If Only I Had Told Her

by Laura Nowlin, Noémie Saint-Gal (Translator)

La suite du phénomène TikTok If He Had Been With Me !

Un roman intense et bouleversant, sur l'amour qui nous brise et nous guérit...

Si seulement je lui avais dit que je l'aimais, il y a des années, je n'en serais pas là.

Finn a toujours aimé Autumn. Elle n'est pas seulement sa voisine ou son amie d'enfance ; elle est son tout. Mais pas sa petite amie. Sa petite amie, c'est Sylvie, et Finn ne lui ferait jamais de mal. Alors, il est hors de question qu'Autumn découvre la vérité sur ce qu'il ressent réellement.

Jack, le meilleur ami de Finn, en doute. Il a vu Finn et Autumn ensemble, et il ne comprend pas comment elle ne pourrait pas savoir. Mais plus encore, comment peut-il soutenir Finn alors que la douleur semble inévitable ?

Original

If only I had told her

2024 by Laura Nowlin

2025, Pocket Jeunesse, département d’Univers Poche pour la traduction française

Traduit de l’anglais par Noémie Saint-Gal

Please This audiobook is in French

Genres: Romance, Young Adult

409 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2025

About the author

Laura Nowlin holds a B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from Missouri State University. . In addition to being ambitious writer Laura is also an avid reader who believes that books allow her to live many lives in one lifetime. When she isn’t at home agonizing over her own novels Laura works at the public library where the patrons give her plenty of inspiration for her writing. She lives in St. Louis with her musician husband, neurotic dog, and psychotic cat.

Reviews

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my goddddddd!!!!!!!!!! you have no idea how long i have waited for a collectors edition of this!!!!!!!!

[kitti · Rating 4 out of 5]

well it broke me. i needed to know finny’s point of view and thats all i can say. i loved reading these books but the emotional rollercoaster i was on. i sobbed at the funeral chapter srry bout the spoiler.
i dont know what more to write.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll give it an average score. I loved the first book so much, I couldn’t wait for this one! I’m a little disappointed by the sequence of events, but it was easy to read and follow. I just wish some of the other things could have been left out and really followed Finn’s side of the love story.

[Taylor Duley · Rating 5 out of 5]

definitely broke me reading Finny and Jack’s pov. Definitely won’t reread this two book series because I can’t go through the emotional process again

[꧁ღKaelaღ꧂ · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is still broken😭💔

[Gracelyn Rett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read If he had been with me so I thought that I should Finny’s perspective, but this was another version of soul ripping. I loved the way that Finny described Autumn was the sweetest. Once again I can’t believe one of my new comfort characters are dead!😭 Another thing I would like to add is I like where the book started and how the perspective’s were, and whose they were. Another thing as I said for my other rating on the other book I think that Autumn’s love for Finny was so deep and perfectly described, and how she thought she had no reason to live since he died but then a piece of him helped her find a reason to live!

[Megan P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the multiple POVs in this book! I loved getting different characters perspectives on situations that we didn’t get in the first book.

[Vanessa Serrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was really freaking good and it made me cry but after finny died, dome parts got boring it was still good

[Halah · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
This was fine, but really not needed

[Jordan Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was better than book one even though it frustrated nearly until the very end as I just couldn’t see where the ending or story was going. Overall a great read and a good series.

[Dani Tukker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought IHHBWM was bad, but i cried SOO HARDDD IN THIS BOOK I feel like i half didnt even read the pages because everything was blurred, Jack's POV was the worst, or maybe its the scene where Autmn was still talking to Finny and talked to him one last timw. i fear this will haunt me and i fear i need more of Laura's writing

[kaylee⋆˚꩜｡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

sad x2

btw I lied, I read the agggtm trilogy and if only he had been with me in 2023.

[paige watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really liked this book but idk why there wasn’t a pov from sylvie since there was one from jack. i think she absolutely deserved to have a pov since she was just as important to finny as jack. also the fact that finny survived the car crash but died due to electrocution?!? idk it made me so mad lol. but overall a great book and i still cried. give sylvie her own book tho.

[LiSa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Laura Nowlins "If I Had Told Her" knüpft inhaltlich an den Vorgängerroman "If He Had Been With Me" an und wählt diesmal ein dreigeteiltes Erzählverhalten: Aus der personalen Perspektive von Finn, Autumn und Jack wird die Geschichte erzählt und über seinen Tod hinaus erweitert.

Finns Sichtweise wirkt über weite Strecken wie eine bloße Kopie des ersten Buches. Zwar nimmt man formal eine andere Perspektive ein, inhaltlich erfährt man aber kaum etwas Neues. Wer den ersten Roman kennt, wird vieles einfach nur erneut lesen – leider ohne spürbaren Mehrwert.

