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The Love of Another Life
A BRAND NEW breathtakingly emotional read from BESTSELLING author of The One Before The One, Emma Cooper. Perfect for readerss of Dani Atkins and Jojo Moyes Praise for Emma
When Alice receives a mysterious letter from a stranger writing from 1985, she’s determined to find the man who wrote it… But could chasing a miracle cost her the future?
A letter arrives at Alice's new house, interrupting her fresh start. It’s addressed to her, but written by a man she’s never met. And yet Michael understands her – her grief, her fears, even her dreams.
As more letters follow, Alice becomes convinced that she and Michael are connected somehow – that they are meant to meet. Or perhaps, in some impossible way, they already have.
But there’s one complication: Michael isn’t just a stranger – he’s writing from four decades in the past. And as Alice searches for a man who may no longer be waiting, she must decide whether love can truly defy time – or whether she’s risking the chance at happiness right in front of her.
'My favourite read of the year, all the stars!' Josie Silver
'A genius premise with a bit of time travel thrown in for good measure and the writing is to die for. All the stars.' Laura Pearson, bestselling author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont
''A wonderfully original love story that oozes intrigue and suspense - Emma Cooper just went straight to my "must read” list.’ Shari Low
'A masterpiece of pace and emotion. This story grips your heart and doesn’t let go until the last page.' Sam Tonge
'I absolutely adored this beautiful book. A clever premise, wonderful characters and a story that had me hooked from the very first page!' Clare Swatman
'I completely lost myself in this poignant, witty and wise novel. A beautiful take on the idea of first and lost loves.' Holly Seddon
'THIS BOOK. WOW. It's been a while since I've read something this good, and I mean it. This story felt completely new and refreshing, with its own unique twist on love, loss, and second chances.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘This was one of my favorite reads of 2024! I absolutely enjoyed every second.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘A true masterpiece in split-time storytelling. It’s unique, heart-wrenching, and filled with suspense, making it an unforgettable read. Highly recommended for fans of emotional, character-driven stories that keep you on the edge of your seat!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘I absolutely loved this book, sat up reading it until dawn as I was so enraptured with the story and the characters, I couldn’t bear to put it down.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Wow what can I say another brilliant read from this fabulous author who has the capability to tear your heart into about a million pieces and put it back together again.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
When Alice receives a mysterious letter from a stranger writing from 1985, she’s determined to find the man who wrote it… But could chasing a miracle cost her the future?
A letter arrives at Alice's new house, interrupting her fresh start. It’s addressed to her, but written by a man she’s never met. And yet Michael understands her – her grief, her fears, even her dreams.
As more letters follow, Alice becomes convinced that she and Michael are connected somehow – that they are meant to meet. Or perhaps, in some impossible way, they already have.
But there’s one complication: Michael isn’t just a stranger – he’s writing from four decades in the past. And as Alice searches for a man who may no longer be waiting, she must decide whether love can truly defy time – or whether she’s risking the chance at happiness right in front of her.
'My favourite read of the year, all the stars!' Josie Silver
'A genius premise with a bit of time travel thrown in for good measure and the writing is to die for. All the stars.' Laura Pearson, bestselling author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont
''A wonderfully original love story that oozes intrigue and suspense - Emma Cooper just went straight to my "must read” list.’ Shari Low
'A masterpiece of pace and emotion. This story grips your heart and doesn’t let go until the last page.' Sam Tonge
'I absolutely adored this beautiful book. A clever premise, wonderful characters and a story that had me hooked from the very first page!' Clare Swatman
'I completely lost myself in this poignant, witty and wise novel. A beautiful take on the idea of first and lost loves.' Holly Seddon
'THIS BOOK. WOW. It's been a while since I've read something this good, and I mean it. This story felt completely new and refreshing, with its own unique twist on love, loss, and second chances.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘This was one of my favorite reads of 2024! I absolutely enjoyed every second.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘A true masterpiece in split-time storytelling. It’s unique, heart-wrenching, and filled with suspense, making it an unforgettable read. Highly recommended for fans of emotional, character-driven stories that keep you on the edge of your seat!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘I absolutely loved this book, sat up reading it until dawn as I was so enraptured with the story and the characters, I couldn’t bear to put it down.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Wow what can I say another brilliant read from this fabulous author who has the capability to tear your heart into about a million pieces and put it back together again.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2026
About the author
Emma Cooper
8 books244 followersEmma Cooper is a former teaching assistant, who lives in Shropshire, with her partner and four children. Her spare time consists of writing novels, drinking wine and watching box-sets with her partner of twenty-four years, who still makes her smile every day.
