This Book Made Me Think of You

by Libby Page

“A lovely, affecting paean to the power of books and enduring love.”—People

A woman receives an unexpected gift from the man she loved and lost—a year of books, one for every month—launching a reading-inspired journey to live, dream, and love again in this glimmering and heart-stopping novel.

Twelve books. Twelve months. One chance to heal her heart…

When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there’s a birthday gift from her husband waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn’t come as more of a shock. Partly because she can’t remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. But mainly because Joe died five months ago....

When she goes to pick up the present, Alfie, the bookshop owner with kind eyes, explains the gift—twelve carefully chosen books with handwritten letters from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him.

At first Tilly can’t imagine sinking into a fictional world, but Joe’s tender words convince her to try, and something remarkable happens—Tilly becomes immersed in the pages, and a new chapter begins to unfold in her own life. Monthly trips to the bookstore—and heartfelt conversations with Alfie—give Tilly the comfort she craves and the courage to set out on a series of reading-inspired adventures that take her around the world. But as she begins to share her journey with others, her story—like a book—becomes more than her own.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Books About Books, Contemporary, Audiobook, Adult, Grief

411 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2026

About the author

Libby Page previously worked in marketing, moonlighting as a writer. She graduated from The London College of Fashion with a BA in Fashion Journalism before going on to work as a journalist at the Guardian. THE LIDO is her first novel. It was pre-empted within 24 hours of submission for six figures in the UK, pre-empted for six figures in the US, and will be published in 2018 by Orion UK and Simon & Schuster US, followed by eleven other territories around the world.

Libby has been a leading campaigner for fairer internships and has spoken on TV and in parliament in support of fair pay for interns. Libby has been writing from an early age and when she was 16 she wrote an illustrated book called Love Pink to raise money for Breast Cancer Care.

After writing, her second passion is outdoor swimming. Libby lives in London where she enjoys finding new swimming spots and pockets of community within the city.

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book Made Me Think Of You written by Libby Page was beautiful, emotional, authentic pure, heart breaking, powerful, raw, inspiring and heart warming. When I first saw this beautifully detailed cover, I knew I had to get my hands on this book immediately, but little did I know that it would become my favorite book of 2026. Every book lover needs to read this beautiful book because this emotional story will speak directly to you and your precious heart of gold. I knew this book would be emotional, but I didn't expect my heart to be ripped into a million tiny pieces, my goodness, I was just a hot mess, I just know my messy bun has seen better days. The snot bubbles were bubbling and the tears were a waterfall. To whoever created waterproof mascara, thank YOU from the bottom of my heart because I couldn't hold back the tears that had a mind of their own. I loved every single minute of this book from the beginning all the way until the very last page that truly captured my tears, I just remember staring at the ceiling with tears rolling down my face when I finished this beautiful book. 🎀❣️This Book Made Me Think Of You was so poetically beautiful🎀❣️. I can't recommend this book enough, if you are a book lover looking for an emotional story, then please do yourselves a favor and have your calendars marked for February 3rd, 2026 for the publication of this lovely book, which is now available if you want your heart ripped out of your chest. I will forever be blessed and honored that I had the chance to read this book so early because it's now a favorite for me and it will forever remain close to my heart for years and years to come.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!

🖤🎤Hey Alexa, play The Older You Get by Daniel Seavey🖤🎤

"📖🥰Bookshops aren't just book shops. They are places for book lovers to come together, like minded souls meeting among the stacks📖🥰".

"💔🥀People can just be crap at knowing how to deal with someone who is grieving💔🥀".

"⭐💫From one lone star to another, never forget that you are a part of a constellation⭐💫".

"❤️✨I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being❤️✨".

"♡ྀི🧸I think, maybe we don't get just one love of our lives. Maybe we all have room in our hearts for more than one story♡ྀི🧸".

"💘💤Sometimes life calls for a pillow fort. And sometimes you just have to build that fort yourself💘💤".