Jacks Perspektive beginnt vielversprechend, sein neuer Lebensabschnitt im College beginnt und er trifft dort neue Leute. Seine Gedanken lösen sich nur langsam von seinem Toten Freund. Seine Damenwahl am Ende - naja, nicht mein Geschmack.

Am wenigsten abgeholt hat mich Autumns Perspektive. Sie ist schwanger, es folgen Gespräche mit den Müttern über die kommende Zeit, ihre Unsicherheit steht im Fokus. Doch ihre innere Entwicklung – von anfänglichen Zweifeln bis zur Akzeptanz der Mutterschaft holt mich nicht ab.

Insgesamt empfand ich den Roman als eher langweilig und langatmig. Ich kann ihn leider nicht empfehlen.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly this books was underwhelming. I was expecting more from it. It felt like it could have been 100 pages shorter. It didn’t add much context to what we already knew. Jack’s pov did nothing for me. I wish Finny’s pov started further back than what it was. I think more detail could have been added to give better context from the first book. I got bored in the middle. If I didn’t listen to it on audio I probably would have dnf the book.

[Alyse Pope · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me idk it was just missing somethings after Finn died. Sylvie’s POV would have been great to read seeing that she was involved in the accident instead of having extra pages with Alexis. I liked reading Jack’s and Finny’s POV but maybe Jack and Sylvie could have shared that portion of the book. So much happened with her and it was briefly dealt with. For me it was lacking that portion that felt like it was needed.

[Zoe Banks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this book. There were good parts of it, but when finny died, the book should’ve been over. I didn’t like his point of view. I hated having to listen to the best friend nd after he died autumn started sounding like girl in pieces to me.
this whole book felt like a waste of time and I honestly just read it because I bought it

[Vivyan Mendiola · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an easy read, I just was expecting more from the ending and I’m not thrilled that the next book goes into the history leading up to this book’s turn of events instead of what their lives changed into and lead up to.

[Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. I think it could have been better and the author could have developed the book a little bit more but the problem was the author limited themselves to what they could right but I wished they expanded more.

[Clara Longeron · Rating 4 out of 5]

mimi

[Andrew Kane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing that new just the POVs of the characters from before, during and after Finny’s incident.

[Heavenleigh Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the exclusive scene that comes with the collectors edition. The only reason I gave it a 3 is because I feel like it still left off with a cliffhanger, and I was left with unanswered questions.

[Harper Kassidy · Rating 2 out of 5]

this duology did not do it for me

[Asia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Finny has spent his high-school years living a lie; that Autumn doesn't love him and there's no chance of a relationship there. He's stayed away from her, kept his feelings hidden, believing she doesn't want his love. Until those last 24 hours.
Jack has been Finny's best friend since the start of middle school. They did everything together, could rely on one another and tell eachother anything. They were meant to be going to college together. Now Jack has to work out how to navigate life without his best friend, perhaps his only true friend.
Autumn had decided she couldn't live without Finny, not when they'd only just found eachother. But now she has to live for him, for their baby. This last piece of him left. But she barely knows how to navigate her own feelings and depression, let alone be a mother. But she has The Mothers to lean on when she needs, plus a reconnection with Angie does her good.

If I had to pick one word to describe this book it would be poignant, at least for Finn and Jack's parts. I can't normally attribute a single word to a book, but this one was easy.
The book is split into three parts narrated by different people: Finn, Jack and Autumn.

Finny's part was his perspective on those last 24 hours, coupled with some flashbacks from his past. We learnt so much about him in just a few pages, and also how annoyingly blind he was. He loved Autumn from when they were little and always wanted to make himself better for her. But if he just spoke to her he would have discovered he didn't need to change. He thought she didn't love him, but she just wasn't ready. So much could have been different if they had just talked. We're with Finn right up until the end when he puts his hand in that puddle. Getting to finally see that last scene, knowing how it all happened.... it was emotional.
It was nowhere near as emotional as Jack's part though. Watching him try to come to terms with the fact his best friend is dead is heartbreaking. We watch him be adrift, not having something to anchor himself too. We see the funeral and all the mourners, hear what everyone thought of Finn and how great he was. When he goes to college he embeds himself in routine so he doesn't have to think about Finn and the hole he left in his life. Even if you can't relate to the situation the emotion just pours off the pages.
And then we have Autumn, who continues for us where book one ended. Her view feels less poignant than the other two, but I wonder if that's because how adrift she is. She herself goes through an emotional rollercoaster which includes reconnections and forgiveness.

All in all, it's an emotional tale. I love that it didn’t have to end with book one as it felt like so much was left unsaid. However, we don't get a nice resolution to this one either. Even with the bonus chapter in this limited edition, things are still left unresolved. It almost feels like Laura skipped on the ending.
However, I wouldn't have read this book in three sittings if I didn’t enjoy it. I love how real it is and, just like the first, it's just so easy to read. I originally thought these would be great for a book hangover, and they were, but only because they gave me another one. They wring you out emotionally, so be prepared for that.

