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The Life She Could Have Lived
What if the answer to one little question could change your whole life?
Soon after Anna goes on the best date of her life with a man called James – she and her best friend Nia visit a fortune teller. Who tells Nia that she will have one great love. But all she tells Anna is that her future is with a man whose name begins with a J.
It won’t be James though – he never calls. And then Anna meets Edward – gorgeous, kind, loving. He’s all she’s ever dreamed of. Until he asks her to make a choice about their future.
If Anna says ‘yes’ to him, her life will go one way. If she says ‘no’, it’ll go another. Both of the worlds could be happy. Both of the worlds could be heartbreaking… But as Nia meets her one great love in both worlds, which of Anna’s answers – yes or no – will bring her life together with the person who she’s fated to be with?
Soon after Anna goes on the best date of her life with a man called James – she and her best friend Nia visit a fortune teller. Who tells Nia that she will have one great love. But all she tells Anna is that her future is with a man whose name begins with a J.
It won’t be James though – he never calls. And then Anna meets Edward – gorgeous, kind, loving. He’s all she’s ever dreamed of. Until he asks her to make a choice about their future.
If Anna says ‘yes’ to him, her life will go one way. If she says ‘no’, it’ll go another. Both of the worlds could be happy. Both of the worlds could be heartbreaking… But as Nia meets her one great love in both worlds, which of Anna’s answers – yes or no – will bring her life together with the person who she’s fated to be with?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2025
2336 people are currently reading
1072 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
September 12, 2025
Absolutely loved this book—especially the clever dual timelines that show the butterfly effect of a single choice. As someone who’s about the same age as Anna is in the beginning of the story, I really identified with her journey and appreciated the honest, raw thought process behind life’s tough decisions as time progressed.
The interwoven relationships across both timelines felt so real—some people drift, others stay, and that truth hit home. Anna and Nia’s friendship was a quiet standout, grounding the story with warmth and loyalty. A beautifully written, deeply relatable look at the everyday moments that shape our lives. Simply put: this one stuck with me, and I think it will for a long time!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
The interwoven relationships across both timelines felt so real—some people drift, others stay, and that truth hit home. Anna and Nia’s friendship was a quiet standout, grounding the story with warmth and loyalty. A beautifully written, deeply relatable look at the everyday moments that shape our lives. Simply put: this one stuck with me, and I think it will for a long time!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
August 9, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Life She Could Have Lived, by Laura Pearson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Anna does not know what she should do, follow what the psychic said or follow her heart. With chapters labeled yes or no, it was till a little confusing going back and forth, I wish half the book was yes and half the book was no.
August 10, 2025
This is my 3rd book by Laura Pearson and she does a great job roping you in from the very page. This book is told in yes/no chapters but I found myself getting a bit confused. It’s based on if life goes one way, it’s this or it could go another way and be completely different. A great premise for the book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
August 3, 2025
I loved this book. At first I was taken aback as it seemed to repeat chapters then, I realised what the story was actually about and really got into it. Quite a quick read and the ending was superb. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher's for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
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August 1, 2025
I was really intrigued by the cover of this book, that’s why I requested it. This book shows two perspectives for the same person like if her life had gone one way vs another. I did think it was pretty good, but it did not keep my attention at some places. The chapters are divided by yes and no and then as years go on. You see how things changed and how even the different lives are connected. I did like how Anna has a strong friendship with her best friend. But I never liked the man she started off with. I’m not sure which life I ended up liking better for her. Both had their pros and cons. Still, this was interesting concept and I’d love to read more from this author.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.
September 12, 2025
I was hungry: I devoured this book. Whilst some may argue that the plot is similar to existing stories, this was a tonic I needed and I loved seeing how one decision impacted Anna’s life.
