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The Love of Our Lives
A gorgeous Edinburgh-set story about loving another, loving yourself and loving life.
Maggie should be living life to the full. She should be travelling the world, jumping out of planes, skiing in the mountains. Everything she dreamed of doing. But a year ago she fell ill and needed a heart transplant, losing all her confidence. This new heart is a gift, and Maggie believes that the best way to honour it is to be careful, cautious, safe.
Then something impossible happens. Maggie wakes up one morning in a flat that's not her own, in pyjamas that aren't her own and when she looks in the mirror - she sees another woman's face looking back at her. Somehow, magically, Maggie has been given another chance at life, and another chance at love...
But can you truly follow your heart if it belonged to someone else first?
The acclaimed author of THE ECHOES OF US returns with a story to win your heart. For fans of Dani Atkins, Paige Toon and Sophie Cousens.
Maggie should be living life to the full. She should be travelling the world, jumping out of planes, skiing in the mountains. Everything she dreamed of doing. But a year ago she fell ill and needed a heart transplant, losing all her confidence. This new heart is a gift, and Maggie believes that the best way to honour it is to be careful, cautious, safe.
Then something impossible happens. Maggie wakes up one morning in a flat that's not her own, in pyjamas that aren't her own and when she looks in the mirror - she sees another woman's face looking back at her. Somehow, magically, Maggie has been given another chance at life, and another chance at love...
But can you truly follow your heart if it belonged to someone else first?
The acclaimed author of THE ECHOES OF US returns with a story to win your heart. For fans of Dani Atkins, Paige Toon and Sophie Cousens.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2025
9 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
About the author
Emma Steele
5 books5 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This is the "catch-all profile".
Author of "The Echoes of Us" - Emma Steele
This is the "catch-all profile".
Author of "The Echoes of Us" - Emma Steele
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 26, 2025
Isn’t it better to at least try?
This book got me in the feels for sure! Couldn’t put it down. Made me think about life and living it to the fullest.
Also have tissues.
This book got me in the feels for sure! Couldn’t put it down. Made me think about life and living it to the fullest.
Also have tissues.
February 13, 2026
Oh my, what a read this was. It has me all in my feels.
Maggie is a year on from her heart transplant and she’s there in Edinburgh celebrating with her family but when an argument ends in Maggie walking away and falling she wakes up in the body of another woman, Emily.
Maggie has no way of getting back to her life so she has to live the life of Emily, she gets to enjoy things she couldn’t in her own body, she gets to live and do what she wants instead of always being worried.
Is this a second chance at life for Maggie or a sign of how she should be living? Either way she embraces it, the family and the friends that come along with this life.
and Adam, my heart was sold on him straight away. What a beautiful and kind hearted man. He deserves all the love in the word.
Emma Steele wrote a brilliant and emotional story with this book. These characters are wonderful in their own way but my heart just ached for them all, for all the heartache they went through, ugh I just wanted to hug them.
This is my first read from this author but won’t be my last. It was beautiful and well written
Maggie is a year on from her heart transplant and she’s there in Edinburgh celebrating with her family but when an argument ends in Maggie walking away and falling she wakes up in the body of another woman, Emily.
Maggie has no way of getting back to her life so she has to live the life of Emily, she gets to enjoy things she couldn’t in her own body, she gets to live and do what she wants instead of always being worried.
Is this a second chance at life for Maggie or a sign of how she should be living? Either way she embraces it, the family and the friends that come along with this life.
and Adam, my heart was sold on him straight away. What a beautiful and kind hearted man. He deserves all the love in the word.
Emma Steele wrote a brilliant and emotional story with this book. These characters are wonderful in their own way but my heart just ached for them all, for all the heartache they went through, ugh I just wanted to hug them.
This is my first read from this author but won’t be my last. It was beautiful and well written
July 30, 2025
When I say I loved this book, I truly mean it. At first I wasn’t sure what to expect but it just kept getting better with every chapter. It was emotional, raw, and heartbreakingly real with a touch of the extraordinary that felt completely grounded. The story was beautifully written and the concept was unlike anything I’ve ever read before. It had me hooked from start to finish.
Maggie’s journey felt so honest and vulnerable. After a life changing heart transplant, she tries to play it safe until one morning she wakes up in someone else’s life with someone else’s face. What follows is a magical and moving exploration of identity, healing, and love. Imagine following your heart, when your heart isn’t yours.
Coral Sinclair’s narration was absolutely stunning and added even more depth to an already powerful story. I’m honestly so sad it’s over. I wish I could experience it all again for the first time. Huge thanks to the amazing Emma Steele and NetGalley for the chance to read this early. I feel incredibly lucky. Five stars all the way.
August 28, 2025
The story centres around Maggie, who’s been living with a slowly deteriorating heart condition but thankfully for her, just before it’s too late, she receives the gift of a new heart. Of course, this means heartbreak for another family and after some time passes, Maggie receives a letter from the donor family asking if she would be willing to meet them so they can feel close to their daughter’s heart one more time. But Maggie isn’t sure if she should, if she able to take this step… Then one day Maggie wakes up but she isn’t in her bed, the pyjamas belong to someone else and most frighteningly of all, when she looks in the mirror it’s someone else’s face staring back at her. She still feels and thinks like Maggie but she realises she is now a girl who everyone knows as Emily. Is this Maggie’s second chance at life? If so, will she take it? For what is life, if we don’t grab our chance and live it to the full, the way our heart tells us to?
This is an absolutely wonderful and uplifting story of what it means to live, to love and be loved and to have the confidence to follow our hearts and dreams.
As a final note, I’d like to add for anyone who potentially struggled with Emma’s first book, because of how that story jumped through moments in the past making it harder to follow especially for Kindle readers, that this does not apply to this book at all. It is a linear story, beautifully written so easy to read regardless of whether you end up with a digital or a printed copy.
This is an absolutely wonderful and uplifting story of what it means to live, to love and be loved and to have the confidence to follow our hearts and dreams.
As a final note, I’d like to add for anyone who potentially struggled with Emma’s first book, because of how that story jumped through moments in the past making it harder to follow especially for Kindle readers, that this does not apply to this book at all. It is a linear story, beautifully written so easy to read regardless of whether you end up with a digital or a printed copy.
September 3, 2025
The Love of Our Lives by Emma Steele is… “wow, what a journey!” The central premise of a heart transplant recipient waking up in her donor's life is not entirely original but is used extremely well and is genuinely thought-provoking. I’ve read books with an organ-donation theme, but this one's unique twist and clever structure had me completely hooked.
The narrative is incredibly strong, and I was super-invested in both Maggie’s and Emily's stories to the point where it was hard to put the book down! Partly due to the story and characters I fell in love with, but it’s also a testament to Emma Steele's addictive writing style. The Love of Our Lives is beautifully written. With a story that makes you think about how we live our lives and super characters that are so well-developed that they feel real (I especially connected with Maggie: she's so relatable, and her journey from being cautious to embracing life is really inspiring), the author has come up with an emotional rollercoaster. Yet, it’s so full of hope and life and a poignant reminder to make the most of the one precious life we have.
