wonderful and I didn’t know they existed, but how wonderful there is a safe space for people grieving to find solace and healing.

I loved all the characters, but my heart had such a special place for Luke, widowed and with young child to raise single handedly whilst also trying to work, my heart just melted for him. I loved them all because Claudia writes with such empathy and sensitivity. Overall a simply beautiful story dealt with compassion and heart.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only ever read one other book by Carroll and that was Meet Me in Manhattan, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Remember, I Love You reminded me why I need to read more from this author, it was absolutely wonderful in every way.

It's set in Dublin, predominantly in local café, the Leesom Street Café and it's where a small community are brought together through their losses.

I love the whole idea of a Bereavement Café, it may sound morose but I think it would be beneficial to so many people who struggle with loss or even the thought of loss, myself included.

The characters are charming and I found myself immediately taking them to heart.

It's beautifully written, will tug on your heartstrings more than once and tissues are an absolute given.

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claudia Carroll has crafted a touching and humorous story that includes a touch of spiritual magic, addressing the heavy topics of death and grieving in a way that is genuinely enjoyable to read. Despite the serious subject matter, the book is filled with humor, featuring scenarios like loved ones reaching out while in the bathroom or a dearly departed mom giving her child dating advice. I felt that the author never trivialized or belittled the healing process.

Have you ever lost a loved one and spent time with friends and family sharing funny stories about them, laughing together? That's the feeling this book evokes. While we miss our loved ones after they pass away, we need not worry about them; they are always with us.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

[Carole Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read

Carroll skillfully blends themes of grief, hope, and the supernatural in a narrative rich with emotional nuance. She captures the raw vulnerability of her characters with empathy and grace, allowing their personal struggles to unfold with authenticity. The subtle incorporation of moments like Connie hearing her late mother’s voice adds a poignant, otherworldly layer that enhances the story’s emotional impact.

Remember, I Love You is a heartfelt meditation on love, loss, and the quiet strength found in connection. With warmth and compassion, Claudia Carroll crafts a story that is as tender as it is uplifting—an ideal read for anyone drawn to emotionally resonant tales of healing and human resilience.