"ᥫ᭡♾️When you lose someone who is your entire universe, it hits you- all chances you didn't take, all the things you didn't say. Because the truth is that you think you have forever, but you don't. You never doᥫ᭡♾️".

Tilly Nightingale was married to Joe Carter, but Joe passed away six months ago, but died just nine months after their wedding- ugh I couldn't even imagine the heart break. Joe passed away months after being diagnosed with cancer, but his and Tilly's love story was oh so beautiful. Joe and Tilly met in a book shop and bonded over A Man Called Ove written by Fredrik Backman and ever since then they fell head over heels in love with each other. Even though he wasn't much of a reader himself, Joe always supported Tilly's love for books. Even though Tilly is a book lover at heart, she hasn't read a single book since Joe's diagnosis, Tilly would just sit by Joe's hospital bed for hours on end holding his hand and cherishing their last moments together. Tilly is a senior editor at Splash Books and she has a potential promotion to become the deputy publishing director. Before passing away, Joe left behind a birthday gift for his wife Tilly- this gift is so simple, but yet so beautiful and heart warming- twelve carefully chosen books from Joe, one for each month to help Tilly turn the page on her first year without her loving husband Joe. Tilly has twelve months, twelve books, and one chance to heal her heart. The first book Joe left behind is wrapped in brown paper and tied with a white ribbon- but the ribbons change color with each passing month. Joe also leaves a sweet note with every book telling Tilly why he chose that specific book. Tilly's waves of grief are so unexpected, but she just wants to let her hair down and be a big sister to her little sister Harper. At times it seemed like the books that Joe chose were a guide through life, but halfway through her year of books, Tilly's gifts on the first of the month have become like book marks keeping her place in the year. Each book that Joe picked holds a personal significance and a special meaning. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Tilly the biggest hug, this poor girl deserves the world. 🖤⃝🦋I love you, Tilly girl🖤⃝🦋.

Alfie Lane is a book seller and owner at Book Lane which is a book store that his dad built from scratch. Alfie believes the right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever. Alfie also has a cat named Georgette, but she's a neighborhood stray cat that just loves spending time at Book Lane, oh Georgette was just the sweetest fur baby. Alfie knows all about grief because his dad died from a heart attack right after Alfie finished college. Alfie wants his book store to feel like a safe place for people to just decompress while they navigate life dealing with grief. Alfie made a promise to Joe that he will call Tilly on January fifth which is also Tilly's birthday to let her know about her year of books that Joe left behind- all of these hand picked books from Joe are books that made him think of Tilly. That one unexpected call from Alfie on January fifth changed everything for Tilly. Alfie is actually the one that carefully wraps every book for Tilly with a cutesy colored ribbon for each month. Alfie's vulnerability was so beautiful, his story was so heart breaking, but I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give him the biggest hug as he navigated grief over the death of his dad. Alfie was so supportive, gentle, and patient with Tilly as she navigates this new life without her husband. I absolutely love that Tilly and Alfie had each other to lean on through this new life without their loved ones. After reading this beautiful book, I now want to go to London and visit this book shop and meet my new friends Rachel, Prudence, and Blue who also work at Book Lane And of course, I loved my favorite people, Alfie Lane and Tilly Nightingale. I absolutely adore Alfie for keeping his promise to Joe and gifting these books to Tilly. Ugh, I'm going to miss all of you, but don't worry, y'all will live rent free in my heart because how could I forget you? I can never imagine the pain you two beautiful souls have gone through. 🖤⃝🦋Alfie, you precious beautiful soul, I love you🖤⃝🦋.

