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For One Moment With You
The romantic and heart-mending new women's fiction read from Sunday Times Bestseller Debbie Howells, for fans of Jojo Moyes, Shari Low and David Nicholls!🦋✨ What if you met the one a week before your wedding to another man? When Tilly meets Adam, just a week before she’s about to marry Gareth, she knows it can never be. She’s made a commitment, and it’s one she knows she has to stick with, however strong the pull is between them.
Tilly and Adam’s paths will cross, again and again, over twenty years. But Tilly’s a wife now, a mother too, not to mention a person looking after her ailing parents… Sometimes it feels like she’s forgotten how to be herself. It’s only when Gareth drops a bombshell about their marriage, that she decides to put herself at the centre of her own story.
So she books a one-way ticket to San Jose – a place she’s only heard about in a song. But fate seems to be leading her in another direction… and perhaps to exactly the place she’s meant to be, and to the person she’s meant to be with.
For One Moment With You is an uplifting, gripping story about finding the one – and finding yourself at the same time. Perfect for fans of Me Before You and One Day.
Tilly and Adam’s paths will cross, again and again, over twenty years. But Tilly’s a wife now, a mother too, not to mention a person looking after her ailing parents… Sometimes it feels like she’s forgotten how to be herself. It’s only when Gareth drops a bombshell about their marriage, that she decides to put herself at the centre of her own story.
So she books a one-way ticket to San Jose – a place she’s only heard about in a song. But fate seems to be leading her in another direction… and perhaps to exactly the place she’s meant to be, and to the person she’s meant to be with.
For One Moment With You is an uplifting, gripping story about finding the one – and finding yourself at the same time. Perfect for fans of Me Before You and One Day.
- GenresFictionFamily Drama
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2025
76 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Howells
41 books746 followersDebbie self-published three women's fiction novels before writing The Bones of You, her first psychological thriller. It was a Sunday Times bestseller and selected for the Richard and Judy book club.
Since, she was written The Beauty of the End, The Death of Her, Her Sister's Lie, the e-book bestseller The Vow, and her latest, The Secret.
Her women's fiction novel, The Life You Left Behind will be published on 23rd February.
Follow her on Facebook at Debbie Howells writer and on Instagram @_debbiehowells.
Since, she was written The Beauty of the End, The Death of Her, Her Sister's Lie, the e-book bestseller The Vow, and her latest, The Secret.
Her women's fiction novel, The Life You Left Behind will be published on 23rd February.
Follow her on Facebook at Debbie Howells writer and on Instagram @_debbiehowells.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 8, 2025
I received a free copy of, For One Moment With You, by Debbie Howells, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Tilly is marrying Gareth, but then she meets Adam. I dont know why Tilly married Gareth and stayed with him as long as she did, She needs to love herself before she can love anybody else. Tilly needs to make better choices in her life.
September 18, 2025
For One Moment With You is a delicate, emotionally charged book that superbly conveys the intricacies of love, timing, and discovery. Debbie Howells constructs a poignant narrative for Tilly, who must choose between the secure existence she has established with her husband, Gareth, and the pull she experiences with Adam, the person she meets only seven days before her wedding.
Most striking is the author's success in capturing the bittersweet nature of decisions made and not made. The book covers a period of twenty years and presents Tilly as a wife, mother, and caregiver; positions that, as rewarding as they are, cause her to question who she herself is. Her path seems real, full of longing and regret as well as strength and optimism. The return of Adam to her life gives not only romantic tension but also a mirror for Tilly to reclaim the woman she has so long hidden under duty and responsibility.
The writing is earnest and inspiring, in the style of Jojo Moyes and David Nicholls, with characters that are authentic and imperfect but profoundly easy to identify with. This is a love story, but it is also a tale of strength and self-choice after decades of settling. Evocative, contemplative, and in the end, optimistic, it hangs in the mind long after the final page.
Most striking is the author's success in capturing the bittersweet nature of decisions made and not made. The book covers a period of twenty years and presents Tilly as a wife, mother, and caregiver; positions that, as rewarding as they are, cause her to question who she herself is. Her path seems real, full of longing and regret as well as strength and optimism. The return of Adam to her life gives not only romantic tension but also a mirror for Tilly to reclaim the woman she has so long hidden under duty and responsibility.
The writing is earnest and inspiring, in the style of Jojo Moyes and David Nicholls, with characters that are authentic and imperfect but profoundly easy to identify with. This is a love story, but it is also a tale of strength and self-choice after decades of settling. Evocative, contemplative, and in the end, optimistic, it hangs in the mind long after the final page.
November 6, 2025
Reading this book was intense. I was devastated by how much the character sacrificed for someone she cared about. Every choice felt heavy with emotion, and the story captures fear, hope, and the complexity of human relationships in a way that feels incredibly real. I was glad she was not alone, even though the situations were tense and heavy.
The second-chance romance is vivid and heartfelt, weaving together emotions from both past and present. It never dominates the story, but its presence adds depth, showing how past experiences shape feelings and decisions in the present. Watching the subtle moments of care and connection unfold made the story both emotional and gripping.
The tension in the narrative keeps you on edge, yet it’s the emotional depth that leaves the strongest impression. The book shows sacrifice, unfulfilled love, and resilience in such a way that it stays with you long after the last page. The way the story balances hope and disappointment, joy and pain, makes it a deeply memorable read.
Reading it made me pay close attention not just to the events, but to the emotions behind every decision, every moment of courage, and every subtle act of care. It’s a story that lingers in your mind and heart, reminding you of the complexity of human connection and the weight of choices made in love.
The second-chance romance is vivid and heartfelt, weaving together emotions from both past and present. It never dominates the story, but its presence adds depth, showing how past experiences shape feelings and decisions in the present. Watching the subtle moments of care and connection unfold made the story both emotional and gripping.
