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This Book Made Me Think of You
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100 copies available
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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.
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.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 3, 2026
54 people are currently reading
20051 people want to read
About the author
Libby Page
9 books718 followersLibby 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
November 26, 2025
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!
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!
November 15, 2025
★ 4.5 ★ COMING: 29TH JANUARY 2026
⚠️ 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.
⚠️ 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.
October 27, 2025
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.
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.
August 7, 2025
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 .
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 .
October 29, 2025
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!
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!
July 23, 2025
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!! ❤️
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!! ❤️
August 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐
Great read, lovely relaxed book
Great read, lovely relaxed book
August 6, 2025
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.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2025
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!
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!
November 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
This is a beautiful story about the powerful gift of books. In this story, a woman receives the gift of a book a month to ease her through grief. I looked forward to each new chapter and what the next book would be and how Tilly, the main female character, would react to the book. This book has loving, caring, kind characters and certainly highlights the power of books and independent book stores.
This is a beautiful story about the powerful gift of books. In this story, a woman receives the gift of a book a month to ease her through grief. I looked forward to each new chapter and what the next book would be and how Tilly, the main female character, would react to the book. This book has loving, caring, kind characters and certainly highlights the power of books and independent book stores.
September 3, 2025
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!
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!
October 22, 2025
Oh my word! What a wonderful book, easily one of my favourite books of 2025. I was delighted to receive the ARC of this from the publisher.
Tilly Nightingale receives an unexpected call from her local bookshop on her birthday, her husband has organised a gift, what makes this so unexpected is that Joe died 6 months ago. Before he passed away, Joe arranged for Tilly to receive a book a month for a year, to help her through the first full year without him, what follows is a series of adventures, discoveries and new friendships.
This book was a joy to read, it made me laugh and cry, it made me think about the time we have and how precious it is. Even though I read this book on my kindle, I will definitely be buying a physical copy on publication day for myself and for my closest friends.
I loved the book recommendations at the start of each chapter and will be adding some of those to man TBR pile as well. The characters were all brilliant, even the cat named after Georgette Heyer!
Overall, a super book that I will be recommending again and again!
Tilly Nightingale receives an unexpected call from her local bookshop on her birthday, her husband has organised a gift, what makes this so unexpected is that Joe died 6 months ago. Before he passed away, Joe arranged for Tilly to receive a book a month for a year, to help her through the first full year without him, what follows is a series of adventures, discoveries and new friendships.
This book was a joy to read, it made me laugh and cry, it made me think about the time we have and how precious it is. Even though I read this book on my kindle, I will definitely be buying a physical copy on publication day for myself and for my closest friends.
I loved the book recommendations at the start of each chapter and will be adding some of those to man TBR pile as well. The characters were all brilliant, even the cat named after Georgette Heyer!
Overall, a super book that I will be recommending again and again!
November 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
3.5⭐️ rounded up.
Tilly is trying to manage everyday life following the death of her husband when she receives a call from her local book shop. This is where her year of books begins, where grief is woven through every adventure and every conversation.
I enjoyed how the author created characters with depth and intelligence. Not even the side characters felt rushed or flat. This made it easy to feel invested in their stories and the decisions they made.
The way the book discusses grief feels very accurate, with every character experiencing something different. The only area this did fall short for me was in how it was brought up in every conversation between every character. I enjoyed the idea of not having to hide their emotions, but it became slightly forced when a group chat was named ‘The Paris Grief Gang’.
This feeling continued in the way books were discussed. I liked how Tilly was a book lover, along with many of the other characters, it just began to border on cheesy how books were referenced in most conversations as well.
The way the author describes Tilly’s adventures and her emotions felt very believable, and the progress she made throughout the year felt authentic. The way the book is separated into the months of the year worked very well and meant the pacing was perfect.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this as a somewhat light, romance read, with great insights into the impacts of grief. It does have a bit of cheese, but that’s not always a bad thing and is sometimes to be expected!
3.5⭐️ rounded up.
Tilly is trying to manage everyday life following the death of her husband when she receives a call from her local book shop. This is where her year of books begins, where grief is woven through every adventure and every conversation.
I enjoyed how the author created characters with depth and intelligence. Not even the side characters felt rushed or flat. This made it easy to feel invested in their stories and the decisions they made.
The way the book discusses grief feels very accurate, with every character experiencing something different. The only area this did fall short for me was in how it was brought up in every conversation between every character. I enjoyed the idea of not having to hide their emotions, but it became slightly forced when a group chat was named ‘The Paris Grief Gang’.
This feeling continued in the way books were discussed. I liked how Tilly was a book lover, along with many of the other characters, it just began to border on cheesy how books were referenced in most conversations as well.
The way the author describes Tilly’s adventures and her emotions felt very believable, and the progress she made throughout the year felt authentic. The way the book is separated into the months of the year worked very well and meant the pacing was perfect.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this as a somewhat light, romance read, with great insights into the impacts of grief. It does have a bit of cheese, but that’s not always a bad thing and is sometimes to be expected!