[Sandysbookaday (on indefinite hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCERPT: Just as he is about to open up, his attention falls on the Book Lover's Calendar that was a Christmas gift from a customer and is pinned to the shop noticeboard, open on the new year and illustrated with an image of a woman reading in a pool of lamplight. Today's date is circled in red, the words 'PHONE NIGHTINGALE' written in capital letters. He glances at the shelf reserved for books awaiting collection. For once it is empty apart from one solitary book wrapped in brown paper and tied with ribbon. It has sat there for a long time, unmoving as a rotation of titles came and went around it.
'What a way to start the year.'
Sweeping a scattering of paperwork to one side on his desk unearths a leatherbound book the size of a particularly comprehensive dictionary. Alfie flicks through the crinkled pages until he finds the number he needs. As he picks up the phone he thinks back to the promise he made over a year ago. He had almost forgotten that this day would eventually arrive. That he'd have to make this call.
He pauses for a moment, his finger hovering over the dial button. Because he's worked as a bookseller long enough to know how transformational books can be. But he also knows from personal experience that some people don't want their lives to suddenly change. And he has the feeling that the call he is about to make will turn this customer's life upside down.

ABOUT 'THIS BOOK MADE ME THINK OF YOU': Twelve stories. Twelve months. Once chance to heal her heart . . .

When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there’s a birthday gift from her fiancé waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn’t come as more of a shock. Partly because she can’t remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. Mainly because Joe died five months ago . . .

The gift is simple – twelve carefully-chosen books from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him.
Tilly sets out on a series of reading-inspired adventures that take her around the world. But as she begins to vlog her journey, her story becomes more than her own. With help from Alfie, the bookshop owner, her budding new following and her friends and family, can Tilly’s year of books show her how to love again?

MY THOUGHTS: OMG! I am completely blown away by this love story. I have laughed. I have cried, and cried some more. This Book Made Me Think of You is now on my 'FOREVER' shelf. I love it. How have I never read Libby Page before?

Written with grace and sincerity, This Book Made Me Think of You is about love, loss, grief and learning to live and love again. It is about the healing power of books and their stories. In addition to the book Tilly receives from Joe each month, there is a list of "Books of the month" following the same theme.

I'm going to quote another paragraph from This Book Made Me Think of You: You know the characters are going to end up together from the beginning, and yet somehow I still can't stop reading to find out what happens . . . Only, not once did I even contemplate stopping reading. I couldn't have stopped if you'd paid me. I was totally immersed in the storyline and totally in love with it. I still am.

Full of wisdom and comfort. A book for booklovers and lovers of love.

At the end of the book, there is another list of recommendations listing Libby's favorite books and books about grief.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#ThisBookMadeMeThinkofYou #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: LIBBY PAGE As well as being a best-selling author, she is also a writing coach, mentoring writers through the process of writing their own novels.

Before writing full time she worked as a journalist and in marketing. She lives in Somerset with her husband and young son.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Penguin via NetGalley for providing a DRC of This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page for review. all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

[❀ Tia ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

| ARC REVIEW | COMING: 29TH JANUARY 2026

★ 4.5 ★

⚠️ Trigger Warnings ⚠️
~ Death (most prominently of a husband, and father)
~ Bereavement
~ Cancer
~ Grief

📚 Summary 📚
Five months ago, Tilly Nightingale lost two of her biggest loves: her husband Joe, and as a result, also her passion for reading. However, five months after Joe's death, deep in grief and with her birthday fast approaching, Tilly receives a call from the local bookseller Alfie Lane, explaining that there is a gift from her late husband waiting for her at his bookshop. The gift being twelve books carefully selected by Joe, one for each month of the year, designed to help Tilly navigate her new life without him, cope with the weight of her grief, support her in ever so gradually piecing herself back together again, and maybe even give her the strength to take a chance on love again.

💭 My Thoughts 💭
I thought this was a wonderfully sweet and emotional read, written in such a warm and tender way, perfectly fitted for the themes mentioned. I found myself tearing up before I was even 10% into the book! I particularly loved the flashbacks showing us glimpses of Tilly and Joe's life together. They made me want to hug my loved ones a little tighter.

The plot was a little bit predictable, but I think that there's something comforting about predictability in these types of books, almost as if it's like a bit of solace amongst the emotional themes and tear-jerking moments.

This book is written in third person perspective, which worked fine. However, I often find this can take a degree of emotional depth away from the characters. Therefore, as this book was so emotive, I did wonder whether it would've better suited being written in first person perspective as this may have potentially portrayed the depth of Tilly and Alfie's emotions more effectively.