I enjoyed this almost as much as Ms. Steel’s previous book, The Echoes of Use, which I described as a “masterpiece in its genre.” This one isn’t far behind.
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a heartfelt and imaginative read :).
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to dive into dual life with this ARC.
The narrative is incredibly strong, and I was super-invested in both Maggie’s and Emily's stories to the point where it was hard to put the book down! Partly due to the story and characters I fell in love with, but it’s also a testament to Emma Steele's addictive writing style. The Love of Our Lives is beautifully written. With a story that makes you think about how we live our lives and super characters that are so well-developed that they feel real (I especially connected with Maggie: she's so relatable, and her journey from being cautious to embracing life is really inspiring), the author has come up with an emotional rollercoaster. Yet, it’s so full of hope and life and a poignant reminder to make the most of the one precious life we have.
I enjoyed this almost as much as Ms. Steel’s previous book, The Echoes of Use, which I described as a “masterpiece in its genre.” This one isn’t far behind.
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a heartfelt and imaginative read :).
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to dive into dual life with this ARC.
February 9, 2026
Huge thanks to author Emma Steele, who got in touch to offer me a copy of her novel, The Love of Our Lives, which came out in September 2025, to read and review.
It's about Maggie, who should be living life to the full. She should be travelling the world, jumping out of planes, skiing in the mountains. Everything she dreamed of doing. But a year ago she fell ill and needed a heart transplant, losing all her confidence. This new heart is a gift, and Maggie believes that the best way to honour it is to be careful, cautious, safe.
Then something impossible happens. Maggie wakes up one morning in a flat that’s not her own, in pyjamas that aren’t her own and when she looks in the mirror – she sees another woman’s face looking back at her. Somehow, magically, Maggie has been given another chance at life, and another chance at love…
This is such a heart-warming, uplifting, positive and thought-provoking novel, which I really enjoyed. You'd be forgiven for thinking it's going to be a story focusing solely on love and romance, but it offers so much more. Yes, there is love, but, the romance is only one thread of this story, blending with other strands such as family, and living with a serious, progressive illness, and it incorporates elements such as magical realism, all of which are skilfully managed, and deftly and delicately woven together, to make a moving and satisfying read.
With its cast of well-fleshed out, very human and flawed characters, of whom you'll quickly become fond, it celebrates connection, community and friendship. I loved Sven, Charlie and especially William, and their respective backstories. And who wouldn't fall for the sensitive, handsome Adam. You also feel for the emotional dilemmas faced by Maggie and Emily.
It has a really thought-provoking storyline that makes you think about love, loss, guilt, and betrayal. About how important it is to live our best lives, to take nothing for granted and to live life to the max, especially when you have a precious second chance.
It shows us that we need to savour every moment, and live fully within it, and it reminds us to seize the day, because nothing is promised, and tomorrow is never guaranteed.
A beautiful, sensitively written, moving and emotional story.
It's about Maggie, who should be living life to the full. She should be travelling the world, jumping out of planes, skiing in the mountains. Everything she dreamed of doing. But a year ago she fell ill and needed a heart transplant, losing all her confidence. This new heart is a gift, and Maggie believes that the best way to honour it is to be careful, cautious, safe.
Then something impossible happens. Maggie wakes up one morning in a flat that’s not her own, in pyjamas that aren’t her own and when she looks in the mirror – she sees another woman’s face looking back at her. Somehow, magically, Maggie has been given another chance at life, and another chance at love…
This is such a heart-warming, uplifting, positive and thought-provoking novel, which I really enjoyed. You'd be forgiven for thinking it's going to be a story focusing solely on love and romance, but it offers so much more. Yes, there is love, but, the romance is only one thread of this story, blending with other strands such as family, and living with a serious, progressive illness, and it incorporates elements such as magical realism, all of which are skilfully managed, and deftly and delicately woven together, to make a moving and satisfying read.
With its cast of well-fleshed out, very human and flawed characters, of whom you'll quickly become fond, it celebrates connection, community and friendship. I loved Sven, Charlie and especially William, and their respective backstories. And who wouldn't fall for the sensitive, handsome Adam. You also feel for the emotional dilemmas faced by Maggie and Emily.
It has a really thought-provoking storyline that makes you think about love, loss, guilt, and betrayal. About how important it is to live our best lives, to take nothing for granted and to live life to the max, especially when you have a precious second chance.
It shows us that we need to savour every moment, and live fully within it, and it reminds us to seize the day, because nothing is promised, and tomorrow is never guaranteed.
A beautiful, sensitively written, moving and emotional story.
October 8, 2025
Introducing,..my favourite book of September!! I loved this one, racing through it in well under 24 hours.
The story follows Maggie, a thirty year old woman, who is celebrating one year of living with a heart transplant after years of surviving with a life threatening illness. Except Maggie isn’t celebrating - not really: she is continuing merely to survive, living in a world that is safe, desperate to protect her new heart.
And then, one day, she wakes up two years earlier and discovers she is Emily. A young woman who is also 30, who lives her life to the full, but who Maggie knows only has one year to left to live. Determined to ensure that Emily’s final year of life is one to remember, Maggie throws herself into her life. Embracing new friendship, new hobbies and a chance at love, Maggie finally learns to love living!
And I loved, loved this book. Filled with depth, it is not only a story filled with fun and new adventures but also explores aspect of grief and the guilt you feel losing a loved one. It highlights how it might be to live with a life limiting illness and how that impact everyone around you. Ultimately, it poses questions about the importance of love - not just romantic love (although that dues feature) but, more importantly, learning to love yourself and the life you have been given.
This is so full of heart - literally! It made me smile, laugh, shed a tear. It also made me desperately want to book a trip to Edinburgh as the novel so beautifully encapsulates the heart of the city. The ending was perfectly pitched - tender and full of hope.
Smashed 5 stars out of the park! Thank you so much to the author @emmasteeleauthor for gifting me a copy of this beautiful
The story follows Maggie, a thirty year old woman, who is celebrating one year of living with a heart transplant after years of surviving with a life threatening illness. Except Maggie isn’t celebrating - not really: she is continuing merely to survive, living in a world that is safe, desperate to protect her new heart.
And then, one day, she wakes up two years earlier and discovers she is Emily. A young woman who is also 30, who lives her life to the full, but who Maggie knows only has one year to left to live. Determined to ensure that Emily’s final year of life is one to remember, Maggie throws herself into her life. Embracing new friendship, new hobbies and a chance at love, Maggie finally learns to love living!
And I loved, loved this book. Filled with depth, it is not only a story filled with fun and new adventures but also explores aspect of grief and the guilt you feel losing a loved one. It highlights how it might be to live with a life limiting illness and how that impact everyone around you. Ultimately, it poses questions about the importance of love - not just romantic love (although that dues feature) but, more importantly, learning to love yourself and the life you have been given.