November 21, 2025
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
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
October 12, 2025
I have been in a reading slump the last few weeks and this book rescued me! 'This Book Made Me Think Of You' is comforting, hopeful and joyful.
I loved the story of Tilly and Joe.
The book recommendations throughout were glorious.
This is the book I will be buying for friends as soon as it is out.
Utterly delightful!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
I loved the story of Tilly and Joe.
The book recommendations throughout were glorious.
This is the book I will be buying for friends as soon as it is out.
Utterly delightful!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
November 14, 2025
A very beautifully written book & lovely story.
I received an advance copy of this book from BookBrowse in exchange for an honest review.
I won't give too much info about the actual story itself but I loved this book.
You know in the very early pages that Tilly is dealing with sadness & why she is.
The unique way the story unfolds & the gentle & lovely way of telling it just hit the spot for me, took me away from real life issues in our world.
There's books, a bookstore, challenges, inspiration, laughs & some tears.
Loved it!
I received an advance copy of this book from BookBrowse in exchange for an honest review.
I won't give too much info about the actual story itself but I loved this book.
You know in the very early pages that Tilly is dealing with sadness & why she is.
The unique way the story unfolds & the gentle & lovely way of telling it just hit the spot for me, took me away from real life issues in our world.
There's books, a bookstore, challenges, inspiration, laughs & some tears.
Loved it!
November 5, 2025
Trigger warning: death, cancer, grief and loss
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve just finished this book and in only just over two days as it was so lovely and easy to read but I also really didn’t want it to end! It’s honestly such a beautiful book and I think it’ll stay with me for a long time and especially the very likeable characters (main ones: Tilly, her sister Harper, Alfie and some of the additional characters you come to love too). The central themes, I would say, are: love, feeling lost and unfulfilled, grief, hope, adventure and exploration. I felt there were similarities to Ps. i Love You but with a nod to books and travel, so it was right up my street.
The book opens with our lovely and very likeable main character, Tilly, receiving a phone call from her local bookshop in Primrose Hill, London to collect a gift left to her from her husband who died a few months ago from a form of cancer. Tilly is confused but goes there and it turns out Joe, her husband who died, has put together a year of books for Tilly and she has to come to the bookshop each month to collect a book.
I loved how much Tilly’s - as well as the author’s - love of books shone through and really drew you in, and how each month had a range of eclectic book recommendations included relating to the theme for that particular month. This led to Joe guiding Tilly to become braver, more courageous, adventurous and hopeful in the year following his death.
It was really clever how travel and books were interwoven showing the comfort of books and how they can really touch and impact our lives - through escapism, adventure, love, hope and friendships.
I mentioned some of the themes I felt were in the book were: love, feeling lost and unfulfilled, grief, hope, adventure and exploration. I would say the theme of love goes beyond the obvious love story and love lost to also relate to love in terms of friendships, family, unrequited love, a love of your city and travel and, of course, a love of books. In terms of grief and loss, I would say this relates to a feeling of being lost, unfulfilled job and career wise, relationship wise, Tilly grieving for Joe and Alfie his Dad, and potentially the bookshop. I also loved the friendship of the Parisian book group/Grief Group and what they brought to the story.
This theme of grief perhaps resonated more with me as my Dad died last year and some close relatives a few months ago, and I did cry a lot reading some of the book but I also felt inspired end hopeful too, like Tilly, and I felt the book was beautifully written and even included some book recommendations on grief which was a nice touch.
I read this book on Kindle but when it’s released in paperback I will likely buy it for myself and others as I enjoyer it so much.
Highly recommend!
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve just finished this book and in only just over two days as it was so lovely and easy to read but I also really didn’t want it to end! It’s honestly such a beautiful book and I think it’ll stay with me for a long time and especially the very likeable characters (main ones: Tilly, her sister Harper, Alfie and some of the additional characters you come to love too). The central themes, I would say, are: love, feeling lost and unfulfilled, grief, hope, adventure and exploration. I felt there were similarities to Ps. i Love You but with a nod to books and travel, so it was right up my street.
The book opens with our lovely and very likeable main character, Tilly, receiving a phone call from her local bookshop in Primrose Hill, London to collect a gift left to her from her husband who died a few months ago from a form of cancer. Tilly is confused but goes there and it turns out Joe, her husband who died, has put together a year of books for Tilly and she has to come to the bookshop each month to collect a book.
I loved how much Tilly’s - as well as the author’s - love of books shone through and really drew you in, and how each month had a range of eclectic book recommendations included relating to the theme for that particular month. This led to Joe guiding Tilly to become braver, more courageous, adventurous and hopeful in the year following his death.
It was really clever how travel and books were interwoven showing the comfort of books and how they can really touch and impact our lives - through escapism, adventure, love, hope and friendships.