The pacing felt a bit inconsistent; sometimes a slow burn and other times a bit too rushed. At several points, I really wanted things to slow down so I could really savour Tilly's shifting mental state and better appreciate her journey of healing. For example, I would've loved to have read more about Tilly's adventures around Paris with the "grief gang".

Sprinkled with numerous book recommendations throughout, I think that this is a great book for anyone who loves reading and uses books as a form of escapism. From the beautifully poetic descriptions of how much a book in the right hands can truly change someone's life, to the level of commitment it must've taken to collate so many appropriate book recommendations to scatter throughout the story, it is apparent that Libby Page is incredibly passionate about literature. This also meant that each characters' love of books also read very authentically.

💫 Overall 💫
I really enjoyed this book. It was emotional, heart-warming and brimming with hope amongst heartbreak. Libby Page handled the themes with such care and sensitivity, and gave all the characters their own little personalities and quirks, making them feel so real and well-rounded. Even with the inconsistent pacing, I found this book fantastic and would recommend it to anyone who likes their romances with a side of sobbing.

Thank you to NetGalley, Libby Page and Penguin General UK | Viking for gifting this eBook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

[Dee (in the Desert) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 solid stars - very nice read about a recent widow & the books her late hubs left behind for her. A bit predictable but still a very nice, like warm hug of a book

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars


This Book Made Me Think About You was emotional, sweet, and so very hopeful. It had some heavy topics, mainly centered around grief, but it was represented beautifully. It was my first book by Libby Page, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Tilly’s husband passed away in the summer, and it is now the first of the year. She gets a call from her local bookshop that she has a package there. It’s a book. From her husband. It is, in fact, 12 books. One, she gets on the first of each month from Joe. A gift she never saw coming.

Alfie is the bookseller and is dealing with grief of his own after losing his dad and inheriting his bookstore. Though his father has been gone longer than Tilly’s dad, it’s still challenging for him to navigate all his feelings. I loved both Alfie and Tilly and rooted for them to be together. Though the focus of this book is not on romance, I enjoyed it nonetheless.

This is one of those books that brought a few tears, but ultimately left me with the biggest smile on my face. I hurt for these characters, but also cheered for them. This book was a win for me!

[Lauren (thebookscript) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like the warm hug I needed.

This Book Made Me Think of You is a love letter to readers, and to indie bookshops that give us refuge in the storms of life. It's an ode to remembering those we have lost, and forging new paths in their memory. It's also a book about finding love again when you least expect it, and grabbing hold of it while you still can.

I adored the concept of this story, it's what made me pick it up in the first place. Before he passes, Tilly's husband leaves her 12 books...one book a month for a whole year. Each book includes a special message to help her get back on her feet after he is gone. The main rule: she has to pick them up one month at a time from a bookshop.

From the very first chapter I was invested in Tilly and her journey after losing her dear husband. I loved the back and forth timelines that gave us a peek into their marriage, which was heartfelt and sentimental. Yes this book made me teary eyed on multiple occasions. Alfie the bookshop owner is boyish, sweet and charming. The romance elements were so naturally woven into the book, and while they weren't front and center...they still made a huge impact in the story.

This book was one of those special stories that reminded me of why we read books. Not to get through them, but to have them go through us. For them to impact us, and remind us of the magic of truly living and seeing the special in the ordinary. I will be thinking about this book for a while, and it's easily a favorite of the year.

CONTENT:
Heat: Kissing Only
Language: none (at least none I remember)

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5- Rounding up to 4.

Sweet story but definitely a bit too cutsie and cliche for me (our FMC has red hair, of course she does!). If you can suspend reality, I think you'll enjoy it. I do think the plot just wasn't enough which feels wild to say since it was about a widow getting books from her dead husband! --but the writing was lacking to keep tension and interest chapter to chapter. This will be a sweet story to read cuddled under a blanket.

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tilly gets a call from a bookstore telling her she has a book ready to pick up, but she doesn't understand because she didn't buy a book.