The novel opens with Anna and her best friend having visited a clairvoyant and the predictions that Anna’s love of her life will have a name beginning with ‘J’, which haunts her throughout her years. Yet, it isn’t this that determines Anna’s fate, but the question of whether she should have children or not. When her husband, Edward, asks her, this splits the story off into two parallel worlds: one where Anna has said “Yes” and is a mother; the other where Anna says “No” and follows her career.
It’s an interesting dilemma that is faced by women every day: children or career? Pearson does not shy from the subject, realistically portraying the difficulties Anna faces in both lifetimes. The loneliness, extreme tiredness and the amount of emotional juggling required from being a mother, versus constantly being asked if she is content with her single life of no family. The perception that having children adds to your identity means that in one way Anna feels like she is succeeding in life, whereas other times she is questioning her decision – especially when there are babies popping out everywhere with her other friends.
I raced through this book because it had a fabulous mix of love, emotions and real life. Both of Anna’s characters felt vivid and I sympathised with the repercussions of her decisions throughout the novel. I was desperate to see whether Anna’s predictions would come true and loved how the writer meanders through Anna’s life, visiting her on the same day every year. With alternating “Yes”/”No” chapters, readers see what happens to Anna with and without children, leaving us to consider where she is happiest.
Another great read from this author, it was a very satisfying read from start to finish.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The novel opens with Anna and her best friend having visited a clairvoyant and the predictions that Anna’s love of her life will have a name beginning with ‘J’, which haunts her throughout her years. Yet, it isn’t this that determines Anna’s fate, but the question of whether she should have children or not. When her husband, Edward, asks her, this splits the story off into two parallel worlds: one where Anna has said “Yes” and is a mother; the other where Anna says “No” and follows her career.
It’s an interesting dilemma that is faced by women every day: children or career? Pearson does not shy from the subject, realistically portraying the difficulties Anna faces in both lifetimes. The loneliness, extreme tiredness and the amount of emotional juggling required from being a mother, versus constantly being asked if she is content with her single life of no family. The perception that having children adds to your identity means that in one way Anna feels like she is succeeding in life, whereas other times she is questioning her decision – especially when there are babies popping out everywhere with her other friends.
I raced through this book because it had a fabulous mix of love, emotions and real life. Both of Anna’s characters felt vivid and I sympathised with the repercussions of her decisions throughout the novel. I was desperate to see whether Anna’s predictions would come true and loved how the writer meanders through Anna’s life, visiting her on the same day every year. With alternating “Yes”/”No” chapters, readers see what happens to Anna with and without children, leaving us to consider where she is happiest.
Another great read from this author, it was a very satisfying read from start to finish.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2025
The "sliding doors theory", or "sliding doors moment," refers to a pivotal moment when a single, seemingly minor decision or event can lead to two vastly different life paths, much like a door sliding open to one reality or another. This is the foundation on which this story is built.
The next paragraph might be considered a Spoiler for some people. But, I am including it because I was VERY confused at the beginning of the book and was ready to throw it aside. It just was not making sense. There are NO plot disclosures in the paragraph below, just an explanation.
The main characters are a young married couple. Anna and Edward. The pivotal point comes on their first anniversary when Edward asks Anna a question. The rest of the book can go one of two ways, depending on what Anna's answer is. And, so it does. The following chapters are alternately titled Yes (how their lives evolve if her answer is Yes) and No (how it goes if her answer is No).
I enjoyed how the alternate stories played out. (Once I figured it out) The reader is brought up to date each year on the couple's anniversary. One chapter for each version.
I think it is more plot-driven than character-driven. In fact, I wasn't overly fond of either main character. They both make some bad choices. But, in reality, so do most of us. Nia, Anna's best friend for years is the one character that shines. True friendship, always there for one another.
This could be called the “What if……” story. I think many of us think back to our younger years and wonder what if……..
Laura Pearson takes this premise and puts it on paper.
But, no matter which path a person chooses, there will always be thoughts about the path not taken.