I mentioned some of the themes I felt were in the book were: love, feeling lost and unfulfilled, grief, hope, adventure and exploration. I would say the theme of love goes beyond the obvious love story and love lost to also relate to love in terms of friendships, family, unrequited love, a love of your city and travel and, of course, a love of books. In terms of grief and loss, I would say this relates to a feeling of being lost, unfulfilled job and career wise, relationship wise, Tilly grieving for Joe and Alfie his Dad, and potentially the bookshop. I also loved the friendship of the Parisian book group/Grief Group and what they brought to the story.
This theme of grief perhaps resonated more with me as my Dad died last year and some close relatives a few months ago, and I did cry a lot reading some of the book but I also felt inspired end hopeful too, like Tilly, and I felt the book was beautifully written and even included some book recommendations on grief which was a nice touch.
I read this book on Kindle but when it’s released in paperback I will likely buy it for myself and others as I enjoyer it so much.
Highly recommend!
September 1, 2025
‘The right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever…’
Thank you to Penguin Books for sending me a proof copy of this novel! You can also find my review on LOST ART magazine's newsletter.
I visit a bookshop practically every weekend. Often it’s Foyles on Charing Cross Road, the store where Tilly Nightingale, the protagonist of Libby Page’s upcoming novel This Book Made Me Think of You, meets her fiancé Joe. But you’ll also find me at a few independent bookshops—like the one in Primrose Hill that Tilly heads to after the death of her fiancé, where a package from Joe is waiting for her.
Before he passed, Joe organised a parting gift: twelve books for each month of her first year without him. Over the year, Tilly rediscovers joy and finds community at the lowest point in her life, all because of the life-affirming power of books and independent bookshops. It could be cliché, but instead I find it to be a tender portrayal of love and loss.
That said, one part of this novel doesn’t ring true to my bookshop-going experience. No bookseller I know has the muscular biceps and auburn-flecked beard of the store owner that Tilly finds herself increasingly drawn to as he helps her complete this year of books. (If you know of a bookshop with staff like this, please contact LOST ART magazine ASAP.)
Thank you to Penguin Books for sending me a proof copy of this novel! You can also find my review on LOST ART magazine's newsletter.
I visit a bookshop practically every weekend. Often it’s Foyles on Charing Cross Road, the store where Tilly Nightingale, the protagonist of Libby Page’s upcoming novel This Book Made Me Think of You, meets her fiancé Joe. But you’ll also find me at a few independent bookshops—like the one in Primrose Hill that Tilly heads to after the death of her fiancé, where a package from Joe is waiting for her.
Before he passed, Joe organised a parting gift: twelve books for each month of her first year without him. Over the year, Tilly rediscovers joy and finds community at the lowest point in her life, all because of the life-affirming power of books and independent bookshops. It could be cliché, but instead I find it to be a tender portrayal of love and loss.
That said, one part of this novel doesn’t ring true to my bookshop-going experience. No bookseller I know has the muscular biceps and auburn-flecked beard of the store owner that Tilly finds herself increasingly drawn to as he helps her complete this year of books. (If you know of a bookshop with staff like this, please contact LOST ART magazine ASAP.)
October 31, 2025
4.5⭐️
this book made me ugly cry🥹
Matilda (Tilly) loses her husband Joe and he planned to give a book each month before he passed. 12 books that helped Tilly do something out of her comfort zone or learn something about herself.
there is a lot of memorable moments that resonated with me and inspired me to do something for the first time. this book also gave me the gentle reminder that life is short, and we make the best of it.
Alfie is the whole Amazon rainforest💚 i loved his generosity, humor, and intentional actions toward Tilly especially with her grief.
i encourage everyone to read this book 🫶
thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for gifting the eARC.
this book made me ugly cry🥹
Matilda (Tilly) loses her husband Joe and he planned to give a book each month before he passed. 12 books that helped Tilly do something out of her comfort zone or learn something about herself.
there is a lot of memorable moments that resonated with me and inspired me to do something for the first time. this book also gave me the gentle reminder that life is short, and we make the best of it.
Alfie is the whole Amazon rainforest💚 i loved his generosity, humor, and intentional actions toward Tilly especially with her grief.
i encourage everyone to read this book 🫶
thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for gifting the eARC.
July 23, 2025
This Book Made Me Think of You, by Libby Page ARC review, out February 2026.
😭 This book made me…
cry for so many reasons
📚 This book made me look up the book recommendations peppered throughout the story
🇬🇧This book made me miss London
📖 This book made me want to read more of Libby Page’s books
💓 This book made me fall in the with the characters (mostly)
😢 This book made me think about grief and the grieving process
🧳 This book made me want to travel
👥This book made me miss former friendships
🛍️This book made me want to visit more independent bookshops!
👀This book made me not want to put it down
🎤This book made me want to tell everyone to go out and get a copy and READ IT! ( Out February 2926)
🎇I liked so much about this book, but it wasn’t quite five stars for me ( I’d happily give it 4.5) It’s just that the romance fell a bit short, mostly because the mmc wasn’t for me and the chemistry felt a bit stilted. Luckily that wasn’t the main focal point and I adored the idea of gifting someone you love a book a month for a year. I can see this trending easily!