The tension in the narrative keeps you on edge, yet it’s the emotional depth that leaves the strongest impression. The book shows sacrifice, unfulfilled love, and resilience in such a way that it stays with you long after the last page. The way the story balances hope and disappointment, joy and pain, makes it a deeply memorable read.
Reading it made me pay close attention not just to the events, but to the emotions behind every decision, every moment of courage, and every subtle act of care. It’s a story that lingers in your mind and heart, reminding you of the complexity of human connection and the weight of choices made in love.
October 16, 2025
What amazing book I loved the twists and turns
Blurb
What if you met the one a week before your wedding to another man?
When Tilly meets Adam, just a week before she’s about to marry Gareth, she knows it can never be. She’s made a commitment, and it’s one she knows she has to stick with, however strong the pull is between them.
Tilly and Adam’s paths will cross, again and again, over twenty years. But Tilly’s a wife now, a mother too, not to mention a person looking after her ailing parent… Sometimes it feels like she’s forgotten how to be herself. It’s only when Gareth drops a bombshell about their marriage, that she decides to put herself at the centre of her own story.
So she books a one-way ticket to San Jose – a place she’s only heard about in a song. But fate seems to be leading her in another direction… and perhaps to exactly the place she’s meant to be, and to the person she’s meant to be with.
Blurb
What if you met the one a week before your wedding to another man?
When Tilly meets Adam, just a week before she’s about to marry Gareth, she knows it can never be. She’s made a commitment, and it’s one she knows she has to stick with, however strong the pull is between them.
Tilly and Adam’s paths will cross, again and again, over twenty years. But Tilly’s a wife now, a mother too, not to mention a person looking after her ailing parent… Sometimes it feels like she’s forgotten how to be herself. It’s only when Gareth drops a bombshell about their marriage, that she decides to put herself at the centre of her own story.
So she books a one-way ticket to San Jose – a place she’s only heard about in a song. But fate seems to be leading her in another direction… and perhaps to exactly the place she’s meant to be, and to the person she’s meant to be with.
October 12, 2025
Revisiting your past and reflecting on your choices is an idea that will always be attractive in literature. It can be explored on many levels and lead to various insights. Sometimes, though, in order to avoid pain and discomfort, we just slide along the surface. Maybe it's better not to dwell on things too deeply? Tilly certainly doesn’t. This book has its good moments, but overall it just didn’t work for me.
October 25, 2025
This book was so good! I finished it in one day!
Two people who seem destined for each other and yet something seems to keep them apart. It’s a heartbreaking story but also full of hope and joy.
I couldn’t put it down.
Two people who seem destined for each other and yet something seems to keep them apart. It’s a heartbreaking story but also full of hope and joy.
I couldn’t put it down.
October 28, 2025
After her marriage to Gareth implodes, Tilly attempts to start over in Crete. But when she takes a nasty fall, she finds herself transported back into memories of the past, watching her younger self one week before her wedding day 20 years ago, to the moment in time when she met Adam, a stranger with whom she found an instant, soul-deep mutual connection. But the timing... the expectations... Tilly goes through with the wedding, leaving Adam behind.
But fate can't quite seem to let these two forget about what they share, and they run into each other several more times - moments Tilly all revisits while she examines her past life with Gareth. As she inches closer to the present, she is unsure about where life will take her next, once she wakes up... that is, if she even wakes up.
For One Moment with You by Debbie Howell is an insta-love story, with Adam and Tilly talking about being (and feeling as if they truly are) soulmates within the first 5% of the novel, right before Tilly is set to marry another man. But one thing is clear: their romance is meant to resemble a fated mates trope, like we see in paranormal or fantasy romance all the time, but in a contemporary setting. It takes a while to compute, because in a regular human setting insta-love either works or it really doesn't. For Adam and Tilly, I feel it doesn't work - BUT... hear me out... I don't think it's supposed to. Not immediately.
Let me attempt to explain: Adam and Tilly both recognize how bizarre this is, even though they can't deny how they feel. Tilly's decision to go through with her wedding to Gareth is a rejection of the entire notion in a way, too. Because taking a chance on a man she barely knows isn't who she is. Not at that point in her life. And that's what makes it an interesting love story to me. Howells has written about The Universe and fate and destiny before, but her characters maintain free will. Tilly's very willful decision to go through with marrying Gareth despite Adam is everything an instant love story is against! I love that Howells is unapologetic about it almost: yes, we have soulmates, buuuuuut....
Theirs is not a second chance romance so much as it is a "what if?" romance. Howells even mentions the film Sliding Doors, and the awareness of how different things could have been is absolutely what this story is all about, too. Tilly's comatose state, in which she has intense memory-dreams, is her revisiting her life with the man she chose.
Of course, unfortunately - as we learn right from the start - she made the wrong choice and experiences a lot of heartbreak along the way, with Gareth being the epitome of human garbage. You know that gif meme, of a guy that's thrown in a dumpster? That's Gareth. Gah, loathe loathe loathe. As Tilly starts to see her life differently in hindsight, we're thinking: why on earth did she pick Gareth... But again, as romantic as a fated mates trope is, for Tilly this is real life. Her spur of the moment decision to pack away and go to Greece for example is hardly the stuff of Eat Pray Love; Tilly knows it's a whim out of desperation, and questions herself. Again, it's just human and realistic.
For One Moment with You is actually almost uncomfortable to read: there's stagnation because of deep and tragic grief, there's a failure in communication between a married couple which dooms them from the start, and then there's a most ironic sort of infidelity. It's confrontational, unpacking Tilly's life, and her being unconscious, sort of like in a locked-in syndrome, really solidifies that feeling of her not being in control. Us readers feel that with her.