The big picture: I had a smile on my face when I turned the last page.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The next paragraph might be considered a Spoiler for some people. But, I am including it because I was VERY confused at the beginning of the book and was ready to throw it aside. It just was not making sense. There are NO plot disclosures in the paragraph below, just an explanation.
The main characters are a young married couple. Anna and Edward. The pivotal point comes on their first anniversary when Edward asks Anna a question. The rest of the book can go one of two ways, depending on what Anna's answer is. And, so it does. The following chapters are alternately titled Yes (how their lives evolve if her answer is Yes) and No (how it goes if her answer is No).
I enjoyed how the alternate stories played out. (Once I figured it out) The reader is brought up to date each year on the couple's anniversary. One chapter for each version.
I think it is more plot-driven than character-driven. In fact, I wasn't overly fond of either main character. They both make some bad choices. But, in reality, so do most of us. Nia, Anna's best friend for years is the one character that shines. True friendship, always there for one another.
This could be called the “What if……” story. I think many of us think back to our younger years and wonder what if……..
Laura Pearson takes this premise and puts it on paper.
But, no matter which path a person chooses, there will always be thoughts about the path not taken.
The big picture: I had a smile on my face when I turned the last page.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
November 24, 2025
I *adored* this take on the sliding doors story. Ms. Pearson shows us that different choices will always have their pros and cons, their ups and downs.
Sometimes, in this device one of the two strands starts well but goes less well for the protagonist and vice versa. Not quite so here. This take on the idea felt fully organic and real to me, and I ended up adoring Anna in both strands. And this ends just where it should :).
I've belatedly realized that I've read 4 novels by Laura Pearson and adored them all. She's become, I've finally worked out, one of my go-to favourite writers of "what-if" stories.
Sigh, book hangover... I miss Anna--both of her.
Sometimes, in this device one of the two strands starts well but goes less well for the protagonist and vice versa. Not quite so here. This take on the idea felt fully organic and real to me, and I ended up adoring Anna in both strands. And this ends just where it should :).
I've belatedly realized that I've read 4 novels by Laura Pearson and adored them all. She's become, I've finally worked out, one of my go-to favourite writers of "what-if" stories.
Sigh, book hangover... I miss Anna--both of her.
September 2, 2025
A wonderful story of what could have been and second chances. I would categorize this as a romance, but the found family and friendships throughout the book are beautiful.
November 12, 2025
Finished this last weekend but forgot to update. It was an okay book - a woman’s life run as two parallel stories. If she does this, this is the way her life turns out but if she chose a different path it would have a different ending. An easy read
August 12, 2025
Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes
✨💔📖 A heartfelt, thought-provoking “what if” story that lingers long after the last page. 💭💕
🇬🇧 Set in Clapham / London
This book touched me in ways I didn’t anticipate and found me at exactly the moment I didn’t know I needed it most. A truly beautiful story that completely captured my heart—I’m so grateful to the author and publisher for bringing it into the world for us to experience.
The Life She Could Have Lived explores that idea with tenderness, honesty, and a touch of magic. After the best date of her life with James, Anna visits a fortune teller who tells her that her future lies with a man whose name begins with J. But James disappears from her life, and soon she meets Edward—handsome, kind, and everything she’s ever dreamed of—until he asks her a question that will split her life into two possible futures.
Told in clever, dual timelines—one where Anna says yes to Edward and to children one where she says no—Laura Pearson takes us on a journey through love, friendship, motherhood, and the choices that shape us. I’ll admit, at first I struggled to keep track of which story belonged to yes and which to no, but once I settled in, I was completely hooked.
Anna is one of the most authentic characters I’ve ever encountered—flawed, complex, and deeply human, which makes her all the more relatable. I truly connected with Anna’s journey and admired the genuine, unfiltered way the story explores the difficult choices we face over time, perhaps because I’ve had my own what if moments—wondering about paths I didn’t take, choices I didn’t make, and how life might look if I had. One of my favorite parts was her friendship with Nia. No matter the path, Nia was there—a reminder that some people are constants in our lives, no matter the circumstances.