Overall it was a heartwarming and very enjoyable book and I am so grateful to #netgalley and #penguinukbooks for the ARC!
You’ll like this if you liked -
Me before You - Jojo Moyes
P.S I love you - Celia Ahern
The Authenticity Project - Clare Pooley
😭 This book made me…
cry for so many reasons
📚 This book made me look up the book recommendations peppered throughout the story
🇬🇧This book made me miss London
📖 This book made me want to read more of Libby Page’s books
💓 This book made me fall in the with the characters (mostly)
😢 This book made me think about grief and the grieving process
🧳 This book made me want to travel
👥This book made me miss former friendships
🛍️This book made me want to visit more independent bookshops!
👀This book made me not want to put it down
🎤This book made me want to tell everyone to go out and get a copy and READ IT! ( Out February 2926)
🎇I liked so much about this book, but it wasn’t quite five stars for me ( I’d happily give it 4.5) It’s just that the romance fell a bit short, mostly because the mmc wasn’t for me and the chemistry felt a bit stilted. Luckily that wasn’t the main focal point and I adored the idea of gifting someone you love a book a month for a year. I can see this trending easily!
Overall it was a heartwarming and very enjoyable book and I am so grateful to #netgalley and #penguinukbooks for the ARC!
You’ll like this if you liked -
Me before You - Jojo Moyes
P.S I love you - Celia Ahern
The Authenticity Project - Clare Pooley
October 7, 2025
Don't let this cute cover and equally cute title fool you - this heartfelt story really surprised me with the amount of sadness and self-discovery and depth. This would be a wonderful choice for those wanting a "clean" romance and for anyone that appreciates a well-timed book.
November 23, 2025
My first ARC from NetGalley! I was over the moon when this came through as Libby Page is an auto-buy author for me, and I LOVED this one - it had to be one of my faves from her 🩵 It really was a big warm hug in a book that included some difficult topics around grief and losing a loved one - make sure you check trigger warnings if you need.
The concept of the story was what I loved - following Tilly who receives a book a month from her husband who passed away that previous year 🫶🏻 This book is full of hope, inspiration and heart as Tilly navigates through life and finds herself again. I loved the adventures and the meaning that each book showed. It really highlighted the impact reading books can have someone especially when you are going through a difficult time of life! As always, friendship was at the heart of a Libby Page book, and I loved how this was explored through so many different people that Tilly has in her life especially with Alfie who owns the bookshop! At times I felt it was predictable, but others it surprised me which I enjoyed as well!
Also loved all the book recommendations and nods to London book shops - there was so much I could say about this book 😍 I highlighted quotes and cannot wait to get a physical copy when it is released to read again! I would highly recommend this book and could not put it down ♥️
The concept of the story was what I loved - following Tilly who receives a book a month from her husband who passed away that previous year 🫶🏻 This book is full of hope, inspiration and heart as Tilly navigates through life and finds herself again. I loved the adventures and the meaning that each book showed. It really highlighted the impact reading books can have someone especially when you are going through a difficult time of life! As always, friendship was at the heart of a Libby Page book, and I loved how this was explored through so many different people that Tilly has in her life especially with Alfie who owns the bookshop! At times I felt it was predictable, but others it surprised me which I enjoyed as well!
Also loved all the book recommendations and nods to London book shops - there was so much I could say about this book 😍 I highlighted quotes and cannot wait to get a physical copy when it is released to read again! I would highly recommend this book and could not put it down ♥️
August 15, 2025
I finished my previous book -the wonderful “The Dead Romantics”- at 9pm on a Friday night thinking I had enough time to “read a few chapters” of this advanced copy I received before I went off to bed. Big mistake. I definitely do not like reading overly sad books and this book explores themes of dealing with grief in its various stages. In the spirit of total honesty, knowing what the book was about I would never have purchased this on my own. Spoiler alert- this book was one of the saddest, yet incredibly moving and then ultimately hopeful books I can remember reading in recent years. There is absolutely nothing cliche about this and the writing is beautiful, raw and real. Yes, for someone who is not a fan of crying into my pillow every other chapter, this is not a book I would ordinarily seek out myself. I went into that first (slightly clunky) chapter with low expectations. Before I knew it, I was desperately flipping chapters and having my heart pulled from my body and then put back together again multiple times. I finished the book at two in the morning with trembling breath, tears in my eyes and a hopeful ,happy feeling in my heart. It was telling that I hit the next page on my kindle a couple of times, not consciously realising that the book had ended and I didn’t want it to, I wanted to be part of their world a little longer and to witness the moments of joy that were coming their way. I adored the characters and their journey and the book ending was absolutely wonderful full of hope and promise while honouring the past. It’s funny, I often read really fantastic books and wonder why I’m so picky about giving 5 stars but then a book like this comes along and I realise why. It’s not just a book, it’s an experience and it changes you after reading it. I can see this book being huge and I really hope it finds the audience because it absolutely deserves to.