This is so full of heart - literally! It made me smile, laugh, shed a tear. It also made me desperately want to book a trip to Edinburgh as the novel so beautifully encapsulates the heart of the city. The ending was perfectly pitched - tender and full of hope.
Smashed 5 stars out of the park! Thank you so much to the author @emmasteeleauthor for gifting me a copy of this beautiful
December 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this heartwarming story! Maggie, a year after her lifesaving heart transplant, wakes up in a stranger‘s body and has no idea how she got there or what to do next. Will she find her way back or head towards new adventures?
The magical realism worked so nicely here. It’s such an interesting concept and a real feel good read and quite the page turner. I loved this story, it was so life affirming and positive whilst also dealing with some more serious themes. A love story and story about friendships. I enjoyed the writing style and and found it very easy to get lost in this book. Like a warm, friendly hug!
I recommend 🧡
The magical realism worked so nicely here. It’s such an interesting concept and a real feel good read and quite the page turner. I loved this story, it was so life affirming and positive whilst also dealing with some more serious themes. A love story and story about friendships. I enjoyed the writing style and and found it very easy to get lost in this book. Like a warm, friendly hug!
I recommend 🧡
January 11, 2026
Maggie is celebrating one year since the heart transplant that saved her life. She is now relatively healthy, lives in Edinburgh with her parents and spends time with her sister. But a shocking turn of events forces Maggie to consider whether she has really been living her life at all. . .
Although the title might lead you to think this is a standard romance novel, it is so much more. This book is a reflection on how we choose to spend our time and who we choose to spend it with. It is about finding the joy in the every day and knowing that you can make your own definition of success and happiness. When I read this, I had just made some big changes in my professional life to hopefully improve my work-life balance so the message particularly resonated.
If you enjoyed Ashley Poston’s ‘The Seven Year Slip’ and Jojo Moyes ‘Me Before You’, I think you would love ‘The Love of Our Lives’. A warm, heartfelt read with a touch of magic. I look forward to trying some of Emma’s other books.
July 25, 2025
3.75 (RTC)
December 26, 2025
Do not adjust your screen, my page has not been hijacked.... I have just read a romance book, not only read it.... I absolutely loved it and could not put it down.
The blurb...
"Maggie should be living life to the full. She should be travelling the world, jumping out of planes, skiing in the mountains. Everything she dreamed of doing. But a year ago she fell ill and needed a heart transplant, losing all her confidence. This new heart is a gift, and Maggie believes that the best way to honour it is to be careful, cautious, safe.
Then something impossible happens. Maggie wakes up one morning in a flat that's not her own, in pyjamas that aren't her own and when she looks in the mirror - she sees another woman's face looking back at her. Somehow, magically, Maggie has been given another chance at life, and another chance at love..."
I am not a romance reader, I mainly read dark crime books with the odd bit of historical fiction so when Emma contacted me to see if I would like to review her book, my response was "sure I am trying to read less murder type ones!"
I liked the sound of this one and i got totally caught up in the plot, it's heartbreaking at times and takes you on a journey.
I liked the level of romance in this as it wasn't soppy or spicy so perfect for me.
The characters really grow on you especially William, I just adored him.
This book had a kind of sliding doors feeling to it and really does put life into perspective. Not ashamed to say I shed a few tears reading this.
Thank you Emma for making me venture out to a new genre, I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it to you all!
The blurb...
"Maggie should be living life to the full. She should be travelling the world, jumping out of planes, skiing in the mountains. Everything she dreamed of doing. But a year ago she fell ill and needed a heart transplant, losing all her confidence. This new heart is a gift, and Maggie believes that the best way to honour it is to be careful, cautious, safe.
Then something impossible happens. Maggie wakes up one morning in a flat that's not her own, in pyjamas that aren't her own and when she looks in the mirror - she sees another woman's face looking back at her. Somehow, magically, Maggie has been given another chance at life, and another chance at love..."
I am not a romance reader, I mainly read dark crime books with the odd bit of historical fiction so when Emma contacted me to see if I would like to review her book, my response was "sure I am trying to read less murder type ones!"
I liked the sound of this one and i got totally caught up in the plot, it's heartbreaking at times and takes you on a journey.
I liked the level of romance in this as it wasn't soppy or spicy so perfect for me.
The characters really grow on you especially William, I just adored him.
This book had a kind of sliding doors feeling to it and really does put life into perspective. Not ashamed to say I shed a few tears reading this.
Thank you Emma for making me venture out to a new genre, I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it to you all!
July 29, 2025
This is a fascinating story of one woman, living two very different lives. Her new heart wants her to see how much life there is to be lived…for her!
I listened to the audiobook which was very well narrated by Coral Sinclair. There were a lot of different accents, and she did a great job with them.
This is a very emotional story, with many twists. At the end of the book I felt like I had watched a very powerful film (please do make this book into a film). A fiction book has never moved me so much. Tears in my eyes.
The later part is very suspenseful as you do not know how things will turn out for the main characters. There’s a wonderful ending. Highly recommend.
I received an advance copy via NetGalley and this is my honest, voluntary review.
I listened to the audiobook which was very well narrated by Coral Sinclair. There were a lot of different accents, and she did a great job with them.
This is a very emotional story, with many twists. At the end of the book I felt like I had watched a very powerful film (please do make this book into a film). A fiction book has never moved me so much. Tears in my eyes.
The later part is very suspenseful as you do not know how things will turn out for the main characters. There’s a wonderful ending. Highly recommend.
I received an advance copy via NetGalley and this is my honest, voluntary review.
July 29, 2025
Maggie hasn't really lived her life, years suffering with a heart condition waiting a transplant means she hasn't achieved all the things a woman of her age may have done. Added to that she has the guilt of her sister's death on her shoulders. But when a heart becomes available, life can begin again, or can it? Too many years of not doing anything has meant Maggie now doesn't know how to live. Until she gets a second chance to discover the life she could have.
Pardon the pun but this was a heart warming read, a tale of making the most of the life we have, not everyone gets the opportunity. Really likeable characters and a poignant ending. Not ashamed to say I shed a few tears.
Pardon the pun but this was a heart warming read, a tale of making the most of the life we have, not everyone gets the opportunity. Really likeable characters and a poignant ending. Not ashamed to say I shed a few tears.
September 26, 2025
A lovely, gently paced story with warm characters that makes you pause and think about how to truly live life.
Read
December 24, 2025
Trigger & Content Warnings
Infidelity
Heart disease & organ transplantation recounted
Fertility issues mentioned
Infidelity
Heart disease & organ transplantation recounted
Fertility issues mentioned
October 1, 2025
Not many books move me to tears but the ending of this one was so unexpected and beautiful. I raced through - it’s so well written and you simply don’t want to put it down.
Well done Emma 👏🏻
Well done Emma 👏🏻
August 5, 2025
I absolutely loved this uplifting and life affirming story. Though it tugs at your heart (pun intended) it certainly gives you so much to think about and such a sense of what really matters.