The timeline is very jumpy, but don't let that put you off. Tilly goes all over the place in her revisits, and this "style" decision works with the powerlessness Tilly feels here. She doesn't get to pick which moments to return to next. She's being swept away in the past, whatever comes up. She has to roll with it and let it happen to her. As jumbled as the chronology is: it's functional. The story still holds my attention and is easy to follow.
To wrap this up: the soulmate storyline eventually really balances out the harsh reality of Tilly's life; further encounters with Adam illustrate how Adam & Tilly are real, too. How it's possible for them. You start to see it more and more. With every new Adam moment, I welcome how deeply romantic their connection actually is. And the more we get to know Tilly, the more we want this for her - I think that's it more than anything, we want her to have this man, this sweet romance, this fairy tale. It's funny how at first it doesn't appear to work, only to then... really do. Howells brings everything together because of that focus on Tilly.
This is 100% a love story, but it turns out it's not so much about which man is better: it's about which Tilly is better.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for generously providing me with a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.
But fate can't quite seem to let these two forget about what they share, and they run into each other several more times - moments Tilly all revisits while she examines her past life with Gareth. As she inches closer to the present, she is unsure about where life will take her next, once she wakes up... that is, if she even wakes up.
For One Moment with You by Debbie Howell is an insta-love story, with Adam and Tilly talking about being (and feeling as if they truly are) soulmates within the first 5% of the novel, right before Tilly is set to marry another man. But one thing is clear: their romance is meant to resemble a fated mates trope, like we see in paranormal or fantasy romance all the time, but in a contemporary setting. It takes a while to compute, because in a regular human setting insta-love either works or it really doesn't. For Adam and Tilly, I feel it doesn't work - BUT... hear me out... I don't think it's supposed to. Not immediately.
Let me attempt to explain: Adam and Tilly both recognize how bizarre this is, even though they can't deny how they feel. Tilly's decision to go through with her wedding to Gareth is a rejection of the entire notion in a way, too. Because taking a chance on a man she barely knows isn't who she is. Not at that point in her life. And that's what makes it an interesting love story to me. Howells has written about The Universe and fate and destiny before, but her characters maintain free will. Tilly's very willful decision to go through with marrying Gareth despite Adam is everything an instant love story is against! I love that Howells is unapologetic about it almost: yes, we have soulmates, buuuuuut....
Theirs is not a second chance romance so much as it is a "what if?" romance. Howells even mentions the film Sliding Doors, and the awareness of how different things could have been is absolutely what this story is all about, too. Tilly's comatose state, in which she has intense memory-dreams, is her revisiting her life with the man she chose.
Of course, unfortunately - as we learn right from the start - she made the wrong choice and experiences a lot of heartbreak along the way, with Gareth being the epitome of human garbage. You know that gif meme, of a guy that's thrown in a dumpster? That's Gareth. Gah, loathe loathe loathe. As Tilly starts to see her life differently in hindsight, we're thinking: why on earth did she pick Gareth... But again, as romantic as a fated mates trope is, for Tilly this is real life. Her spur of the moment decision to pack away and go to Greece for example is hardly the stuff of Eat Pray Love; Tilly knows it's a whim out of desperation, and questions herself. Again, it's just human and realistic.
For One Moment with You is actually almost uncomfortable to read: there's stagnation because of deep and tragic grief, there's a failure in communication between a married couple which dooms them from the start, and then there's a most ironic sort of infidelity. It's confrontational, unpacking Tilly's life, and her being unconscious, sort of like in a locked-in syndrome, really solidifies that feeling of her not being in control. Us readers feel that with her.
The timeline is very jumpy, but don't let that put you off. Tilly goes all over the place in her revisits, and this "style" decision works with the powerlessness Tilly feels here. She doesn't get to pick which moments to return to next. She's being swept away in the past, whatever comes up. She has to roll with it and let it happen to her. As jumbled as the chronology is: it's functional. The story still holds my attention and is easy to follow.
To wrap this up: the soulmate storyline eventually really balances out the harsh reality of Tilly's life; further encounters with Adam illustrate how Adam & Tilly are real, too. How it's possible for them. You start to see it more and more. With every new Adam moment, I welcome how deeply romantic their connection actually is. And the more we get to know Tilly, the more we want this for her - I think that's it more than anything, we want her to have this man, this sweet romance, this fairy tale. It's funny how at first it doesn't appear to work, only to then... really do. Howells brings everything together because of that focus on Tilly.
This is 100% a love story, but it turns out it's not so much about which man is better: it's about which Tilly is better.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for generously providing me with a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.
September 22, 2025
Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes
🙍 Self-Discovery Journey | 💕 2nd Chance / Slow Burn Romance | 🚪 Missed Chances / Sliding Doors | 🇬🇧 UK / 🇬🇷 Crete
What would you do if you met “the one” a week before your wedding—to someone else? That’s the dilemma Tilly faces when she meets Adam, days before marrying Gareth. Despite the undeniable connection between them, Tilly chooses commitment and the life she’s promised to build. But as the years go by, the pull between her and Adam never quite fades.
Spanning more than two decades, Debbie Howells weaves a tender, bittersweet story about love, sacrifice, and the choices that shape us. Tilly’s life is full: she’s a wife, a mother, and a devoted daughter caring for her ailing parents. Yet somewhere along the way, she loses sight of who she is. When Gareth delivers a shattering revelation about their marriage, Tilly finally decides it’s time to put herself first. That decision takes her on a journey that may just lead her exactly where she was always meant to be.
I first discovered Debbie Howells earlier this year with This Little Thing Called Love, a novel I adored, so I was eager to dive into this new release. For One Moment With You did not disappoint. It’s a beautifully written exploration of life’s unpredictability and the courage it takes to follow your heart. I truly enjoyed it.