November 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this heartwarming book and rate it 4.5*. Themes include grief, lost dreams, getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things, love of friends and family, and being open to a new love and making new memories. The protagonist, Tillie, receives the gift of a book each month for a year, from her husband, Joe, who died 5 months prior. His letter in each book offers love and encouragement for her to try new things and move forward with her life. She bravely attempts the challenges, some with difficulty that made me laugh or shed a tear.
The likable characters were well-developed and I felt like I knew them well. I loved Book Lane's monthly book recommendations and headings such as "Books to read when you don't feel like reading." I recommend this book to all book lovers who enjoy uplifting books about family drama and facing difficult life choices.
Thank you to Bookbrowse and Net Galley for my ARC
The likable characters were well-developed and I felt like I knew them well. I loved Book Lane's monthly book recommendations and headings such as "Books to read when you don't feel like reading." I recommend this book to all book lovers who enjoy uplifting books about family drama and facing difficult life choices.
Thank you to Bookbrowse and Net Galley for my ARC
July 4, 2025
I've literally just finished reading it & Wow!!! Absolutely brilliant, the idea behind this book is so clever,
highlighting the profound impact stories can have on our lives, offering solace, inspiration, & new perspectives.
The story shows a journey of healing, self discovery & the power of literature in navigating grief & the slow winding path to finding joy again.
Each book serves as a catalyst, inspiring Tilly to embark on a series of adventures, some close to home, others taking her around the world. As she begins to share her journey, her story resonates with others, transforming her personal healing process into something larger than herself.
Tilly is such a likeable character & I love her resilience as she slowly allows herself to be guided by Joe's thoughtful gift.
This novel is more than just a story about loss; it's a celebration of life, friendship, & the enduring power of love.
There are moments of heartbreak & glimmers of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, new chapters can begin.
If you're looking for a novel that is tender, thought-provoking, & ultimately uplifting, this is a truly special read that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page!
highlighting the profound impact stories can have on our lives, offering solace, inspiration, & new perspectives.
The story shows a journey of healing, self discovery & the power of literature in navigating grief & the slow winding path to finding joy again.
Each book serves as a catalyst, inspiring Tilly to embark on a series of adventures, some close to home, others taking her around the world. As she begins to share her journey, her story resonates with others, transforming her personal healing process into something larger than herself.
Tilly is such a likeable character & I love her resilience as she slowly allows herself to be guided by Joe's thoughtful gift.
This novel is more than just a story about loss; it's a celebration of life, friendship, & the enduring power of love.
There are moments of heartbreak & glimmers of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, new chapters can begin.
If you're looking for a novel that is tender, thought-provoking, & ultimately uplifting, this is a truly special read that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page!
November 22, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I will be honest here and say that I requested a copy of this book before I'd even read what it was about solely because of Libby being the author. I love her books. And her Mum's - Sally Page. They are a writing dynasty of two. This book sounded so hopeful and gorgeous - it's a love story involving books, I mean what more do you want.
Every so often you come across a book that is more than a book, that is more than a temporary piece of entertainment, and this is that book.
Oh how I wanted to savour every page of this but oh how I failed, and just zoomed through.
I loved the book recommendations that are littered through this story - although my bank account is already worrying about me writing them all down. As it happens, I had either read or own a lot of them so thankfully my list ended up at a mere 16 books!
I loved Tilly. She felt very real and familiar and I felt for her so much, I just wanted to take her hand and tell her it would be okay. And Joe. Okay we only know Joe through flashbacks and Tilly's inner monologue, but boy do I need a Joe. I mean, I have a Joe - he's my cousin - but I need a Libby- Page-Joe. He puts a lot of men to shame - it's a pity he's fictional. And Alfie who works at the bookshop is a delight. Shy and a bit awkward, and let's be honest, a look of bookworms are, but he is a lovely, lovely person.
This is the most beautiful and tender novel I think I have ever read, and I can't even say why. As someone who has gone through her fair share of grief (but luckily, not a spouse), it can be hard to put into words what it's like, but Libby has excelled herself. I forgot I was reading a book to be honest. Tilly felt so real that I couldn't believe she wasn't a real person, and at times that made me sad because I wanted to meet her and hug her. She was gorgeous. It has its difficult moments, its upsetting moments, but it is such a stunning and uplifting novel.
I am not going to pretend I know the intricacies of Libby's personal life, but to write so honestly about grief, that has to come from experience and not just research, so if that is the case then my heart goes out to her.
Generally speaking, once I've read an e-arc, I delete it off my Kindle and move on to the next book. But not only will this take me a while to get over, I will probably have to buy myself a copy of the physical book because I think it's a story I am going to want, to need, to return to.
I definitely cried at this. Not necessarily at the sad, grief bits, but at the hope and love, the friendship, support, and sense of community. It's absolutely beautiful.