[Becky Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If I Had Told Her – Laura Nowlin

This book absolutely wrecked me… in the best way. 💔

If I Had Told Her is such a heartbreaking, emotional story about love, regret, and the things we leave unsaid. Watching Finn carry the weight of feelings he never expressed while life keeps moving forward was devastating. Knowing how much could have been different if things had only been said out loud makes the story hit even harder.

I also really loved getting to see the story through Jack and Autumn’s perspectives. Jack’s part added such a deeper layer to everything—his loyalty to Finn and the way he carries his own grief and love made the story even more emotional. And seeing Autumn’s side of things helped fill in so many pieces and made the whole story feel even more real and heartbreaking.

Since my brother passed away three years ago, my whole perspective on life has changed. I now take every chance I can to spend time with the people I love most. The memories we make together are far more important than saving the money, and this book was a powerful reminder of exactly that.

Beautiful, emotional, and one that will definitely stay with me. Just make sure you’re ready for the heartbreak 💔

[Shelia Alessandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

"My love for her is the closest thing I have to religion."

"My devotion to Autumn is engraved on my very being. I am in awe of her. I will sit in the stands and cheer her on in life as her most ardent admirer. I know I will always love her in the same way I know I’ll always need oxygen."

"My love for her is part of who I am."

"You’re the ideal I’ve judged every other girl by my whole life. You’re funny and smart and weird. I never know what’s going to come out of your mouth or what you’re going to do. I love that. You. I love you.”

I liked this book better than the 1st. It was deeper and less childish. Autumn is still growing but there was major character growth. I loved Jack's section. I didnt know I wanted more of his character but im glad we got it. Im really happy at the outcome with John. I do wish we could have seen a little bit more of Autumn's friendship with Brittany. The Grandmother's are still a fave from the last book. I was excited to have an extra chapter in the special edition but I HATED how it ended. It talked about my biggest fear and it was almost minimized like a it is what it is if the surgery fails. Im sobbing at the thought. I love my child more than life and I can not fathom that outlook.

[Kyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 1 (Finny)- I was having a really hard time continuing to read. I started reading this book right after the first one. It is Finny's perspective of the last few chapters in the first book. It felt like I had reread everything over again (because I had) and I wanted to give up so much on reading it, but I pushed through. I did like learning new backstories though. If anything, the first part of this book made me hate Finny for what he did to Slyvie. 3/5


Part 2 (Jack) - I LOVED Jack's perspective. His perspective goes through the process of grieving the loss of his best friend. It was so heartbreaking to read and definitely a tear jerker. He had great character development from the beginning of his story to the end. I would give his perspective a 5 of 5.

Part 3 (Autumn)- Autumn also had great character development. At first, I was afraid I wouldn't seeing anything from her, but she did change which was great. I love that she has a support system. I am so proud of her. What she went through and is going through is so hard, but she was able to overcome obstacles and grow as a person. 4/5

Overall, I give this book a 4/5! Maybe see you in book 3 👀?

[Kiley Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a great time with this book! I always love reading perspectives from characters that we didn’t hear from in the previous book, so I was very happy with the perspectives of Jack and Finn. I almost wish we had gotten a Sylvie chapter, but I don’t know what I would’ve hoped to have read from it.

Autumn’s section was very bittersweet with an ending that was satisfying but partially unfulfilling, with an additional chapter that felt very unnecessary. Obviously, it wasn’t in the original book for a reason, but it felt like a lack of closure for Autumn, almost like she’s planning for doomsday as opposed to experiencing her grief.

I really enjoyed the depiction of grief in this novel, particularly in Jack’s perspective of humans in comparison to dust floating in air. Beautiful read, just slightly lackluster in the “exclusive chapter” and last two pages.

[wiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm just mad, so mad. Jacks perspective killed me. absolutely obliterated me.
but they didn't have to be driving he could've parked down the street. he shouldn't have sped up with her seat belt off, it was all so avoidable. I get his perspective he was just being so dramatic and she, saying drive because she doesn't want to disappoint her parents? like girl come on. I didnt hate Sylvie but I did hate the situation. it was all so avoidable and I'm just sad because autumn and Finn had one day one day of true happiness and he called it there was a catch. he died trying to fight to not be guilty so he could be with autumn. AHHHHHH that's all.

[Emori Valtori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of this book looks like the simple romance novel. No. This book is an emotional roller coaster into the worst feelings ever. When I tell you that I have never cried over a book like I have this one I mean it. I really only cry over movies but this book made me cry tears like no ones business. I think the thing that made it worse was having Jack's point of view and Autumn's. Even though this was supposed to be Finny's book, they had their own say. I loved this book and it makes me mourn the ending like a childhood dog. I love love loved this book with my whole heart. I had to take breaks in between reading it because I was feeling so emotional over this book.