I thought the premise initially was like similar books involving organ donation but it definitely has it's own unique twist and a clever structure that kept me hooked.
I adored the characters and also the travel element to the storyline.
Definitely one to go grab
I thought the premise initially was like similar books involving organ donation but it definitely has it's own unique twist and a clever structure that kept me hooked.
I adored the characters and also the travel element to the storyline.
Definitely one to go grab
July 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, It was quite gripping and I read at every opportunity.
It made me cry in several places, it definitely hit my emotions, and also made me reflect.
I was sad for Emily, but happy that Maggie was given a chance to actually live!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
It made me cry in several places, it definitely hit my emotions, and also made me reflect.
I was sad for Emily, but happy that Maggie was given a chance to actually live!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2025
This is a book all about living life to the fullest. We follow Maggie story about receiving a life changing heart transplant surgery but she was still scared to live her life. She then spends a year living in her heart organ donors body, Emily and learns to live life to the max.
I loved the narrative of maggie discovering all the things she enjoys doing now she doesn’t have to worry about straining her fragile body. I love the friendships she makes along the way. I will say this book is heartbreaking and sad I did cry at the end so you might need tissues. But I loved this book it was beautifully written.
I loved the narrative of maggie discovering all the things she enjoys doing now she doesn’t have to worry about straining her fragile body. I love the friendships she makes along the way. I will say this book is heartbreaking and sad I did cry at the end so you might need tissues. But I loved this book it was beautifully written.
September 22, 2025
REVIEW
cw: life-limiting heart condition, mentions of death, grief, cheating, brief mentions of mental health issues and fertility issues
Maggie should be living life to the full. She should be travelling the world, jumping out of planes, skiing in the mountains. Everything she dreamed of doing. But a year ago, she needed a heart transplant, losing all her confidence. This new heart is a gift, and Maggie believes that the best way to honour it is to be careful, cautious, and safe.
Then something impossible happens. Maggie wakes up one morning in a flat that's not her own, in pyjamas that aren't her own, and when she looks in the mirror - she sees another woman's face looking back at her. Somehow, magically, Maggie has been given another chance at life and another chance at love.
But can you truly follow your heart if it belonged to someone else first?
I absolutely loved Emma Steele's debut, so I was excited to read her next book. Maggie has lived with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for many years, but we pick up her story as her family celebrates the first anniversary of the heart transplant that saved her life. But immediately, the caution and carefulness of both Maggie and her mum felt (intentionally) stifling. I'm going to be careful not to spoil any details of the magical realism in the book, but it was engaging and well-written. The theme of having a second chance at life particularly resonated with me, as I had a life-threatening haemorrhage a decade ago.
Maggie was such an interesting character. It's always hard to put yourself in someone else's shoes, but at times, early on, I wanted to shake her (affectionately). I found her discombobulation when she woke up as Emily well-written and realistic. Her confusion and denial were amusing, but my heart also ached when she realised her family didn't recognise her.
Most of the story takes place with Maggie as Emily, and I really enjoyed seeing her develop. The romance was heart-warming, and Adam was a sweetheart. I did feel for him several times whenever Maggie/Emily was second-guessing things, even though I empathised with her hesitation. And my heart ached for Adam when he was describing his unpredictable, nomadic childhood, though I was also jealous of all of the places he visited!
I particularly enjoyed the friendships in this book. Charlie and Sven were both so welcoming, as well as a lot of fun, and I loved how they helped Maggie/Emily step outside of her comfort zone. I did think they were both a little mean after the skiing incident, though, even given the circumstances. But I absolutely adored Maggie/Emily's friendship with William. It was so sweet, and I loved how William paid it back when it was most needed.
I appreciated how Maggie tried to mend the rift between Emily and Emily's mother, but I really liked Jackie, and she gave great advice. I saw the Simon secret coming, but it was well-written, and my heart still ached for Maggie/Emily. Maggie's ultimate dilemma was particularly well-written, and I really appreciated the pull between her own desires and her altruistic focus on Emily's life. At the beginning of the book, I thought Maggie's mum coddled her a bit too much, even though I could understand why she'd be so worried. However, once I read chapter thirty-four, my heart broke at her candour. As for the end of the chapter? I was left sobbing.
The final few chapters were brilliantly, beautifully bittersweet, but also uplifting. And the epilogue? I was sobbing yet kicking my feet giddily.
While I loved the premise of this story, I did find the pacing a teensy bit slow in the middle third. But I really hope that won't stop you from reading this ultimately life-affirming story of finding joy in your life, however big or small.
I listened to the audiobook alongside reading, and I have to say it was narrated beautifully by Coral Sinclair.
Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat Rating: 0.5
*Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. The Love of Our Lives is out now in the UK*
Favourite Quotes:
I want you to know how special her heart is, so that you can keep her alive in you too.
Would you do that for me?
Would you keep her alive for me?
I just feel so guilty about benefiting from someone else’s death, about wanting them to die. Because that’s effectively what happened, isn’t it? When I dreamt about getting a new heart, I was dreaming about someone else’s life ending.
...for the first time in a long while, I’ve actually got a healthy body and money in the bank, and I don’t have to worry about being careful or think about how I might affect everyone around me.
‘I think,’ Adam said, ‘that it’s not the lifespan of the tree that counts but the life it leads while it’s here. It’s about the spirit, not the sturdiness.’
...in this moment, I finally understand it all. That somehow, despite all of our surface-level differences, Emily and I were the same. Neither of us were living the lives we actually wanted.
But more than that, I wasn’t actually living at all.
...after the past five months, I know now that simply staying alive isn’t enough; simply existing is not enough.
The world is filled with so many awful outcomes, so many ways of getting hurt, that it makes me scared to breathe sometimes.
'...The main thing is to make your own mind up about your life, whatever that may be, and stop doing what someone else thinks you should.’
I’m starting to worry I’ll eventually disappear completely.
Please come back into the world, it says, like you made me do. Love, William.
'...if I’ve learned anything since you bloody well moved into this building, it’s that life is completely ours for the taking. It is our choice what we do with every second, every minute left of it.'
'And yes, maybe you will have to go,’ he continues firmly, ‘but wouldn’t you rather go out on a high?’
I realise that it wasn’t just me trying to protect other people, I was trying to protect myself. From the world – the very place that excites me the most.
...nothing is permanent anyway – people change and people leave; people die. But we can’t let that stop us diving in and tasting it all. Making the very most of whatever time there is.
It’s about getting out there in the world and figuring out what you actually want from it.
‘I had the oddest feeling the first time we met that I’d seen you before, and then I just got it again there. So, I thought I’d be that weirdo that actually tells you.’
I laugh, a bright feeling exploding inside.
cw: life-limiting heart condition, mentions of death, grief, cheating, brief mentions of mental health issues and fertility issues
Maggie should be living life to the full. She should be travelling the world, jumping out of planes, skiing in the mountains. Everything she dreamed of doing. But a year ago, she needed a heart transplant, losing all her confidence. This new heart is a gift, and Maggie believes that the best way to honour it is to be careful, cautious, and safe.