Tilly’s journey was both moving and frustrating—I couldn’t help but feel for her as she ignored so many red flags and sacrificed her happiness to avoid disappointing others. She’s deeply relatable: flawed, strong, and human. She grew dear to my heart. I also appreciated the cast of supportive characters around her, though Gareth, unsurprisingly, did little to win me over.
My only wish is that the ending had leaned more into the romance—I wanted just a little more of that emotional payoff after everything Tilly endured. Still, this is a heartfelt, thought-provoking read that will resonate with anyone who has ever wondered “what if?”
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Boldwood Books.
🙍 Self-Discovery Journey | 💕 2nd Chance / Slow Burn Romance | 🚪 Missed Chances / Sliding Doors | 🇬🇧 UK / 🇬🇷 Crete
What would you do if you met “the one” a week before your wedding—to someone else? That’s the dilemma Tilly faces when she meets Adam, days before marrying Gareth. Despite the undeniable connection between them, Tilly chooses commitment and the life she’s promised to build. But as the years go by, the pull between her and Adam never quite fades.
Spanning more than two decades, Debbie Howells weaves a tender, bittersweet story about love, sacrifice, and the choices that shape us. Tilly’s life is full: she’s a wife, a mother, and a devoted daughter caring for her ailing parents. Yet somewhere along the way, she loses sight of who she is. When Gareth delivers a shattering revelation about their marriage, Tilly finally decides it’s time to put herself first. That decision takes her on a journey that may just lead her exactly where she was always meant to be.
I first discovered Debbie Howells earlier this year with This Little Thing Called Love, a novel I adored, so I was eager to dive into this new release. For One Moment With You did not disappoint. It’s a beautifully written exploration of life’s unpredictability and the courage it takes to follow your heart. I truly enjoyed it.
Tilly’s journey was both moving and frustrating—I couldn’t help but feel for her as she ignored so many red flags and sacrificed her happiness to avoid disappointing others. She’s deeply relatable: flawed, strong, and human. She grew dear to my heart. I also appreciated the cast of supportive characters around her, though Gareth, unsurprisingly, did little to win me over.
My only wish is that the ending had leaned more into the romance—I wanted just a little more of that emotional payoff after everything Tilly endured. Still, this is a heartfelt, thought-provoking read that will resonate with anyone who has ever wondered “what if?”
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Boldwood Books.
October 24, 2025
This was not quite what I expected. So awarding three stars. 🌟🌟🌟
And the more I think about it, that is quite appropriate as there is a love triangle of sorts going on.
👩Tilly - God bless her! She is the type who fills in the gap and is always helping other people first. The narrative is from her 1st person POV. She is vacationing in Crete and falls in a rainstorm. While in a coma, she relives her life and wonders about the one who got away.
🧑Gareth - Married to Tilly for 22 years. Philanderer. Claims he never wanted children, but did passing grade of a job parenting their twins. Left Tilly for his mistress Olivia and she is pregnant! Sounds like a prince of a guy, doesn't he. Why did Tilly marry him in the first place?
👱♂️Adam - the One? Tilly has a chance encounter with Adam during her hen party and starts to get cold feet about marrying Gareth. Her journey from then to the present includes intermittent encounters with Adam. Tilly can not forget him. Has he moved on?
Silly me. I thought this was going to be a time travel read where Tilly could go back to the week of her wedding and make a different choice. Instead this jumped around with a narrative that was primarily showing us Tilly's life as it was with Gareth and then the aftermath of the split. It seemed to go in circles and not in a constructive way. There were some heartwarming scenes in this one, but not an author I will be following.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
And the more I think about it, that is quite appropriate as there is a love triangle of sorts going on.
👩Tilly - God bless her! She is the type who fills in the gap and is always helping other people first. The narrative is from her 1st person POV. She is vacationing in Crete and falls in a rainstorm. While in a coma, she relives her life and wonders about the one who got away.
🧑Gareth - Married to Tilly for 22 years. Philanderer. Claims he never wanted children, but did passing grade of a job parenting their twins. Left Tilly for his mistress Olivia and she is pregnant! Sounds like a prince of a guy, doesn't he. Why did Tilly marry him in the first place?
👱♂️Adam - the One? Tilly has a chance encounter with Adam during her hen party and starts to get cold feet about marrying Gareth. Her journey from then to the present includes intermittent encounters with Adam. Tilly can not forget him. Has he moved on?
Silly me. I thought this was going to be a time travel read where Tilly could go back to the week of her wedding and make a different choice. Instead this jumped around with a narrative that was primarily showing us Tilly's life as it was with Gareth and then the aftermath of the split. It seemed to go in circles and not in a constructive way. There were some heartwarming scenes in this one, but not an author I will be following.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 14, 2025
This is a tender, emotional story about love, timing, and choosing yourself. It’s one of those stories that feels gentle on the surface but carries a lot of emotional weight underneath.
Tilly is easy to relate to. She’s kind, responsible, and always putting everyone else first. When she meets Adam just days before her wedding, you can feel how much that moment changes her, even though she does what she believes is the right thing. Life moves on, years pass, and the story follows her through marriage, motherhood, and caring for aging parents. It’s honest and touching in how it shows how easy it is to lose parts of yourself along the way.
The connection between Tilly and Adam is beautifully written—quiet, meaningful, and full of “what ifs.” Their paths crossing over the years felt realistic and bittersweet, making the story both hopeful and heartbreaking at the same time.
What I loved most was the message about self-discovery. When Tilly finally makes a brave choice for herself, it feels earned and deeply satisfying. The journey isn’t just about romance, but about learning to listen to your own heart and allowing yourself a second chance at happiness.