Emma has always wanted to be a writer – ever since her childhood, she’s been inventing characters (her favourite being her imaginary friend ‘Boot’) and is thrilled that she now gets to use this imagination to bring to life all of her creations.
The Songs of Us was inspired by Emma’s love of music and her ability to almost always embarrass herself, and her children, in the most mundane of situations. She was so fascinated by the idea of combining the two, that she began to write Melody’s story. Working full-time with a large family meant that Emma had to steal snippets of ‘spare’ time from her already chaotic and disorganised life; the majority of her novel was written during her lunchtime in a tiny school office. She never expected to fall so deeply in love with the King family and is overwhelmed that others feel the same.
She has three loves in life: reading, writing and her family…oh, and music, cheese, pizza, films – Maths is not one of her talents.
Emma keeps in touch with her readers and loves to hear from them on twitter @ItsEmmacooper and on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EmmacooperAuthor/
Emma has always wanted to be a writer – ever since her childhood, she’s been inventing characters (her favourite being her imaginary friend ‘Boot’) and is thrilled that she now gets to use this imagination to bring to life all of her creations.
The Songs of Us was inspired by Emma’s love of music and her ability to almost always embarrass herself, and her children, in the most mundane of situations. She was so fascinated by the idea of combining the two, that she began to write Melody’s story. Working full-time with a large family meant that Emma had to steal snippets of ‘spare’ time from her already chaotic and disorganised life; the majority of her novel was written during her lunchtime in a tiny school office. She never expected to fall so deeply in love with the King family and is overwhelmed that others feel the same.
She has three loves in life: reading, writing and her family…oh, and music, cheese, pizza, films – Maths is not one of her talents.
Emma keeps in touch with her readers and loves to hear from them on twitter @ItsEmmacooper and on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EmmacooperAuthor/
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June 8, 2026
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐1/2
The Love of Another Life
Emma Cooper
Publication Date: June 8th, 2026
Boldwood Books
280 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: Romance | Women's Fiction
I am not a big romance reader, but there is something about split-time ones that speaks to me. I loved this author's other books, The Truth About You and Me and The One Before the One , and am I ever glad I requested this one too. I admit they aren't for everyone, as they can be a bit too sentimental at times, but I love the emotions they spark in me. There are themes of grief and second chances, and always some sort of impossible choice to make—this one is across decades.
It's about Alice, who moves into a new house and wants a fresh start. Then she finds a letter addressed to her; the letter is from a man named Michael from 1985! Despite the time separating them, Michael understands Alice's feelings, and Alice believes they share some sort of connection. So Alice starts searching for a man from forty years ago who may not even be around any longer. Is it possible to meet him, or is she just chasing a pipe dream? Should she focus on herself in the here and now?
I believed I understood Alice's reasons for wanting to find Michael, even though it might not be possible. Alice is suffering from loss and isolation, and the hurt is still very raw to her. The author did an excellent job of putting these feelings down on paper. I love a good epistolary tale, especially emotional ones, even if it is a romance, and the letters are beautifully written. The romance is a slow burn through these letters, and it was done so incredibly well, with warmth and sincerity. The nostalgic parts from the 1980s were a throwback of memories to me.
The middle of the book was a bit repetitive. Once the time slip was established, the book went through it again and again, with Alice reading a letter, feeling confused, and then trying to investigate more... this happened over and over again and kinda slowed things down for me. Then we got to the how and why this is all happening, and I don't think it was clearly explained enough, which left me feeling frustrated. The side plots that take place with Alice in the present weren't enough for me, especially compared to the time-slip romance part, but that might be a "me" thing; I found it rushed.
If you enjoy emotional, character-driven romances, I can highly recommend this one. It's worth the read for the emotional depth and the realistic feelings of the characters and their unusual situation. I enjoy "what if" stories a lot, so I think that's why it appealed to me so much. It was a remarkably bittersweet weekend read, so I am rounding up, which I don't usually do.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐1/2
The Love of Another Life
Emma Cooper
Publication Date: June 8th, 2026
Boldwood Books
280 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: Romance | Women's Fiction
I am not a big romance reader, but there is something about split-time ones that speaks to me. I loved this author's other books, The Truth About You and Me and The One Before the One , and am I ever glad I requested this one too. I admit they aren't for everyone, as they can be a bit too sentimental at times, but I love the emotions they spark in me. There are themes of grief and second chances, and always some sort of impossible choice to make—this one is across decades.