Then something impossible happens. Maggie wakes up one morning in a flat that's not her own, in pyjamas that aren't her own, and when she looks in the mirror - she sees another woman's face looking back at her. Somehow, magically, Maggie has been given another chance at life and another chance at love.
But can you truly follow your heart if it belonged to someone else first?
I absolutely loved Emma Steele's debut, so I was excited to read her next book. Maggie has lived with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for many years, but we pick up her story as her family celebrates the first anniversary of the heart transplant that saved her life. But immediately, the caution and carefulness of both Maggie and her mum felt (intentionally) stifling. I'm going to be careful not to spoil any details of the magical realism in the book, but it was engaging and well-written. The theme of having a second chance at life particularly resonated with me, as I had a life-threatening haemorrhage a decade ago.
Maggie was such an interesting character. It's always hard to put yourself in someone else's shoes, but at times, early on, I wanted to shake her (affectionately). I found her discombobulation when she woke up as Emily well-written and realistic. Her confusion and denial were amusing, but my heart also ached when she realised her family didn't recognise her.
Most of the story takes place with Maggie as Emily, and I really enjoyed seeing her develop. The romance was heart-warming, and Adam was a sweetheart. I did feel for him several times whenever Maggie/Emily was second-guessing things, even though I empathised with her hesitation. And my heart ached for Adam when he was describing his unpredictable, nomadic childhood, though I was also jealous of all of the places he visited!
I particularly enjoyed the friendships in this book. Charlie and Sven were both so welcoming, as well as a lot of fun, and I loved how they helped Maggie/Emily step outside of her comfort zone. I did think they were both a little mean after the skiing incident, though, even given the circumstances. But I absolutely adored Maggie/Emily's friendship with William. It was so sweet, and I loved how William paid it back when it was most needed.
I appreciated how Maggie tried to mend the rift between Emily and Emily's mother, but I really liked Jackie, and she gave great advice. I saw the Simon secret coming, but it was well-written, and my heart still ached for Maggie/Emily. Maggie's ultimate dilemma was particularly well-written, and I really appreciated the pull between her own desires and her altruistic focus on Emily's life. At the beginning of the book, I thought Maggie's mum coddled her a bit too much, even though I could understand why she'd be so worried. However, once I read chapter thirty-four, my heart broke at her candour. As for the end of the chapter? I was left sobbing.
The final few chapters were brilliantly, beautifully bittersweet, but also uplifting. And the epilogue? I was sobbing yet kicking my feet giddily.
While I loved the premise of this story, I did find the pacing a teensy bit slow in the middle third. But I really hope that won't stop you from reading this ultimately life-affirming story of finding joy in your life, however big or small.
I listened to the audiobook alongside reading, and I have to say it was narrated beautifully by Coral Sinclair.
Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat Rating: 0.5
*Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. The Love of Our Lives is out now in the UK*
Favourite Quotes:
I want you to know how special her heart is, so that you can keep her alive in you too.
Would you do that for me?
Would you keep her alive for me?
I just feel so guilty about benefiting from someone else’s death, about wanting them to die. Because that’s effectively what happened, isn’t it? When I dreamt about getting a new heart, I was dreaming about someone else’s life ending.
...for the first time in a long while, I’ve actually got a healthy body and money in the bank, and I don’t have to worry about being careful or think about how I might affect everyone around me.
‘I think,’ Adam said, ‘that it’s not the lifespan of the tree that counts but the life it leads while it’s here. It’s about the spirit, not the sturdiness.’
...in this moment, I finally understand it all. That somehow, despite all of our surface-level differences, Emily and I were the same. Neither of us were living the lives we actually wanted.
But more than that, I wasn’t actually living at all.
...after the past five months, I know now that simply staying alive isn’t enough; simply existing is not enough.
The world is filled with so many awful outcomes, so many ways of getting hurt, that it makes me scared to breathe sometimes.
'...The main thing is to make your own mind up about your life, whatever that may be, and stop doing what someone else thinks you should.’
I’m starting to worry I’ll eventually disappear completely.
Please come back into the world, it says, like you made me do. Love, William.
'...if I’ve learned anything since you bloody well moved into this building, it’s that life is completely ours for the taking. It is our choice what we do with every second, every minute left of it.'
'And yes, maybe you will have to go,’ he continues firmly, ‘but wouldn’t you rather go out on a high?’
I realise that it wasn’t just me trying to protect other people, I was trying to protect myself. From the world – the very place that excites me the most.
...nothing is permanent anyway – people change and people leave; people die. But we can’t let that stop us diving in and tasting it all. Making the very most of whatever time there is.
It’s about getting out there in the world and figuring out what you actually want from it.
‘I had the oddest feeling the first time we met that I’d seen you before, and then I just got it again there. So, I thought I’d be that weirdo that actually tells you.’
I laugh, a bright feeling exploding inside.
July 28, 2025
The Love of Our Lives is the story of Maggie, a young woman who has been living a very limited life due to having had a heart transplant. Her family had already suffered loss and it seemed to me that she felt she had to live cautiously so as not to cause any more hurt. She felt a lot of guilt and grief as a result of this loss and didn’t want to do anything to risk her new heart.
Except that this isn’t really Maggie’s story. One day she awakens in someone else’s flat, living their life but with her own memories. Okay so this is impossible but don’t worry, you will absolutely believe that Maggie is living Emily’s life! There are stories of transplant patients claiming to have memories of their donor’s lives so strange things do happen. For a year, Maggie gets to live in Emily’s healthy body and enjoy all the things she has been unable to do in her own life. I really can’t say much more about the plot as I don’t want to give anything away!
The narrator Coral Sinclair was a pleasure to listen to with her gentle voice bringing the cast of characters to life. She had a lot of different accents to contend with and did so admirably.
Oh my poor heart! This is a wonderful story about second chances and living life to the full. Maggie has quite a dilemma to contend with and the author gives her readers quite the dilemma too. Decisions have to be made and what is the right one? Rather like Maggie, I wasn’t sure how this impossible decision could be made.
The Love of Our Lives is a wonderful story full of love and life with such wonderful characters who you will take to your hearts. Special mention here for Emily’s neighbours William and Adam and her friends Charlie and Sven. This is a very emotional read and although I couldn’t decide how I wanted it to end as I was listening, I have to say that I think Emma Steele concluded her story in a most satisfying and uplifting way. I loved it!
Except that this isn’t really Maggie’s story. One day she awakens in someone else’s flat, living their life but with her own memories. Okay so this is impossible but don’t worry, you will absolutely believe that Maggie is living Emily’s life! There are stories of transplant patients claiming to have memories of their donor’s lives so strange things do happen. For a year, Maggie gets to live in Emily’s healthy body and enjoy all the things she has been unable to do in her own life. I really can’t say much more about the plot as I don’t want to give anything away!