If you enjoy emotional, life-affirming stories about love, timing, and finding your way back to yourself, this is a truly rewarding read.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Tilly is easy to relate to. She’s kind, responsible, and always putting everyone else first. When she meets Adam just days before her wedding, you can feel how much that moment changes her, even though she does what she believes is the right thing. Life moves on, years pass, and the story follows her through marriage, motherhood, and caring for aging parents. It’s honest and touching in how it shows how easy it is to lose parts of yourself along the way.
The connection between Tilly and Adam is beautifully written—quiet, meaningful, and full of “what ifs.” Their paths crossing over the years felt realistic and bittersweet, making the story both hopeful and heartbreaking at the same time.
What I loved most was the message about self-discovery. When Tilly finally makes a brave choice for herself, it feels earned and deeply satisfying. The journey isn’t just about romance, but about learning to listen to your own heart and allowing yourself a second chance at happiness.
If you enjoy emotional, life-affirming stories about love, timing, and finding your way back to yourself, this is a truly rewarding read.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 15, 2025
This is a sweet and light read that reminds us that we need to listen to the signs that the universe is sending us.
The story centres on Tilly, a woman described by all as a giver… she takes care of her children, husband, parents, and anyone else who needs it, but she doesn’t always take care of herself. She is taken for granted, most particularly by her husband, Gareth. Following 20 years of marriage, when things are falling apart, Tilly reflects back on all the signs that she ignored, including a chance meeting with Adam just a few days before her wedding.
I liked the writing and flow of the book. The story alternates between time periods, revisiting key life moments in chronological order and reassessing them from her current-day standpoint.
All the characters have a key role in helping to support the story (and are easy to keep track of despite the jumps in time). I also enjoyed that the book takes us on a travel journey, following Tilly (geographically) as she tries to find herself.
I curled up with this book on one of my days off and found it a relaxing read. The only flaw I found is that Adam, as a character, is a bit too perfect 😀
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The story centres on Tilly, a woman described by all as a giver… she takes care of her children, husband, parents, and anyone else who needs it, but she doesn’t always take care of herself. She is taken for granted, most particularly by her husband, Gareth. Following 20 years of marriage, when things are falling apart, Tilly reflects back on all the signs that she ignored, including a chance meeting with Adam just a few days before her wedding.
I liked the writing and flow of the book. The story alternates between time periods, revisiting key life moments in chronological order and reassessing them from her current-day standpoint.
All the characters have a key role in helping to support the story (and are easy to keep track of despite the jumps in time). I also enjoyed that the book takes us on a travel journey, following Tilly (geographically) as she tries to find herself.
I curled up with this book on one of my days off and found it a relaxing read. The only flaw I found is that Adam, as a character, is a bit too perfect 😀
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 21, 2025
3.75 rounded to 4 stars for me.
After over twenty years of marriage Tilly's husband Gareth leaving her for his mistress. Tilly had a choice before she married Gareth, she meet Adam and there was connection between them.Still Tilly go trough wedding as she can't let down her family. Trough years Tilly and Adam paths cross,and after all those years she's left with a doubt, is that choice years ago was the right one? They say it's never to late to start again,and Tilly must for the first time in her life put herself first.
Will Tilly get her HEA?
Honestly for me this book was more a fiction then romance,and I could not decide on rating at first. It was quite painful read about Tilly,her choices and the treatment she got from her husband and some family members. I loved her sister Lizzie, and Tilly at the end win me over. Tilly's story was just the proof that is never to late to start a new chapter in the life, and maybe second chance at love. My first book by this author,and hope to read more.
If you like to read about new beginnings, finding inner strength and opening to new experiences I would recommend this book.
Thank you netgalley and Boldwood Books publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
After over twenty years of marriage Tilly's husband Gareth leaving her for his mistress. Tilly had a choice before she married Gareth, she meet Adam and there was connection between them.Still Tilly go trough wedding as she can't let down her family. Trough years Tilly and Adam paths cross,and after all those years she's left with a doubt, is that choice years ago was the right one? They say it's never to late to start again,and Tilly must for the first time in her life put herself first.
Will Tilly get her HEA?
Honestly for me this book was more a fiction then romance,and I could not decide on rating at first. It was quite painful read about Tilly,her choices and the treatment she got from her husband and some family members. I loved her sister Lizzie, and Tilly at the end win me over. Tilly's story was just the proof that is never to late to start a new chapter in the life, and maybe second chance at love. My first book by this author,and hope to read more.
If you like to read about new beginnings, finding inner strength and opening to new experiences I would recommend this book.
Thank you netgalley and Boldwood Books publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
October 18, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up.
What if you met the one a week before your wedding to another man? When Tilly meets Adam, just a week before she is due to marry Gareth, she knows it can never be. She made a commitment, it's one she knows she has to stick with,however strong the pull is between them. Tilly and Adam's paths cross again and again, over twenty years. But Tilly's a wife now, a mother too, and not to mention a person looking after her ailing parents. Sometimes it feels like she's forgotten how to be herself. It's only when Gareth drops a bombshell about their marriage, that she decides to put herself at the centre of her own story.
This is an emotionally charged read. The story is told over two decades. We learn how Tilly's choices shaped her life. She's a mother caring for her elderly parents. But when Gareth tells her a revelation about their marriage, Tilly decides to be in charge of her own destiny.
Published 25th October 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #DebbieHowells for my ARC of #ForOneMomentWithYou in exchange for an honest review.
What if you met the one a week before your wedding to another man? When Tilly meets Adam, just a week before she is due to marry Gareth, she knows it can never be. She made a commitment, it's one she knows she has to stick with,however strong the pull is between them. Tilly and Adam's paths cross again and again, over twenty years. But Tilly's a wife now, a mother too, and not to mention a person looking after her ailing parents. Sometimes it feels like she's forgotten how to be herself. It's only when Gareth drops a bombshell about their marriage, that she decides to put herself at the centre of her own story.