Pearson has such a unique style to her writing as well as the story lines she creates, she is unlike any author I have read before. The story is unpredictable and emotional, yet also an uplifting and thought-provoking exploration of love, fate, and the choices we make (and those we don’t). It’s a beautiful, lingering read that will stay with me for a long time.
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Boldwood Books.
✨💔📖 A heartfelt, thought-provoking “what if” story that lingers long after the last page. 💭💕
🇬🇧 Set in Clapham / London
This book touched me in ways I didn’t anticipate and found me at exactly the moment I didn’t know I needed it most. A truly beautiful story that completely captured my heart—I’m so grateful to the author and publisher for bringing it into the world for us to experience.
The Life She Could Have Lived explores that idea with tenderness, honesty, and a touch of magic. After the best date of her life with James, Anna visits a fortune teller who tells her that her future lies with a man whose name begins with J. But James disappears from her life, and soon she meets Edward—handsome, kind, and everything she’s ever dreamed of—until he asks her a question that will split her life into two possible futures.
Told in clever, dual timelines—one where Anna says yes to Edward and to children one where she says no—Laura Pearson takes us on a journey through love, friendship, motherhood, and the choices that shape us. I’ll admit, at first I struggled to keep track of which story belonged to yes and which to no, but once I settled in, I was completely hooked.
Anna is one of the most authentic characters I’ve ever encountered—flawed, complex, and deeply human, which makes her all the more relatable. I truly connected with Anna’s journey and admired the genuine, unfiltered way the story explores the difficult choices we face over time, perhaps because I’ve had my own what if moments—wondering about paths I didn’t take, choices I didn’t make, and how life might look if I had. One of my favorite parts was her friendship with Nia. No matter the path, Nia was there—a reminder that some people are constants in our lives, no matter the circumstances.
Pearson has such a unique style to her writing as well as the story lines she creates, she is unlike any author I have read before. The story is unpredictable and emotional, yet also an uplifting and thought-provoking exploration of love, fate, and the choices we make (and those we don’t). It’s a beautiful, lingering read that will stay with me for a long time.
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Boldwood Books.
September 9, 2025
This book had an interesting concept and layout however I found it a bit confusing to be going down to completely different story lines at the same time even though our author made it very easy to distinguish which time was which. This book is all about our main character Anna. Anna is struggling with her love life so when she gets asked out by a man named James she jumps at the opportunity. Things are great and when her fortune teller tells her all about the life she will have with a man who's name starts with J she can't wait to start planning her life with James. Things dont always go according to plan though and when James stops calling her and she meets a perfect name named Edward she has to make a decision that will change the trajectory of her life one way or another. That is where the book really takes off as we see her life morph both for the good and the bad as we see what will happen with each of the men that she is about to pick. The book jumps between Anna's current life with Edward but then switches to the life she could have had had she chose James. This was a really big is the grass really greener on the other side and what happens when we get what we think we want. This was a cute concept of a book and I've never read anything like it. While I liked the idea a lot it was a lot of jumping around for me and it made it hard to follow. For what should have been a simple and cute contemporary romance book I found it very difficult to follow and because of that I was consistently being taken out of the story. The characters were cute and the idea was very clever but the execution was a little lacking.
August 18, 2025
Laura Pearson is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. The Life She Could Have Lived is a clever and entertaining exploration of how a single decision can shape an entire life. When Anna’s husband Edward asks her a pivotal question, her answer determines the path her life will take.
The novel unfolds across alternating dual timelines—one where Anna says yes and one where she says no. Each chapter takes place on the same date, their wedding anniversary, with a year added on each time. While it was a little tricky at first to keep track of what belonged to which scenario, once I settled into the rhythm, I found the concept both unique and engaging.