The bookstore owner suggested that she stop in so he can explain.

What a surprise!! Her husband who had passed has surprise books scheduled to be delivered to Tilly every month for an entire year.

Tilly wants all the books, but the bookstore owner said he promised that he would only give them out one month at a time.

The books have a note from her husband that makes Tilly feel he is right there with her. Each book has something to help her get back into reading and to help herself cope.

This was the sweetest read. I was excited to see what book was next for Tilly and what adventure Joe wanted her to experience.

If you need an uplifting book with wonderful characters, please read this book.

You will get many book recommendations and also visit the Library Hotel in Manhattan.

The cover is as adorable as the book. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then, you come across a book that just grabs you. You know, those stories that take root and plant themselves right into your very core, those stories that you still think about long after they have ended. Those are the ones that change you. Those are the ones that matter.

This is one of those stories. A story that moved me. Made me think. Made me feel, oh how this story pulled at all my emotions. I can't even tell you how many times I cried, both sad tears and happy tears. It really was just that good.

You will adore Tilly, you will adore Alfie, you will love Joe, and Blue, and Prudence, and Harper. There isn't a character in this story that doesn't matter, that doesn't stand out in some way or another.

This is a must read, I just can't say enough good things about it. Try it. You won't regret it.

*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

[Jeanniehay64 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book. Full of inspiration, hope and showcasing the profound impact books can have on the reader.

Tilly is only just surviving after the loss of fiancée Joe. He has left her a collection of books each to be collected once a month after he has passed away. Tilly struggles to open the first book, but as each month passes she finds herself looking forward to finding out what lies behind the beautifully wrapped parcels. The books not only remind her of the thoughtfulness of Joe, but encourage her to make changes to her life, pushing herself out of her comfort zone and helping her navigate her grief.

This book highlights how books can expand our horizons, taking us travelling, building new relationships and friendships along the way.

This book is full of wonderful characters and is both thought provoking and inspiring. Overall a book I didn’t want to end .

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful and Captivating Story of Hope


SUMMARY
When Tilly Nightingale receives a call about a birthday gift from her husband at her local bookshop, it's a shock. Joe had died five months ago, and she hadn’t read for pleasure ever since he got sick. Alfie, the bookshop owner, explains the gift—one book each month with a handwritten letter from Joe for the next twelve months. Though hesitant, Tilly begins reading Joe’s letters, and she immerses herself in the books he chose. She starts to enjoy the monthly visits to the bookshop and her conversations with Alfie and the bookstore staff, which offer comfort and motivate her to travel, take risks, and have adventures.

REVIEW
This is one of those fabulous books I can’t stop talking about. It was a delight watching Tilly’s character evolve from a grieving widow to a strong, confident, and independent woman. I absolutely adored the posthumous gift of books from her husband. I love the thought and care that went into selecting each book. And the letters…priceless.

The writing is captivating. Both Tilly and Alfie’s characters draw you into the story. You can’t help but anticipate what each month’s book and letter will bring to Tilly’s life. The struggling bookshop and the colorful bookstore employees also play a significant role in the story development.

My favorite part is Tilly’s solo trip to Paris and the wonderful group of diverse friends she meets there—in a bookstore, no less.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Publisher Berkley
Published February 3, 2026
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

[Shannon Bavister · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts: TBMMTOY is genuinely one of the most incredible and beautiful reads I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing and I am grateful for the opportunity to have had an advance reader copy.

I wrote pages of notes for this novel as I was reading through, as there was just so much I loved and enjoyed - so I will try to narrow and simplify my thoughts below:

• my favourite quotes from the novel can be seen on slide 3 - I will, from this moment, always be referred to as a “library mouse”

• The recommendations throughout of books to read either by Book Lane or from Joe to Tilly - I looked up every book that was mentioned and so many were added to my TBR!

• Whilst there is some predictability to the plot, the journey the characters go through to get there is absolutely incredible. There are moments of intensity, emotional depth, resilience and vulnerability. There are tears and laughter which as a reader you feel emotionally in tune with - have tissues at the ready as there were so many heart wrenching moments.