This is an emotionally charged read. The story is told over two decades. We learn how Tilly's choices shaped her life. She's a mother caring for her elderly parents. But when Gareth tells her a revelation about their marriage, Tilly decides to be in charge of her own destiny.
Published 25th October 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #DebbieHowells for my ARC of #ForOneMomentWithYou in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2025
For One Moment With You by Debbie Howells is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant story about love, timing, and the quiet courage it takes to choose yourself.
Tilly is a week away from marrying Gareth when she meets Adam—and everything shifts. Their connection is immediate, undeniable, and unforgettable. But Tilly is committed to the life she’s built, and so she walks away. Over the next twenty years, their lives intersect in fleeting, powerful moments as Tilly navigates marriage, motherhood, and caring for an ailing parent, all while slowly losing sight of who she is.
When long-buried truths come to light, Tilly is finally forced to ask what she wants. Her impulsive decision to buy a one-way ticket to San Jose becomes the first step in reclaiming her identity—and possibly rekindling the love that never really left.
This is an uplifting, tender, and deeply human story about missed chances, second chances, and finding your way back to yourself.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
Tilly is a week away from marrying Gareth when she meets Adam—and everything shifts. Their connection is immediate, undeniable, and unforgettable. But Tilly is committed to the life she’s built, and so she walks away. Over the next twenty years, their lives intersect in fleeting, powerful moments as Tilly navigates marriage, motherhood, and caring for an ailing parent, all while slowly losing sight of who she is.
When long-buried truths come to light, Tilly is finally forced to ask what she wants. Her impulsive decision to buy a one-way ticket to San Jose becomes the first step in reclaiming her identity—and possibly rekindling the love that never really left.
This is an uplifting, tender, and deeply human story about missed chances, second chances, and finding your way back to yourself.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
September 21, 2025
An engaging, reflective and thought provoking novel exploring all the ups and downs of marriage. Tilly is grieving after losing her mother and sister close together, trying to care for her ultra religious father, her husband Gareth think she should hurry up and move on, he then does with a pregnant girlfriend. Tilly then takes a redundancy at work and goes off to find herself. Inspired by a song she makes her way to San Jose but ends up in Barcelona, she then travels to Cannes, Genoa, Rome
and ends up Crete where she meets lost love.
Exploring all the up and downs of marriage including being at odds over having children, starting over, second chances and ‘what ifs’. Tilly was a relatable character, who went through a lot. She had some wonderful people surrounding her and to put things into perspective! Like her support crew I really didn’t like husband Gareth either!
Told over a nonlinear timeline we find that she was once at a crossroads, meeting Adam, who she had great sparks with on her Hen’s night. The transitions between timelines were a bit confusing at times but it didn’t take too long to work out where you were or detract too much from the storyline. An enjoyable read and I’m glad Tilly managed to find her rainbow again.
and ends up Crete where she meets lost love.
Exploring all the up and downs of marriage including being at odds over having children, starting over, second chances and ‘what ifs’. Tilly was a relatable character, who went through a lot. She had some wonderful people surrounding her and to put things into perspective! Like her support crew I really didn’t like husband Gareth either!
Told over a nonlinear timeline we find that she was once at a crossroads, meeting Adam, who she had great sparks with on her Hen’s night. The transitions between timelines were a bit confusing at times but it didn’t take too long to work out where you were or detract too much from the storyline. An enjoyable read and I’m glad Tilly managed to find her rainbow again.
October 25, 2025
For One Moment With You follows Tilly, who meets Adam a week before she is due to marry Gareth. It’s love at first sight for both, but Tilly still goes through with her marriage to Gareth. Twenty years later, her and Adam’s path’s have crossed a few times but then Gareth drops a bombshell that ends their marriage. Tilly has had to deal with so much alongside being a wife, a mother and a daughter. She realises she has forgotten how to be just ‘Tilly’ and decides to book a one way ticket to San Jose…although fate may have different plans!
I found this to be an uplifting, emotional story which covers love, loss and second chances. It was a relatable story where sometimes, we question decisions and how different our lives could be if we had gone in a different direction. With quotes at the beginning of each chapter, it tied in wonderfully to the story and rang true a lot of the time. This was a well paced story, with likeable (and dislikable!) characters who all played a part in Tilly’s journey. Lovely, thought provoking story which will have you rooting for Tilly!
I found this to be an uplifting, emotional story which covers love, loss and second chances. It was a relatable story where sometimes, we question decisions and how different our lives could be if we had gone in a different direction. With quotes at the beginning of each chapter, it tied in wonderfully to the story and rang true a lot of the time. This was a well paced story, with likeable (and dislikable!) characters who all played a part in Tilly’s journey. Lovely, thought provoking story which will have you rooting for Tilly!
October 30, 2025
When Tilly is a week away from marrying childhood sweetheart Gareth she meets Adam at her hen party. She is comfortable with Gareth and can’t believe how she feels meeting Adam, who may be her soulmate.
The book is about the choices we make in life and years later the consequences they have in your life. It is a story of love, courage and a woman who puts others first, fighting for her family.
Over the course of the book Tilly meets Adam several times at crucial moments in her life, which causes her to rethink her decisions and what may have been.
This is a well written book with humour and compassion. I enjoyed the characters and was rooting for Tilly to choose Adam over the undemonstrative Gareth. The theme of love continues throughout the book and Tilly’s life leading to an interesting conclusion.
I would definitely recommend this for those who enjoy a family drama with a ‘sliding doors’ storyline.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book is about the choices we make in life and years later the consequences they have in your life. It is a story of love, courage and a woman who puts others first, fighting for her family.
Over the course of the book Tilly meets Adam several times at crucial moments in her life, which causes her to rethink her decisions and what may have been.