It is a love letter to books and reading, to bookshops, booksellers, and storytelling. Whilst everyone should read this, I think it will have a special meaning to bookworms. This book shows just how important books are to people.
This is Libby's best book to date, no question. Every single aspect - plot, characters, narrative, writing, feeling - is 100% perfect. I cannot say more than that, although I have tried to. It'll definitely be a book I recommend to everyone I know, especially those who have experienced recent grief.
I will be honest here and say that I requested a copy of this book before I'd even read what it was about solely because of Libby being the author. I love her books. And her Mum's - Sally Page. They are a writing dynasty of two. This book sounded so hopeful and gorgeous - it's a love story involving books, I mean what more do you want.
Every so often you come across a book that is more than a book, that is more than a temporary piece of entertainment, and this is that book.
Oh how I wanted to savour every page of this but oh how I failed, and just zoomed through.
I loved the book recommendations that are littered through this story - although my bank account is already worrying about me writing them all down. As it happens, I had either read or own a lot of them so thankfully my list ended up at a mere 16 books!
I loved Tilly. She felt very real and familiar and I felt for her so much, I just wanted to take her hand and tell her it would be okay. And Joe. Okay we only know Joe through flashbacks and Tilly's inner monologue, but boy do I need a Joe. I mean, I have a Joe - he's my cousin - but I need a Libby- Page-Joe. He puts a lot of men to shame - it's a pity he's fictional. And Alfie who works at the bookshop is a delight. Shy and a bit awkward, and let's be honest, a look of bookworms are, but he is a lovely, lovely person.
This is the most beautiful and tender novel I think I have ever read, and I can't even say why. As someone who has gone through her fair share of grief (but luckily, not a spouse), it can be hard to put into words what it's like, but Libby has excelled herself. I forgot I was reading a book to be honest. Tilly felt so real that I couldn't believe she wasn't a real person, and at times that made me sad because I wanted to meet her and hug her. She was gorgeous. It has its difficult moments, its upsetting moments, but it is such a stunning and uplifting novel.
I am not going to pretend I know the intricacies of Libby's personal life, but to write so honestly about grief, that has to come from experience and not just research, so if that is the case then my heart goes out to her.
Generally speaking, once I've read an e-arc, I delete it off my Kindle and move on to the next book. But not only will this take me a while to get over, I will probably have to buy myself a copy of the physical book because I think it's a story I am going to want, to need, to return to.
I definitely cried at this. Not necessarily at the sad, grief bits, but at the hope and love, the friendship, support, and sense of community. It's absolutely beautiful.
It is a love letter to books and reading, to bookshops, booksellers, and storytelling. Whilst everyone should read this, I think it will have a special meaning to bookworms. This book shows just how important books are to people.
This is Libby's best book to date, no question. Every single aspect - plot, characters, narrative, writing, feeling - is 100% perfect. I cannot say more than that, although I have tried to. It'll definitely be a book I recommend to everyone I know, especially those who have experienced recent grief.
October 13, 2025
This Book Made Me Think Of You
3.5 ⭐️
If you love books (which I’m assuming you do?) then there is so much to enjoy when cracking open this one!
Tilly Nightingale is lost, her husband having passed 7 months prior which left her afloat in her own life. Until she gets a call from Alfie at Book Lane, her local indie bookshop… Her late husband (Joe) has gifted her a year of books, and no matter how hard she tries to stop it, this changes her life forever.
This one is definitely for book lovers. Tilly, herself, is a book lover and we get to go along with her as she rediscovers her love after stepping away during her husbands illness and passing.
If you’ve ever lost someone close to you, this will also resonate heavily. We all grieve differently so keep that in mind, perhaps Tilly loves differently than you and that’s okay.
I enjoyed watching Tilly get her spark back, not only surviving but thriving. Her community is one we should all aspire to have and I’m so happy for her even if some moments felt out of character but you know what? YOU GO GIRL.
This book made me miss London desperately and made me long for travel again. See you next year, Paris! No, seriously, this will make you book that flight if you’re not careful (don’t be careful, be brave!)
My only complaint is that I still don’t feel like we really got to know Alfie and the romance aspect of it all fell slightly flat for me. Alfie is sweet, obviously, and caring not only for Tilly but his friends and customers, but his life outside of Book Lane felt very one dimensional. We never meet his friends, see him interact much with anyone outside of the shop, and even his moments with Tilly just felt like we weren’t getting to know him.
Oh, and what do you mean Tilly didn’t know what the word “spice” meant in regards to books? She stopped reading 18 months earlier, not 10 years! AND SHE WORKED IN PUBLISHING WITH MILLENIALS. No chance she never heard the term before.
Other than that, it was very heartwarming and if you can relate to Tilly this might help you find your spark again as well.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest feedback!
3.5 ⭐️
If you love books (which I’m assuming you do?) then there is so much to enjoy when cracking open this one!
Tilly Nightingale is lost, her husband having passed 7 months prior which left her afloat in her own life. Until she gets a call from Alfie at Book Lane, her local indie bookshop… Her late husband (Joe) has gifted her a year of books, and no matter how hard she tries to stop it, this changes her life forever.