• Every character is so loveable - from the Paris Grief group, Tilly’s sister Harper, Prudence and Blue, and even stray cat Georgette - you will become immersed in the world that Libby creates and feel like these characters are friends and family to you.

An easy 5✨ read!! ❤️

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC from NetGalley

This book was just beautiful. A perfect rom com written for book lovers. The obvious comparison is that this book is like a modern P.S, I love you but written for bibliophiles.

I mean this as a compliment but this book was exactly what I thought it would be, in the same way that re-watching Love Actually every Christmas is comforting and nostalgic.

I really appreciated the references to famous book shops and book related places, as well as the monthly book recommendations. The recommendations at the beginning of each month were so good and I actually ended up adding a few to my TBR.

This book isn’t doing anything ground breaking but you can tell that the author (and therefore the characters) just really loves all kinds of books, from modern romance bestsellers to the classics. A warm hug of a book!

[Papillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this novel. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Real rating: 4.75

Oh, this is so soft and warm. I felt like I was tucked in a warm, weighted blanket, fuzzy socks covering my feet, with a mug of tea sitting idle beside me as an old radio crackled lightly in the distance while it crooned soft melodies.

I love books about books. I love friends to lovers. I especially love strangers to friends to lovers. And I really, really love when both parties are open and vulnerable and safe with each other. I don’t see enough of that. And this? This is simply gorgeous.

[Mikayla Larlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book Made Me Think of You is a tender, hopeful story about grief, healing, and the quiet ways love continues after loss.
While the story is somewhat predictable, it works in the book’s favor, offering comfort and warmth in heavy topics.

I received an ARC through NetGalley -thank you to the author and publisher

[Randi Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

For fans of P.S. I Love You and The Library of Borrowed Hearts, This Book Made Me Think of You is a deeply emotional story following Matilda as she learns how to live after unimaginable loss.

Six months after Joe’s death, Matilda receives an unexpected call from Alfie, a bookstore owner at Book Lane. Before he passed, Joe carefully selected twelve books for Matilda, one to be delivered each month for a year. Each accompanied by a note meant to guide her back to reading, healing, and eventually learning how to exist in a world without him by her side.

This was a heart-wrenching exploration of grief, love, and the slow, painful process of growing when the person you thought you’d grow old with is gone. I adored every single character, felt every emotion alongside Matilda, and absolutely cried at the end.

Have tissues ready… you’re going to need them.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness. What an absolutely wonderful read! Don't get me wrong, I started crying within the first few pages and didn't stop until the end, but even so, how absolutely wonderful was it! We meet Tilly who, out of the blue, has a phone call from a local bookshop advising her that there is book waiting for her. She's confused as she hasn't ordered one, but when she goes to the bookshop she discovers that her husband Joe, who died from cancer six months before, organised a year's worth of books for her - one book a month. Each book is chosen by him and includes a letter that he has left for her. Well, if that hasn't already got you crying, then hang around for the next 12 months to find out the books Tilly receives and why - you'll certainly need more tissues!

The book flowed along so well and I became hooked into Tilly's storyline right from the first page. She's such a likeable character who has been through an awful time. Who can blame her for wanting to hide from everything she's known! The bookshop owner, Alfie is also invested in Tilly's journey and it's lovely to see their friendship evolve as the book moves on. The books Tilly receives all have some special meaning from Joe, but there are also book recommendations from Alfie at the beginning of every month - some of these have managed to end up on my TBR list, so thanks Joe and Alfie!

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster throughout. Parts were sad, there's lots of tears and grieving from Tilly, but other parts were uplifting and heart-warming seeing how Tilly begins to recover from the worst time of her life. You connect with all the characters straight away, and the supporting characters play just as an important role in the storyline as Tilly and Alfie do.