This is a well written book with humour and compassion. I enjoyed the characters and was rooting for Tilly to choose Adam over the undemonstrative Gareth. The theme of love continues throughout the book and Tilly’s life leading to an interesting conclusion.
I would definitely recommend this for those who enjoy a family drama with a ‘sliding doors’ storyline.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2025
For One Moment With You by Debbie Howells
My sincere thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
What would you do if you met "the one" only days before your wedding? Would you believe it? Would you chalk it up to pre-wedding jitters? OR would you take a chance and make the choice to cancel the wedding? In One Moment With You, Tilly experiences this exact scenario. In this book, Tilly is in a coma and is given flashbacks of her life over the last 22 years. She is not reliving it, but rather observing it which is giving her a whole new perspective on choices she has made including that choice made before her wedding. I have to say that I was glued to this book for a few days and didn't want to stop reading it. While I wasn't surprised by much, there were a few things that came up near the end that made me pause. I can't say too much without spoiling, so I will just end by saying that I really liked this and now I want to check out Debbie Howells back list.
October 1, 2025
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“For One Moment With You” is by Debbie Howells. I both liked and didn’t like this book. What I liked about this book was the idea - what if you could re-examine your life with the gift of retrospection (granted, you cannot change anything, but you can examine it). I also liked that the main character after so many years finally found her backbone (yes!). But what I didn’t really like was how the story was presented - at times the storyline felt like it was bouncing about (though, granted, the main character was unconscious so that maybe made sense). I wish this book had ended a bit more on the romance - instead it kinda lay there a bit more than I desired. This wasn’t a bad book, it just didn’t work the way I had hoped it would. It was a quick read and I really liked a few of the supporting characters, which helped.
“For One Moment With You” is by Debbie Howells. I both liked and didn’t like this book. What I liked about this book was the idea - what if you could re-examine your life with the gift of retrospection (granted, you cannot change anything, but you can examine it). I also liked that the main character after so many years finally found her backbone (yes!). But what I didn’t really like was how the story was presented - at times the storyline felt like it was bouncing about (though, granted, the main character was unconscious so that maybe made sense). I wish this book had ended a bit more on the romance - instead it kinda lay there a bit more than I desired. This wasn’t a bad book, it just didn’t work the way I had hoped it would. It was a quick read and I really liked a few of the supporting characters, which helped.
October 19, 2025
There is much to like about Tilly's story as she finds herself revisiting her past to reinvent her future. However I did struggle somewhat with how the story was structured as I wasn't sure if Tilly was actually in the past or just experiencing a memory every time she reviewed something from her life. I haven't read Debbie Howells' books before and the description intrigued me. To be honest, I don't think the blurb actually really conveys what this book was about - it seemed to me to be somewhat different as the story unfolded. Yes, Tilly and Adam did keep meeting and yes, Gareth wasn't perhaps the right man for her but the actual events of the novel definitely created a quite divergent story in my opinion. Tilly was absolutely a great lead character and she did have some good people in her life. It was a good read that didn't quite resonate continually with me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read.
November 4, 2025
I first discovered Debbie Howell through her outstanding thriller ‘The Bones of You’ in 2017. I am a huge fan and now read her books without hesitation, be they thriller or women’s fiction (who came up with that category?) as they are all fabulous reads, emotionally connecting with readers on many levels.
With a variety of settings, from a ‘normal suburban home’ to far flung destinations, evoked vividly in the mind, I was completely drawn into each scenario.
This one has such an interesting concept, meeting someone who touches your soul as you are approaching your wedding day.
Throughout this book, told from Tilly’s POV, as we see her face grief, trauma and fear, we also understand the depth of her love for her sons and her caring nature as she supports the multitude of people around her.
What starts as a chance meeting develops into a journey of discovery over many years. A tragic accident allows the reader to piece together the past, as Tilly, the main protagonist, views key moments in her life as a bystander. Reflecting on her life and the choices she made, it is a real journey of self-discovery.
This is an emotionally rich read, with characters who are authentic, even with their imperfections. It is totally relatable, who hasn’t had ‘What if?’ moments to dwell on? It reflects on the intricacies of life, particularly of love and relationships, but most of all the value of living your best life.
With a variety of settings, from a ‘normal suburban home’ to far flung destinations, evoked vividly in the mind, I was completely drawn into each scenario.
This one has such an interesting concept, meeting someone who touches your soul as you are approaching your wedding day.
Throughout this book, told from Tilly’s POV, as we see her face grief, trauma and fear, we also understand the depth of her love for her sons and her caring nature as she supports the multitude of people around her.
What starts as a chance meeting develops into a journey of discovery over many years. A tragic accident allows the reader to piece together the past, as Tilly, the main protagonist, views key moments in her life as a bystander. Reflecting on her life and the choices she made, it is a real journey of self-discovery.
This is an emotionally rich read, with characters who are authentic, even with their imperfections. It is totally relatable, who hasn’t had ‘What if?’ moments to dwell on? It reflects on the intricacies of life, particularly of love and relationships, but most of all the value of living your best life.
September 11, 2025
3.5 rounded up
Going in, I had some false expectations of what the story would be, and that’s entirely on me. I was immediately drawn in by the first paragraph and so curious to see what would happen between her and Adam. I found myself annoyed by the husband throughout, and at times even frustrated with her for always putting others before herself. Then again, many people—especially moms—make choices believing they’re best for the kids, when in reality, an unhealthy household helps no one.
I really enjoyed the ending and appreciated reading about her second chance at life. Personally, I was hoping for more romance, but again, that was my own expectation. All in all, I enjoyed Debbie Howells’ writing style and will definitely follow her future books.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
Going in, I had some false expectations of what the story would be, and that’s entirely on me. I was immediately drawn in by the first paragraph and so curious to see what would happen between her and Adam. I found myself annoyed by the husband throughout, and at times even frustrated with her for always putting others before herself. Then again, many people—especially moms—make choices believing they’re best for the kids, when in reality, an unhealthy household helps no one.