The narrator Coral Sinclair was a pleasure to listen to with her gentle voice bringing the cast of characters to life. She had a lot of different accents to contend with and did so admirably.
Oh my poor heart! This is a wonderful story about second chances and living life to the full. Maggie has quite a dilemma to contend with and the author gives her readers quite the dilemma too. Decisions have to be made and what is the right one? Rather like Maggie, I wasn’t sure how this impossible decision could be made.
The Love of Our Lives is a wonderful story full of love and life with such wonderful characters who you will take to your hearts. Special mention here for Emily’s neighbours William and Adam and her friends Charlie and Sven. This is a very emotional read and although I couldn’t decide how I wanted it to end as I was listening, I have to say that I think Emma Steele concluded her story in a most satisfying and uplifting way. I loved it!
September 14, 2025
I always love reading Emma's books for how real and human they are - the underlying message which is impactful in its delivery. The Love of Our Lives is life itself and not making the most of each second is a disservice, life is a gift and we all should make the most of it. Who knows by showing up for ourselves, we may even influence others to follow?
Without giving any spoilers away, this was an incredibly well written and well thought out book. There are overlapping/parallel timelines and moments which were tied up perfectly in the end, which as a reader I love to see and it makes for a more complete and satisfying read.
The plot itself was interesting and I was convinced by the story and the message that was delivered - the characters were not perfect by any means and yet were beautifully fleshed out. They were convincing in their POVs and actions, you really felt the internal debate Maggie experienced in the second half of the book, and it was a reminder that humans are flawed and that's ok. I was consumed by the world presented by Maggie, Emily, Adam, Charlie, Sven and William, I loved moments when these characters were together, the love they share for one another, and getting an insight into the small and big events they shared together and the memories Maggie made for herself. In parts, the timing may have dragged slightly when comparing to big medical timestamps happening in Maggie's life but otherwise it was a medium-paced read with great character development, you really felt every emotion the MCs experienced and I also found myself getting teary at so many points. The premise is unique and one I haven't read before and Emma is fantastic in building up the story, I could imagine this being made into a film adaptation and there would not be a dry eye in the room!
thank you @netgalley @headline and @mountainleopardpress for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest unedited review.
Without giving any spoilers away, this was an incredibly well written and well thought out book. There are overlapping/parallel timelines and moments which were tied up perfectly in the end, which as a reader I love to see and it makes for a more complete and satisfying read.
The plot itself was interesting and I was convinced by the story and the message that was delivered - the characters were not perfect by any means and yet were beautifully fleshed out. They were convincing in their POVs and actions, you really felt the internal debate Maggie experienced in the second half of the book, and it was a reminder that humans are flawed and that's ok. I was consumed by the world presented by Maggie, Emily, Adam, Charlie, Sven and William, I loved moments when these characters were together, the love they share for one another, and getting an insight into the small and big events they shared together and the memories Maggie made for herself. In parts, the timing may have dragged slightly when comparing to big medical timestamps happening in Maggie's life but otherwise it was a medium-paced read with great character development, you really felt every emotion the MCs experienced and I also found myself getting teary at so many points. The premise is unique and one I haven't read before and Emma is fantastic in building up the story, I could imagine this being made into a film adaptation and there would not be a dry eye in the room!
thank you @netgalley @headline and @mountainleopardpress for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest unedited review.
December 28, 2025
The Love of Our Lives is a tender, thought provoking novel about second chances, identity, and the courage it takes to truly live.
Emma Steele centers the story on Maggie, a woman who should be embracing adventure, traveling the world, skydiving, and skiing, but instead finds herself held back by fear after receiving a heart transplant. Her new heart keeps her alive, yet it also makes her cautious, as if one wrong move could cost her everything.
The story takes an intriguing turn when Maggie wakes up one day in a completely unfamiliar situation. She is in a different place, wearing different clothes, and even sees a different face staring back at her in the mirror. This surreal experience feels like a symbolic rebirth, offering Maggie a rare opportunity to start over, not just in life, but in love as well. Still, one question lingers throughout the novel. Can she truly follow her heart when it once belonged to someone else?
Steele handles this emotional premise with warmth and sensitivity. Maggie’s internal struggle with her identity and her new heart is both relatable and moving. The supporting characters, Charlie, Sven, and William, add depth and charm to the story. Each plays a role in encouraging Maggie to step outside her comfort zone and rediscover joy, connection, and bravery.
While the middle of the book slows slightly, focusing heavily on reflection and emotional processing, the payoff is worth it. The ending is heartfelt and uplifting and leaves the reader with a strong sense of hope.
Overall, The Love of Our Lives is a heartwarming and comforting read about embracing life, taking risks, and allowing yourself to love again. It is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy emotional, feel good stories about personal growth and second chances.
Emma Steele centers the story on Maggie, a woman who should be embracing adventure, traveling the world, skydiving, and skiing, but instead finds herself held back by fear after receiving a heart transplant. Her new heart keeps her alive, yet it also makes her cautious, as if one wrong move could cost her everything.
The story takes an intriguing turn when Maggie wakes up one day in a completely unfamiliar situation. She is in a different place, wearing different clothes, and even sees a different face staring back at her in the mirror. This surreal experience feels like a symbolic rebirth, offering Maggie a rare opportunity to start over, not just in life, but in love as well. Still, one question lingers throughout the novel. Can she truly follow her heart when it once belonged to someone else?
Steele handles this emotional premise with warmth and sensitivity. Maggie’s internal struggle with her identity and her new heart is both relatable and moving. The supporting characters, Charlie, Sven, and William, add depth and charm to the story. Each plays a role in encouraging Maggie to step outside her comfort zone and rediscover joy, connection, and bravery.
While the middle of the book slows slightly, focusing heavily on reflection and emotional processing, the payoff is worth it. The ending is heartfelt and uplifting and leaves the reader with a strong sense of hope.
Overall, The Love of Our Lives is a heartwarming and comforting read about embracing life, taking risks, and allowing yourself to love again. It is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy emotional, feel good stories about personal growth and second chances.
August 23, 2025
✨ The Love of Our Lives ✨
Pub Date: Sep 11
"I think about all those experiences I missed out on because I was too scared. Because if you live a certain way for too long, it's becomes very hard to change it. And life is scary and messy at times, and we can get hurt. But we only get one, and it's shorter than any of us realise, so now is the time to stop thinking and just go do."
This book took me on such an emotional ride 💔➡️❤️.
At just 30 years old, Stella’s life ends far too soon, but her heart continues beating in someone else’s chest. That someone is Maggie — a woman who’s always lived carefully on the sidelines, too scared to fully feel or take risks. A year after her transplant, Maggie suddenly wakes up in another woman’s body — Emily Perine’s.