I especially loved the consistent thread of Anna and Nia’s solid friendship across both timelines, as well as the clever little crossovers woven between the two stories. Overall, this was a refreshing, thought-provoking, and thoroughly enjoyable read.
The novel unfolds across alternating dual timelines—one where Anna says yes and one where she says no. Each chapter takes place on the same date, their wedding anniversary, with a year added on each time. While it was a little tricky at first to keep track of what belonged to which scenario, once I settled into the rhythm, I found the concept both unique and engaging.
I especially loved the consistent thread of Anna and Nia’s solid friendship across both timelines, as well as the clever little crossovers woven between the two stories. Overall, this was a refreshing, thought-provoking, and thoroughly enjoyable read.
September 1, 2025
This is a heartfelt little book about life and the paths we journey following key deciding moments.
The Life She Could Have Lived is told in dueling chapters of “Yes” & “No” following an important decision by our lead, Anna. Each of Anna’s choice directions involve decisions we all encounter in our lives ~ love, partnerships, marriages, having children, career aspirations and if we think we’re on the right track in life.
It’s a light and cozy little book. I loved the characters, and the reflection on the sliding doors moments in our lives.
Maybe there’s no true “right track” for any of us, but more the journey through life enjoying and trusting that we are where we are supposed to be.
Very cute and enjoyable and would definitely recommend!
A thank you to Netgalley for the early read of this!
The Life She Could Have Lived is told in dueling chapters of “Yes” & “No” following an important decision by our lead, Anna. Each of Anna’s choice directions involve decisions we all encounter in our lives ~ love, partnerships, marriages, having children, career aspirations and if we think we’re on the right track in life.
It’s a light and cozy little book. I loved the characters, and the reflection on the sliding doors moments in our lives.
Maybe there’s no true “right track” for any of us, but more the journey through life enjoying and trusting that we are where we are supposed to be.
Very cute and enjoyable and would definitely recommend!
A thank you to Netgalley for the early read of this!
August 6, 2025
Review of ‘The Life She Could Have Lived’ by Laura Pearson, due to be published on 12 September 2025 by Boldwood Books.
Anna and her best friend Nia meet a psychic who predicts their future, for Nia one great love and one child, for Anna tragedy and a man with the initial J. Anna is sceptical, and ends up meeting and marrying a man named Edward. Then comes a pivotal moment in their relationship when Anna has to make a decision that will set the course of her future.
Set in a kind of parallel universe, we follow Anna’s life on the same day (her wedding anniversary) each year until she is nearly 50 - one life where she says ‘yes’ to a question and one where she says ‘no’.
A uniquely written story, where paths and characters converge in each timeline. Heartbreakingly sad in parts, it’s a beautiful book that is a recommend read, and no doubt another bestseller for Laura Pearson.
Anna and her best friend Nia meet a psychic who predicts their future, for Nia one great love and one child, for Anna tragedy and a man with the initial J. Anna is sceptical, and ends up meeting and marrying a man named Edward. Then comes a pivotal moment in their relationship when Anna has to make a decision that will set the course of her future.
Set in a kind of parallel universe, we follow Anna’s life on the same day (her wedding anniversary) each year until she is nearly 50 - one life where she says ‘yes’ to a question and one where she says ‘no’.
A uniquely written story, where paths and characters converge in each timeline. Heartbreakingly sad in parts, it’s a beautiful book that is a recommend read, and no doubt another bestseller for Laura Pearson.
November 15, 2025
An entertaining audiobook. The story is told with alternating chapters title "Yes" and "No". It follows the life of Anna, a young woman living in London, and how her life would progress with a simple choice in the early years of her marriage with Edward. Will she say yes or no to having children with Edward and where does that lead her? Will she say yes and compromise her career? Or will she say no and pursue an overseas job opportunity? Both choices lead to interesting and fulfilling lives.
November 13, 2025
I loved this book!!! It hit such a nerve, and I think so many women in their early 30's will be similar.