I really enjoyed the ending and appreciated reading about her second chance at life. Personally, I was hoping for more romance, but again, that was my own expectation. All in all, I enjoyed Debbie Howells’ writing style and will definitely follow her future books.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
October 28, 2025
Once you pick this book up. trust me when I say you will not want to put it down. I loved the sound of this story but there is so much more to it when your reading it. It was a raw and compelling story all about love, grief, but also about so much more, Debbie has done a wonderful job about keeping the sensitive parts honest and open. Tilly and her family go through a lot in this story and I am sure some parts may be relatable to whoever is reading it. I love the way the story was written with flitting back to the past, it felt as though I was inside Tilly's head. It was a powerful story and one I don't ever want to forget. It makes you think about what you are grateful for in life and that there is always someone worse off than you. Absolutely brilliant. This is going to be a huge hit when it comes out.
September 18, 2025
This book didn’t particularly strike me as one I would recommend, I’m afraid. Although the idea behind the story is very intriguing - revisiting your past while in and out of consciousness has an everlasting appeal and a great potential to me, sadly how it’s carried out here was a bit disappointing, mainly boring, predictable and borderline shallow. Also, much as we all love Bridget Jones and Sliding Doors, they don’t have to be mentioned in every other paragraph; the risk is they’ll lose the ( great and unforgettable) significance they deserve.
What kept me reading was the will-they-won’t-they little drama unfolding, but other than that I’m afraid this book was not for me.
With many thanks to Boldwood Books, the author and NetGalley for an early copy.
What kept me reading was the will-they-won’t-they little drama unfolding, but other than that I’m afraid this book was not for me.
With many thanks to Boldwood Books, the author and NetGalley for an early copy.
October 13, 2025
Thank you to the publisher, Boldwood and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 / 5.
I will definitely look out for this author again as I really enjoyed this book. It’s been the first book in a while I’ve wanted to not put down. Frustratingly though there are elements I just don’t think work as not quite believable. I love the Tilly looking back on her life and seeing different times and things from a different perspective but I just didn’t feel like the chances of her meeting Adam in some places were likely out of a whole world they could be in. Sorry I wish I could give more stars but honestly I just didn’t find it believable.
The other elements I really enjoyed though and I’ll definitely look out for her other books.
3.5 / 5.
I will definitely look out for this author again as I really enjoyed this book. It’s been the first book in a while I’ve wanted to not put down. Frustratingly though there are elements I just don’t think work as not quite believable. I love the Tilly looking back on her life and seeing different times and things from a different perspective but I just didn’t feel like the chances of her meeting Adam in some places were likely out of a whole world they could be in. Sorry I wish I could give more stars but honestly I just didn’t find it believable.
The other elements I really enjoyed though and I’ll definitely look out for her other books.
November 1, 2025
As I read this book, I was reminded of Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken". That poem has always held special meaning for me. As we reflect on decisions we made long ago, we can't help but think about how our lives would have turned out if we had decided to take the other road. Tilly meets Adam just days before her wedding and cannot deny the instant connection she feels. Despite her misgivings about her fiancee Gareth, she feels obligated to proceed with the wedding. Was it the right decision? If Adam is truly her soulmate, will their paths cross again? If does appear that the fates continue to send Tilly wake-up calls to find her authentic self. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my introduction to this author.
September 24, 2025
A sweeping novel of a woman’s life on the edge of misery. She departs from her current life with the plan to go to San Jose. As fate would have it, her plane is cancelled and she daringly travels to France, Spain, and Italy. Her last stop is Crete. From there, the story begins with her, unconscious, from a fall, reliving her life in her mind. Back in her twenties, she met a man just before her wedding and she has always wondered what if she cancelled her wedding and stayed with him. Would it have been the best thing for her?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 17, 2025
I really liked this book about a woman that is suddenly faced with the life she knew disappearing and finally reaching out to try to discover what she really wants. In her younger life she did what was expected of her and married her fiance even though she had just met someone that she had much more of a connection with.
Through the course of the book she mentally goes back and reviews her entire life and the choices she made and tries to decide if she should have done things differently and how she is going to go forward.
I liked the changes she made in herself and in her life. I would definitely read more by this author.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the copy via NetGalley.
Through the course of the book she mentally goes back and reviews her entire life and the choices she made and tries to decide if she should have done things differently and how she is going to go forward.
I liked the changes she made in herself and in her life. I would definitely read more by this author.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the copy via NetGalley.
November 9, 2025
As always this author takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. This book is set over the time span of 20 years and is about a journey of self discovery and finding the right person to spend the rest of your life with and how sometimes fate plays a big part in decisions that are made and events that occur during our lives.
The book has a sliding doors vibe to it as it makes the reader think what if one path had been chosen would things have been different depending on the direction Fate has in store. This was a heartbreaking yet uplifting read which will stay with me for a long time to come.
The book has a sliding doors vibe to it as it makes the reader think what if one path had been chosen would things have been different depending on the direction Fate has in store. This was a heartbreaking yet uplifting read which will stay with me for a long time to come.
October 20, 2025
The choice we make in life, the path we take, the way we interact with the people in our life, all of it it’s what make us who we are. Tilly’s choices in life had let to an unloving marriage of twenty years but with her loved twin sons. Crossing paths with Adam a week before her wedding could have changed her future but she made a choice. Can fate really bring them together again or will their chance be lose forever? An emotional journey of self discovery. Thank to NetGalley and Boldbooks for the ARC copy. This is my honest review.
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