This one is definitely for book lovers. Tilly, herself, is a book lover and we get to go along with her as she rediscovers her love after stepping away during her husbands illness and passing.
If you’ve ever lost someone close to you, this will also resonate heavily. We all grieve differently so keep that in mind, perhaps Tilly loves differently than you and that’s okay.
I enjoyed watching Tilly get her spark back, not only surviving but thriving. Her community is one we should all aspire to have and I’m so happy for her even if some moments felt out of character but you know what? YOU GO GIRL.
This book made me miss London desperately and made me long for travel again. See you next year, Paris! No, seriously, this will make you book that flight if you’re not careful (don’t be careful, be brave!)
My only complaint is that I still don’t feel like we really got to know Alfie and the romance aspect of it all fell slightly flat for me. Alfie is sweet, obviously, and caring not only for Tilly but his friends and customers, but his life outside of Book Lane felt very one dimensional. We never meet his friends, see him interact much with anyone outside of the shop, and even his moments with Tilly just felt like we weren’t getting to know him.
Oh, and what do you mean Tilly didn’t know what the word “spice” meant in regards to books? She stopped reading 18 months earlier, not 10 years! AND SHE WORKED IN PUBLISHING WITH MILLENIALS. No chance she never heard the term before.
Other than that, it was very heartwarming and if you can relate to Tilly this might help you find your spark again as well.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest feedback!
November 24, 2025
Tilly Nightingale receives a call from bookshop owner Alfie to say that her late husband has arranged a gift for her. The gift is twelve books, one for each month, to help her navigate her life now. This comes as a shock as she hasn’t been able to read since every thing happened. Tilly soon embarks on a year of reading inspired adventures and discovers how much of an impact these stories can hold.
This is the first full Libby Page story I’ve read, having only read snippets before, but as a lover of reading I knew I had to read a book about the significance of books and bookshops. It was refreshing to have a change of scene from my usual crime one and read something completely opposite to those about serial killers, psychopaths and other similar subjects. This was a beautiful, visceral read and I ended up being fully immersed in the story, as well as the magical journey it took. I’ll admit I shed a few tears at time. I love book references while reading and this had these in abundance! I found myself having to put the book down to look up and note some of the recommendations listed in each chapter.
The story focuses on some raw, emotional issues, mainly the exploration of grief but does this in a tender, uplifting way, where by we see the characters grow and become emboldened by what they learn about themselves and the power books can have on someone. Tilly and Alfie, as well as the more minor characters, are fantastically written, where the reader really feels what they are feeling alongside them and rooting for them to end up being happy in each of their situations. The story takes the reader to many different places, which kept the story captivating and made it feel as though we were there with the characters. I enjoyed seeing where each chapter and book would influence the story and was fully invested by the end; it wrapped up wonderfully.
This is definitely well worth a read for those looking for books to reflect upon, while being full of warmth, hope and inspiration. It has inspired me to step away more often from my usual genre and see where the book takes me. I can’t wait to discover more stories by Libby Page and this one will be added to my own recommendation list. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This is the first full Libby Page story I’ve read, having only read snippets before, but as a lover of reading I knew I had to read a book about the significance of books and bookshops. It was refreshing to have a change of scene from my usual crime one and read something completely opposite to those about serial killers, psychopaths and other similar subjects. This was a beautiful, visceral read and I ended up being fully immersed in the story, as well as the magical journey it took. I’ll admit I shed a few tears at time. I love book references while reading and this had these in abundance! I found myself having to put the book down to look up and note some of the recommendations listed in each chapter.
The story focuses on some raw, emotional issues, mainly the exploration of grief but does this in a tender, uplifting way, where by we see the characters grow and become emboldened by what they learn about themselves and the power books can have on someone. Tilly and Alfie, as well as the more minor characters, are fantastically written, where the reader really feels what they are feeling alongside them and rooting for them to end up being happy in each of their situations. The story takes the reader to many different places, which kept the story captivating and made it feel as though we were there with the characters. I enjoyed seeing where each chapter and book would influence the story and was fully invested by the end; it wrapped up wonderfully.
This is definitely well worth a read for those looking for books to reflect upon, while being full of warmth, hope and inspiration. It has inspired me to step away more often from my usual genre and see where the book takes me. I can’t wait to discover more stories by Libby Page and this one will be added to my own recommendation list. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This Book Made Me Think Of You is a simply gorgeous tribute to bookshops and to the transformative power of books and reading, written by someone who clearly understands these things, as much as she understands about grief and loss.
In a nod to PS I Love You, our grieving main character, Tilly, receives a birthday gift of twelve carefully chosen books from her husband, Joe, who died 5 months previously, one book per month, supplied by Alfie, the owner of her local bookshop.