The characters were relatable and well written. I loved the friendship between Anna and Nia.
The plot was engaging and thought-provoking while maintaining a lightheartedness element, too. What I loved most was that it didn't feel too cliché.
The characters were relatable and well written. I loved the friendship between Anna and Nia.
The plot was engaging and thought-provoking while maintaining a lightheartedness element, too. What I loved most was that it didn't feel too cliché.
November 25, 2025
It's not that this is a bad book, it's thst the book Blurb does NOT match what this book is about. This book is about a woman deciding to become a parent or not. Finding love is just the side plot. I am definitely not this book's target demographic. I think it will do well when middle class white women find it. As for me, I can't believe I sat through not one, but TWO versions of this woman's incredibly boring life. Like how in the no-kids version did she end up being Queer out of nowhere, but that never gets mentioned in the kids version of her life?! I don't think that is how it works. And how is ever single guy she ever met SO HOT (according to her)? Ugh. Just terrible. Sad this woman's life was reduced to talking SO MUCh about her decision to have or not to have kids. Boo.
August 8, 2025
Very fun read! I especially liked how the time jumps always landed on their anniversary. The short chapters and constant POV shifts from “Yes” to “No” kept me hooked and made it a quick read. It was really interesting to see how Nia’s life played out differently in each POV as well. I also loved how certain characters and events were woven into both versions of her life. Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2025
I just absolutely love Laura Pearson’s book. This is definitely one of my favourites.
Two stories by in one. A “sliding door” read. How one decision can alter the journey to you take throughout life.
Excellent!!!
Two stories by in one. A “sliding door” read. How one decision can alter the journey to you take throughout life.
Excellent!!!
September 13, 2025
This is a lovely book and another great story from the author. In this novel our main protagonist is Anna, who along with best friend Nia starts to navigate life and the start of many adult decisions, the first of which is whether to have children or not.
The book is cleverly segmented into two different lives the yes or no to having children and how the lives of Anna and Nia develop from this one decision made by Anna. Told as alternative yes and no chapters we see how their lives change based on this one choice.
Well written and with good characters and a great amount of humour and warmth, I really enjoyed seeing where the lives of these two women would go.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book is cleverly segmented into two different lives the yes or no to having children and how the lives of Anna and Nia develop from this one decision made by Anna. Told as alternative yes and no chapters we see how their lives change based on this one choice.
Well written and with good characters and a great amount of humour and warmth, I really enjoyed seeing where the lives of these two women would go.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2025
Another wonderful book by Laura Pearson — so beautifully written and easy to read. I loved how the chapters were divided into “Yes” and “No,” showing how a single decision could completely change the course of a life. Such a clever and thought-provoking concept, told in Laura’s warm and engaging style.
November 8, 2025
Fun book with one of my favorite storylines: the road not taken / sliding doors/ what if. I loved both versions of Anna and her bestie, Nia.
November 24, 2025
Made me tearful, lovely book. Bit confusing at the beginning
December 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this “sliding doors” book about a woman who has 2 different lives which are influenced by her decision about whether or not to have children. The only criticism is that at times I got the timelines confused, but that’s possibly a “me” problem not a problem with the book!
October 26, 2025
Loved it! Such a clever storyline... to show how your life can turn out when different decisions are made along the way!
October 5, 2025
This was my first read by this author and I wasn't sure what to expect and purposely (as ever) I went into this one blind.
The front cover drew me in and intrigued me as it looked like it could possibly be a kind of sliding doors situation.
I absolutely love the film, so was so pleased to see that this did turn out to be a very similar concept and the writing style really allowed me to visualise this as we read about the lives travelling in parallel.
I knew that I'd end up getting emotional through this though as we inevitably get to a point where a decision must be made and this really was a bit of a rollercoaster.
As we read, the chapters alternate the different decisions and I was so sucked into both that it was really difficult to work out which one suited Anna the best.