I'm so glad I read this book! It was full of life and love, friends and family, heartbreak and grief and growth and recovery. A real gem of a read. Would definitely recommend, but don't forget the tissues!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow!
Everyone needs to read this book!💜💜💜

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise was promising. Young, sad, widow gets a call from a local bookshop that she has a book waiting. She didn't order any books, but apparently her late husband (not a reader!) purchased one book a month for his wife to read after he died. Sweet! A great romance book plot!

BUT this book was pretty dreadful. It was chock-full of every rom-com cliche, but the spin is that the MC is not doing ALL THE THINGS with her husband, because he's DEAD. Which is, you know, horrible. But this privileged, mourning, QUIRKY gal does ALL THE THINGS, and then finds what she needed all along, right there at home. GAH.

ALL THE THINGS include: honeymoon in Bali (with her sister), including drunken karaoke; three weeks in Paris where she meets other grieving people and becomes instant BFFs with all of them; "wild camping" in Scotland with hilariously awful results; running a marathon (excuse me, *half* marathon), again with sis.

She's QUIRKY because she has red hair! She wears a tweed coat with big mismatched buttons! And a rainbow scarf and orange bobble hat! A floaty dress with a denim jacket!

[Amy-louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
Great read, lovely relaxed book

[MrsHarvieReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page is a heartwarming story of the power of books that follows a young woman as she finds her way through grief. Tilly Nightingale is a lifelong book lover and new widow. On her first birthday after her husband’s death, she learns that he left her a gift of 12 books to be delivered across the following 12 months. The books were carefully chosen with the hope that Tilly will continue to live her life fully. As Tilly rediscovers her love of reading, the books provide her with surprising insight into what her future could hold.

This year I seem to be repeatedly reaching for novels that focus on how fragile life is. While this novel deals with grief, I appreciated the focus on the importance of living life to its fullest. The novel is so full of hope and charm that I was more than willing to overlook several happy coincidences. I mean, why wouldn’t the bookseller who helped arrange the year of books also be young, single, and incredibly handsome?! And the ending was perfectly predictable. Book lovers looking for a warm hug should check this one out! 4/5⭐️

[Joanne Eglon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Million Stars ⭐

Nothing I write will do this book the justice it deserves.

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Such a magical, hopeful and thought provoking read.

Matilda, Joe and Alfie have my whole heart! ❤️

This book had my heart from page 1 and I am so sad I've finished it.

Why did I like it so much?

1. Its about books and actually features titles and books you will have read and adored I'm sure.

2. Themes of grief, loss, friendship, love, hope, finding yourself to name a few.

3. Features a book shop.

4. Beautiful premise with idyllic settings throughout.

5. Written with heart and just kept giving me 'oh my' .. Moments 😊

Honestly I could go on and on, I implore you to pick this up and read ASAP.

This Book Made Me Think Of You Will Stay With Me Forever!

I have started January with a couple of 5 ⭐ reads but this, honestly could be my book of the year!

Would highly recommend 💕

[Becca | bookedwithbecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness I loved this. 😭

[A Dreaming Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an eARC.

This book was so good. I cried every chapter but it was so well written. Each letter from Joe sent me into a new burst of tears. It was really beautiful how each book had a special connection to their life together. Tilly and Alfie's romance didn't exactly click for me but I suppose they do make a cute couple. I personally felt that the romance was just added to make it a cozy book. It also helps the narrative of her moving on. It was cozy and sad all at once. Ots

[katie ⋅♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Made Me Think of You is a tender, hopeful story that beautifully explores grief, healing, and the small ways love lingers. Tilly’s journey, guided by the twelve books her late husband chose for her, is emotional from the very first chapters, and the flashbacks to her life with Joe add a heartfelt depth that’s hard not to tear up over. The book’s predictability actually works in its favor, offering comfort and warmth in the midst of heavier themes.

I found myself tearing up within the first 15% of this book. kind of gave me ps i love you vibes.

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher!

[LibraryLaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely, heartwarming story about the power of books was the perfect palate cleanser to read between my recent diet of suspense novels. I may have shed a few tears, but I enjoyed every word of it.

*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what an absolutely beautiful book. I’d started reading this and was reading as and when but Christmas Day I sat and read the second half of the book and I just couldn’t stop reading.