Confused, scared, and completely lost, she finds herself two years in the past, living in a stronger and healthier body that doesn’t feel like hers. Who is Emily? Why is Maggie here? And most importantly, is she meant to stay in this new life, or is it just temporary? 🕰️
This story is so much more than a second chance romance or a “what if” kind of tale. It’s about identity, purpose, and the weight of carrying someone else’s gift. I loved how it explored questions like: Do we really live when fear holds us back? What would we do if given another chance?
If you’re into emotional reads with a touch of mystery, fate, and self-discovery, this one will hook you right in. 💫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (my rating)
Have you ever read a story where the character literally gets a second chance at life? Would you take it if you could? 👀
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC of #TheLoveOfOurLives in exchange for my honest review.
Xoxo😘
#TheLoveOfOurLives #BookReview #Bookstagram #BookishThoughts #EmotionalReads #SecondChance
Pub Date: Sep 11
"I think about all those experiences I missed out on because I was too scared. Because if you live a certain way for too long, it's becomes very hard to change it. And life is scary and messy at times, and we can get hurt. But we only get one, and it's shorter than any of us realise, so now is the time to stop thinking and just go do."
This book took me on such an emotional ride 💔➡️❤️.
At just 30 years old, Stella’s life ends far too soon, but her heart continues beating in someone else’s chest. That someone is Maggie — a woman who’s always lived carefully on the sidelines, too scared to fully feel or take risks. A year after her transplant, Maggie suddenly wakes up in another woman’s body — Emily Perine’s.
Confused, scared, and completely lost, she finds herself two years in the past, living in a stronger and healthier body that doesn’t feel like hers. Who is Emily? Why is Maggie here? And most importantly, is she meant to stay in this new life, or is it just temporary? 🕰️
This story is so much more than a second chance romance or a “what if” kind of tale. It’s about identity, purpose, and the weight of carrying someone else’s gift. I loved how it explored questions like: Do we really live when fear holds us back? What would we do if given another chance?
If you’re into emotional reads with a touch of mystery, fate, and self-discovery, this one will hook you right in. 💫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (my rating)
Have you ever read a story where the character literally gets a second chance at life? Would you take it if you could? 👀
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC of #TheLoveOfOurLives in exchange for my honest review.
Xoxo😘
#TheLoveOfOurLives #BookReview #Bookstagram #BookishThoughts #EmotionalReads #SecondChance
September 29, 2025
Why hasn’t this book been on my radar before now? Emma Steele is a genius!!! I’m so in love and so emotional writing this because this is a book of complete and utter perfection.
The book opens with a letter. The parents of the donor writing to the recipient of her heart. I instantly knew that this was going to be emotional from the very first page. This is a book that took me on a journey through all the feels.
Maggie is a superb character and you can’t help but feel for her. As a recipient, she wants to protect the heart at all costs. However, should she be not living as a result? I was unsure what to think when she woke up not recognising the reflection in the mirror or understanding what was going on.
However, as I’ve read page after page I’ve fallen deeper in love. This is a book unlike any I’ve read previously and it’s a book I didn’t want to end. I could’ve happily stayed lost in at least another 400 pages because Steele had me fully invested.
I loved how this was written. I definitely felt as though I was watching this unfold. If this were on screen, it would be my favourite. I’d be watching on repeat. Steele is a wonderful storyteller and I’ve fallen in love as I’ve read this gem. This is just a completely wonderful book from beginning to end.
There is nothing negative I can say about this book. This is a beautiful and brilliant story by a hugely talented author (I am a converted fan). The Love of Our Lives is a book which should be on everyone’s TBR. This book deserves ALL the praise.
I recommend this to anyone and everyone who will listen.
The book opens with a letter. The parents of the donor writing to the recipient of her heart. I instantly knew that this was going to be emotional from the very first page. This is a book that took me on a journey through all the feels.
Maggie is a superb character and you can’t help but feel for her. As a recipient, she wants to protect the heart at all costs. However, should she be not living as a result? I was unsure what to think when she woke up not recognising the reflection in the mirror or understanding what was going on.
However, as I’ve read page after page I’ve fallen deeper in love. This is a book unlike any I’ve read previously and it’s a book I didn’t want to end. I could’ve happily stayed lost in at least another 400 pages because Steele had me fully invested.
I loved how this was written. I definitely felt as though I was watching this unfold. If this were on screen, it would be my favourite. I’d be watching on repeat. Steele is a wonderful storyteller and I’ve fallen in love as I’ve read this gem. This is just a completely wonderful book from beginning to end.
There is nothing negative I can say about this book. This is a beautiful and brilliant story by a hugely talented author (I am a converted fan). The Love of Our Lives is a book which should be on everyone’s TBR. This book deserves ALL the praise.
I recommend this to anyone and everyone who will listen.
September 14, 2025
Maggie has been living with a deteriorating heart condition and can't do the things that other girls her age are doing but then she receives a new heart, donated by someone who has tragically passed away and she receives a letter from the donor's mother asking her to take good care of it. Then Maggie wakes up one morning not recognising her surroundings and, when she looks in the mirror, someone else's face stares back at her. As far as she's concerned she's still Maggie, but soon discovers she's living the life of someone called Emily. Is this the second chance at life that she's been dreaming of and if so, what does it mean for her own family?
The Love of Our Lives is an uplifting tale of second chances, living life to the full and making the most of every chance of happiness you can grab. It's a heartwarming tale with some fabulously portrayed characters who the author brings to life throughout this book. I loved the relationship that Emily developed with her neighbour Adam and the friendships with her other neighbour William and Adam's friends Sven and Charlie was so endearing. This was an emotional read with many ups and downs for both Maggie and Emily and I was truly hoping for a HEA for both of these beautiful ladies. One thing that this story does show is that you should live every day as if it's your last, because tomorrow is never promised.
I'd like to thank Headline and NetGalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads and Amazon.
The Love of Our Lives is an uplifting tale of second chances, living life to the full and making the most of every chance of happiness you can grab. It's a heartwarming tale with some fabulously portrayed characters who the author brings to life throughout this book. I loved the relationship that Emily developed with her neighbour Adam and the friendships with her other neighbour William and Adam's friends Sven and Charlie was so endearing. This was an emotional read with many ups and downs for both Maggie and Emily and I was truly hoping for a HEA for both of these beautiful ladies. One thing that this story does show is that you should live every day as if it's your last, because tomorrow is never promised.
I'd like to thank Headline and NetGalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads and Amazon.
September 29, 2025
The Love of Our Lives by Emma Steele and narrated by Coral Sinclair was a beautifully written book from start to finish and I loved listening to this audiobook, it was just so uplifting and I could not stop listening. It will make you think about how your life is and where you are or would like to go.
This book is set in Edinburgh and is about a young woman called Maggie, who should be living her life to the full. She should be travelling the world, jumping out of planes, skiing in the mountains and having so much fun!. This is everything she has ever dream't of doing. . . .But, things changed so quickly. . . .A year ago she fell ill and needed a heart transplant.