The intention of the gift is to help her turn the page on her first year without him, and they prompt a reading-inspired journey that takes Tilly around the world; from bustling sidewalks in New York and the tree-lined avenues of Paris to the tranquil Tuscan countryside and the white sands of Bali, as well as inspiring her to learn to cook, take up running and go on a wild camping trip to Jura.
With the help of Alfie the bookshop owner, his staff, her friends and family, Tilly starts to discover who she is now, after Joe, and what she might want her life to be like. But can her year of books show her how to love again?...
It's a beautifully, sensitively written book that makes you laugh and cry, but above all it fills you with a real sense of hope. It shows that no matter how big the hurt and how deep the sadness, you can carry on; that whilst you will never forget the person you loved, they will live on in your heart always.
It also reminds us of the fragility and brevity of life, so we should make sure we live life to the full, try to live our best lives, and have as many adventures as possible. Wise words indeed.
Never mawkish or trite, Libby Page never fails to hit the right tone, and her character development is spot on: she has created a wonderful cast of characters - the kind you'd choose to know and be friends with yourself - and the emergence of Tilly from her cocoon of grief is beautifully managed.
I've loved Libby Page's books since I first read The Lido back in 2018, but I can confidently say that this one is her best yet.
It's brim full of heart, it's heartwarming and it's definitely life-affirming, and, as a bonus, it contains some fabulous book recommendations too.
I absolutely loved it.
Out on 29th January, 2026. Thank you to Viking for early access to the Netgalley of this novel.
In a nod to PS I Love You, our grieving main character, Tilly, receives a birthday gift of twelve carefully chosen books from her husband, Joe, who died 5 months previously, one book per month, supplied by Alfie, the owner of her local bookshop.
The intention of the gift is to help her turn the page on her first year without him, and they prompt a reading-inspired journey that takes Tilly around the world; from bustling sidewalks in New York and the tree-lined avenues of Paris to the tranquil Tuscan countryside and the white sands of Bali, as well as inspiring her to learn to cook, take up running and go on a wild camping trip to Jura.
With the help of Alfie the bookshop owner, his staff, her friends and family, Tilly starts to discover who she is now, after Joe, and what she might want her life to be like. But can her year of books show her how to love again?...
It's a beautifully, sensitively written book that makes you laugh and cry, but above all it fills you with a real sense of hope. It shows that no matter how big the hurt and how deep the sadness, you can carry on; that whilst you will never forget the person you loved, they will live on in your heart always.
It also reminds us of the fragility and brevity of life, so we should make sure we live life to the full, try to live our best lives, and have as many adventures as possible. Wise words indeed.
Never mawkish or trite, Libby Page never fails to hit the right tone, and her character development is spot on: she has created a wonderful cast of characters - the kind you'd choose to know and be friends with yourself - and the emergence of Tilly from her cocoon of grief is beautifully managed.
I've loved Libby Page's books since I first read The Lido back in 2018, but I can confidently say that this one is her best yet.
It's brim full of heart, it's heartwarming and it's definitely life-affirming, and, as a bonus, it contains some fabulous book recommendations too.
I absolutely loved it.
Out on 29th January, 2026. Thank you to Viking for early access to the Netgalley of this novel.
October 30, 2025
'Choose a book. Hold it close. Your own adventures are waiting for you. It's time to open the page.'
The QUEEN of heartfelt, heartwarming, uplifting, beautiful contemporary writing. This is everything and more of what I expected of Libby Page's newest novel. Absolutely stunning and a beautiful way of showing how a character navigates grief when there isn't a sign of the happy ending she once knew in the books she read. Think PS I Love You but make it bookish. Grips you from the very beginning, told in through months of the year and tell us a story of a lost character and her journey of finding herself again. Page's writing also introduces new characters and their own life experiences and journeys and how these people find comfort alone and together.
The writing is stunning, the characters are fantastic, yet again another 5 star. Libby Page can do no wrong and you all need to pick this up immediately. The most perfect wholesome, cosy read, reminding us that life is too short, go on adventures, meet new people, do the 'thing' you've wanted to do for years... go for it. PS the book recommendations and book mentions are on point.
Thankyou to Penguin & Viking Books for the gifted copy and opportunity to read early.
The QUEEN of heartfelt, heartwarming, uplifting, beautiful contemporary writing. This is everything and more of what I expected of Libby Page's newest novel. Absolutely stunning and a beautiful way of showing how a character navigates grief when there isn't a sign of the happy ending she once knew in the books she read. Think PS I Love You but make it bookish. Grips you from the very beginning, told in through months of the year and tell us a story of a lost character and her journey of finding herself again. Page's writing also introduces new characters and their own life experiences and journeys and how these people find comfort alone and together.
The writing is stunning, the characters are fantastic, yet again another 5 star. Libby Page can do no wrong and you all need to pick this up immediately. The most perfect wholesome, cosy read, reminding us that life is too short, go on adventures, meet new people, do the 'thing' you've wanted to do for years... go for it. PS the book recommendations and book mentions are on point.
Thankyou to Penguin & Viking Books for the gifted copy and opportunity to read early.
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