I loved our characters, who felt realistic and believable, but also were so easy to relate to.
It was great to see them all pop up in each timeline and see the similarities and differences between the two sides.
This had me sitting back and thinking about my own life and what might have been different in my own life had I made different decisions at certain points.
I concluded that I probably wouldn't have made any different choices - but it doesn't stop you thinking about it all.
A great read and I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author soon!
The front cover drew me in and intrigued me as it looked like it could possibly be a kind of sliding doors situation.
I absolutely love the film, so was so pleased to see that this did turn out to be a very similar concept and the writing style really allowed me to visualise this as we read about the lives travelling in parallel.
I knew that I'd end up getting emotional through this though as we inevitably get to a point where a decision must be made and this really was a bit of a rollercoaster.
As we read, the chapters alternate the different decisions and I was so sucked into both that it was really difficult to work out which one suited Anna the best.
I loved our characters, who felt realistic and believable, but also were so easy to relate to.
It was great to see them all pop up in each timeline and see the similarities and differences between the two sides.
This had me sitting back and thinking about my own life and what might have been different in my own life had I made different decisions at certain points.
I concluded that I probably wouldn't have made any different choices - but it doesn't stop you thinking about it all.
A great read and I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author soon!
October 30, 2025
One star for the promise. Good idea, but the execution didn’t work for me. DNF at 20%.
October 24, 2025
Great plot idea. Reflective in nature. A bit 'sliding doors'. How would life turn out based on one decision in life?
There were a couple of holes such as saying she is standing at school, then when she leaves she stands up to leave.
The style of writing is cosy and is a great escapism.
There were a couple of holes such as saying she is standing at school, then when she leaves she stands up to leave.
The style of writing is cosy and is a great escapism.
September 4, 2025
A beautifully crafted exploration of fate, friendship, and the power of choice.
I absolutely loved this book. The dual storyline following Anna’s parallel lives; one where she says yes to having children with Edward, and one where she says no, was brilliantly done. The structure, with yearly updates in each timeline, made it so easy to stay invested in both versions of her life. I found myself equally drawn to each path, hoping Anna would find the happiness she deserved.
The emotional thread running through both stories was Anna’s search for her one true love, hinted at by a fortune teller’s cryptic message. It added a touch of mystery and fate that kept me turning the pages.
What stood out most was the incredible friendship between Anna and Nia. No matter what life threw at them, they were each other’s constant, lifting each other up, cheering each other on, and proving that soulmates don’t always have to be romantic.
One quote that really stuck with me was “Everything was connected to everything else. You couldn’t just pull one strand out without the whole thing coming unravelled.” It perfectly captures the heart of this story.
If you loved watching Sliding Doors or One Day, or enjoyed reading A Version of Us by Laura Barnett, this one will absolutely resonate with you.
Thanks to Net Galley, Boldwood Books and Laura Pearson for the arc in return for my honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. The dual storyline following Anna’s parallel lives; one where she says yes to having children with Edward, and one where she says no, was brilliantly done. The structure, with yearly updates in each timeline, made it so easy to stay invested in both versions of her life. I found myself equally drawn to each path, hoping Anna would find the happiness she deserved.
The emotional thread running through both stories was Anna’s search for her one true love, hinted at by a fortune teller’s cryptic message. It added a touch of mystery and fate that kept me turning the pages.
What stood out most was the incredible friendship between Anna and Nia. No matter what life threw at them, they were each other’s constant, lifting each other up, cheering each other on, and proving that soulmates don’t always have to be romantic.
One quote that really stuck with me was “Everything was connected to everything else. You couldn’t just pull one strand out without the whole thing coming unravelled.” It perfectly captures the heart of this story.
If you loved watching Sliding Doors or One Day, or enjoyed reading A Version of Us by Laura Barnett, this one will absolutely resonate with you.
Thanks to Net Galley, Boldwood Books and Laura Pearson for the arc in return for my honest review.
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