This is my first book I’ve read by Libby Page and I’m SO eager to read more, it’s definitely up there with my all time favourite reads. I adored everything about it, the storyline was sad but incredibly beautiful, I was fully obsessed with the monthly book gifting, I feel like I went on such a journey with the main character Tilly, navigating her grief and slowly progressing into an adventure of discovering who she is and stepping out of her comfort zone.

The focus on grief is done so brilliantly and there is never a right or wrong way to grieve and everyone goes through this differently - I liked how at the end of the book there was some book recommendations on grief along with lots of other book recommendations throughout the book, some of these are books I’ve read and loved myself. I feel like it’s definitely the kind of book for any book lover.

The book is filled with likeable characters, Alfie was my favourite, his love of books and owning a book shop, he’s incredibly kind and caring and I feel like he was perfect in being that addition to helping Tilly with her journey.

I cried, I smiled lots and I really felt like it was the book I never knew I needed, it will definitely stay with me for a long time. This is going to be a very successful book and I hope everyone who reads it, loves it as much as I did!

✨ some of my fave quotes below 👇🏻

‘𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.’

‘𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?' 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬. '𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞’

‘𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞. 𝐁𝐞���𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮’

✨

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[brewdy_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for the free finished copy and ALC ♡

link to my review and pics on bookstagram

💌 A love letter to both books and independent bookstores 📚

This is not a romcom. This is the story of a woman processing her grief and finding herself following the loss of her husband to an incurable disease.

For such a heavy topic, the book is surprisingly comforting. Half a year after his passing, Tilly receives a gift from Joe posthumously. 12 books for a year, one per month, each accompanied by a letter from Joe with instructions and memories.

This takes Tilly on a journey of discovery and adventure around the world, running a half marathon, changing careers, and mending several broken relationships in her life.

A romance subplot develops at a snails pace over the course of the book, which might make this the perfect choice for the month of love, if you want something that’s predictable but not straight up romance 💘

Book lovers will fist pump the 70+ book references (books about books) and the effort to save the indie bookshop where Alfie works.

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။‌‌‌‌‌|• 🎧 I loved Tilly’s British accent and voice! Ultimately because of all the emails, texts, letters, and lists of books, I referenced the written text quite a lot.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I finished this year was This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page. It has such a gorgeous first line and one I whole-heartedly agree with: The right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever.

I just adored this book and the premise of Tilly receiving a book each month chosen by her late husband, Joe, was so moving. There is a lot about grief in this book and how people deal with it in different ways. Yet, the book is not at all maudlin. I particularly liked what one of the characters said about grief: ” my grief is a gift. He gave it to me. It is our memories, Our love.” What a beautiful way to think about grief.

Joe is such a significant presence in the book even though he has died and I enjoyed finding out about their relationship through his letters and her memories. I so enjoyed discovering what book had been chosen each month and why, and seeing how Tilly responded to each challenge Joe set her. Some inspired her, some took her out of her comfort zone, some made her laugh and others made her cry.

The beautiful, heartfelt letters Joe included with each book brought a lump to my throat, never mind Tilly’s. I soon was eager to find out what book would be next. As the Love Lane bookseller Alfie says ‘helping people find the books they need is my job’. This book could increase your own reading pile, not just because of the books Joe chose but also because of Love Lane’s recommended reads each month.

I think This Book Made Me Think of You is Libby Page’s best novel yet, a love letter to books and bookshops. Even though it was the first book I finished this year, I can easily see this being among my top reads for 2026.

[Lydia Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really lovely read and Libby Page back to her best I feel with this one which I enjoyed as much as her first- The Lido. I was captivated from the first chapter when I realised the book starts on the main character’s - Tilly’s- birthday which is also my own! I also read it the same week, the first week of January.

A subject matter which could be desperately sad was somehow made hopeful & positive by the author & it turned into a real hug of a book. The book recommendations at the start of each chapter are perfectly done too & I’ve made a note of many. A really sweet read.

Many thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.