Then something impossible happens she gets a new heart, This new heart is a gift and Maggie feels she should be honouring the person who gave her a chance of living again ad even falling in love. Things are changing around her again when she wakes up one morning in a flat that's not her own, wearing pyjamas that aren't her own, But, when she looks in the mirror, she sees another woman's face looking back at her.
How will Maggie deal with this new lease of life?
This book was just amazing, and a book that I am glad I had a chance to read/listen to. It made me think that your life could change in a flash so treasure it and enjoy every minute of it.
The narrator Coral Sinclair was excellent.
I highly recommend this book/audiobook. 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This book is set in Edinburgh and is about a young woman called Maggie, who should be living her life to the full. She should be travelling the world, jumping out of planes, skiing in the mountains and having so much fun!. This is everything she has ever dream't of doing. . . .But, things changed so quickly. . . .A year ago she fell ill and needed a heart transplant.
Then something impossible happens she gets a new heart, This new heart is a gift and Maggie feels she should be honouring the person who gave her a chance of living again ad even falling in love. Things are changing around her again when she wakes up one morning in a flat that's not her own, wearing pyjamas that aren't her own, But, when she looks in the mirror, she sees another woman's face looking back at her.
How will Maggie deal with this new lease of life?
This book was just amazing, and a book that I am glad I had a chance to read/listen to. It made me think that your life could change in a flash so treasure it and enjoy every minute of it.
The narrator Coral Sinclair was excellent.
I highly recommend this book/audiobook. 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
July 22, 2025
A brilliant book that gave me "Sliding Doors" vibes, and that's always a good thing!
Maggie has a heart condition and when she is given the life-changing offer of a transplant, she is, of course, delighted, but is also conscious that in order for her to live a full life, another family has suffered a loss. And so Maggie is very careful, determined to take good care of the heart she has been given, the life she almost didn't have, but that's not the way to go; life is for living! One day, Maggie wakes up to find she is now Emily, the original owner of her heart, and she has gone back in time by one year. Maggie realises that she now has an opportunity, knowing that Emily will die in 12 months time, to live life to the fullest and make the most of every moment before it's too late.
I absolutely adored this! Navigating Emily's final year of life through, and alongside, Maggie, I came to adore both women. There were some clever links between their lives and some really life affirming moments. I was wondering throughout whether Maggie would have the chance to choose whether to save Emily, or to return to her own life and if so, which option would she choose? Which life is more important? More meaningful?
So well written and gorgeous characters I now feel so attached to. Utterly wonderful!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Emma Steele and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Maggie has a heart condition and when she is given the life-changing offer of a transplant, she is, of course, delighted, but is also conscious that in order for her to live a full life, another family has suffered a loss. And so Maggie is very careful, determined to take good care of the heart she has been given, the life she almost didn't have, but that's not the way to go; life is for living! One day, Maggie wakes up to find she is now Emily, the original owner of her heart, and she has gone back in time by one year. Maggie realises that she now has an opportunity, knowing that Emily will die in 12 months time, to live life to the fullest and make the most of every moment before it's too late.
I absolutely adored this! Navigating Emily's final year of life through, and alongside, Maggie, I came to adore both women. There were some clever links between their lives and some really life affirming moments. I was wondering throughout whether Maggie would have the chance to choose whether to save Emily, or to return to her own life and if so, which option would she choose? Which life is more important? More meaningful?
So well written and gorgeous characters I now feel so attached to. Utterly wonderful!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Emma Steele and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
August 2, 2025
This book was like a hot cup of tea in a cosy corner. I honestly just LOVED it and I had no idea I would enjoy it as much as I did.
Maggie is the recipient of a heart transplant, but her life hasn’t really seemed to change that much since the operation. On the one year anniversary of the operation, she wakes up in the body of Emily, and now, suddenly, it is two years prior. As she navigates life as Emily and her chance to live the life she’s always wanted, we see the journeys of these two women and what they have both had to navigate along the way, such as loss, grief and identity.
The narration was a stellar performance from Coral Sinclair, and an admirable feat. She switched between accents and characters seamlessly, showing many POVs at once and distinguishing characters, sometimes in the same sentence! It was a fully engaging experience and I could “feel” the characters through her voice.
I enjoyed how the book explores how we can feel held back by our body’s limitations, but also how we can set many so limits on ourselves, despite our circumstances. Both Maggie and Emily’s experiences were beautifully explored; although they had very different challenges, they both had a lot of vulnerability and growth. Overall, I had the best time and I can’t recommend this book enough.
Thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for this ARC for review; all opinions are my own.
Maggie is the recipient of a heart transplant, but her life hasn’t really seemed to change that much since the operation. On the one year anniversary of the operation, she wakes up in the body of Emily, and now, suddenly, it is two years prior. As she navigates life as Emily and her chance to live the life she’s always wanted, we see the journeys of these two women and what they have both had to navigate along the way, such as loss, grief and identity.
The narration was a stellar performance from Coral Sinclair, and an admirable feat. She switched between accents and characters seamlessly, showing many POVs at once and distinguishing characters, sometimes in the same sentence! It was a fully engaging experience and I could “feel” the characters through her voice.
I enjoyed how the book explores how we can feel held back by our body’s limitations, but also how we can set many so limits on ourselves, despite our circumstances. Both Maggie and Emily’s experiences were beautifully explored; although they had very different challenges, they both had a lot of vulnerability and growth. Overall, I had the best time and I can’t recommend this book enough.
Thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for this ARC for review; all opinions are my own.
August 12, 2025
What a beautiful story by Emma Steele that combines magical realism with a Life Love Story. What does that mean? Maggie should be living life to the full. She should be travelling the world, jumping out of planes, skiing in the mountains. Everything she dreamed of doing. But a year ago she fell ill and needed a heart transplant, losing all her confidence. This new heart is a gift, and Maggie believes that the best way to honor it is to be careful, cautious, safe.
To tell more would ruin the beautiful subtle mystery and distract the reader from a story that is equally moving and inspiring. I gobbled this up in one day because I wanted to see this one to it's moving conclusion. The audiobook is narrated by Coral Sinclair and it's perfect. We get the Irish accents and a little bit of English and Canadian (which is very American). I just loved how she brought the story to life.
My only issue is that I would have loved to have more in the epilogue to tell us how all the people we've met end up in the end. We get a small peek but would have loved a flash forward in a few years.... that's just because I love to read HEA. I recommend this one to anyone who loves the idea of slipping into someone else's life and finding out there was a purpose to it all!
To tell more would ruin the beautiful subtle mystery and distract the reader from a story that is equally moving and inspiring. I gobbled this up in one day because I wanted to see this one to it's moving conclusion. The audiobook is narrated by Coral Sinclair and it's perfect. We get the Irish accents and a little bit of English and Canadian (which is very American). I just loved how she brought the story to life.
My only issue is that I would have loved to have more in the epilogue to tell us how all the people we've met end up in the end. We get a small peek but would have loved a flash forward in a few years.... that's just because I love to read HEA. I recommend this one to anyone who loves the idea of slipping into someone else's life and finding out there was a purpose to it all!
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