It's about Alice, who moves into a new house and wants a fresh start. Then she finds a letter addressed to her; the letter is from a man named Michael from 1985! Despite the time separating them, Michael understands Alice's feelings, and Alice believes they share some sort of connection. So Alice starts searching for a man from forty years ago who may not even be around any longer. Is it possible to meet him, or is she just chasing a pipe dream? Should she focus on herself in the here and now?
I believed I understood Alice's reasons for wanting to find Michael, even though it might not be possible. Alice is suffering from loss and isolation, and the hurt is still very raw to her. The author did an excellent job of putting these feelings down on paper. I love a good epistolary tale, especially emotional ones, even if it is a romance, and the letters are beautifully written. The romance is a slow burn through these letters, and it was done so incredibly well, with warmth and sincerity. The nostalgic parts from the 1980s were a throwback of memories to me.
The middle of the book was a bit repetitive. Once the time slip was established, the book went through it again and again, with Alice reading a letter, feeling confused, and then trying to investigate more... this happened over and over again and kinda slowed things down for me. Then we got to the how and why this is all happening, and I don't think it was clearly explained enough, which left me feeling frustrated. The side plots that take place with Alice in the present weren't enough for me, especially compared to the time-slip romance part, but that might be a "me" thing; I found it rushed.
If you enjoy emotional, character-driven romances, I can highly recommend this one. It's worth the read for the emotional depth and the realistic feelings of the characters and their unusual situation. I enjoy "what if" stories a lot, so I think that's why it appealed to me so much. It was a remarkably bittersweet weekend read, so I am rounding up, which I don't usually do.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5
When I first read the premise of The Love of Another Life, I was completely intrigued. A romance with a time travel aspect sounded exactly like the kind of story I love. Unfortunately, I think I walked into this book with the wrong expectations. I was very focused on the magical realism and time travel elements, and for me, those aspects didn’t fully deliver. At first, that left me disappointed and unsure about where the story was going.
But after sitting with the book for a while, I realized it’s actually a beautifully written story about identity, grief, healing, and learning to truly see yourself and the people around you. At its core, this is much more a story about emotional recovery and self-discovery than it is about time travel.
I especially loved the found family aspect of the novel. Those relationships added so much warmth and heart to the story. Alice, the female main character, was easy to connect with as she tries to rebuild her life after a painful breakup. Her journey felt honest and grounded, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the book.
One of my favorite parts was the structure of the story. The alternating timelines between the present day and 1985 worked really well, and since 1985 is my birth year, those chapters felt especially nostalgic to me. The atmosphere of the 80s was portrayed wonderfully, and the setting added so much charm and emotion to the reading experience.
In the end, I think this was a case of “it’s me, not the book.” If I had gone into it expecting an emotional contemporary story with light speculative elements instead of a stronger time travel narrative, I probably would have rated it four stars without hesitation. The writing was strong, the story was balanced, and it explored themes I normally love: grief, recovery, family, love, and finding yourself after loss.
Still, that initial disappointment with the underdeveloped time travel aspect was difficult for me to fully move past. Because of that, I’m rounding my rating up to 3.5 stars.
When I first read the premise of The Love of Another Life, I was completely intrigued. A romance with a time travel aspect sounded exactly like the kind of story I love. Unfortunately, I think I walked into this book with the wrong expectations. I was very focused on the magical realism and time travel elements, and for me, those aspects didn’t fully deliver. At first, that left me disappointed and unsure about where the story was going.
But after sitting with the book for a while, I realized it’s actually a beautifully written story about identity, grief, healing, and learning to truly see yourself and the people around you. At its core, this is much more a story about emotional recovery and self-discovery than it is about time travel.
I especially loved the found family aspect of the novel. Those relationships added so much warmth and heart to the story. Alice, the female main character, was easy to connect with as she tries to rebuild her life after a painful breakup. Her journey felt honest and grounded, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the book.
One of my favorite parts was the structure of the story. The alternating timelines between the present day and 1985 worked really well, and since 1985 is my birth year, those chapters felt especially nostalgic to me. The atmosphere of the 80s was portrayed wonderfully, and the setting added so much charm and emotion to the reading experience.
In the end, I think this was a case of “it’s me, not the book.” If I had gone into it expecting an emotional contemporary story with light speculative elements instead of a stronger time travel narrative, I probably would have rated it four stars without hesitation. The writing was strong, the story was balanced, and it explored themes I normally love: grief, recovery, family, love, and finding yourself after loss.
Still, that initial disappointment with the underdeveloped time travel aspect was difficult for me to fully move past. Because of that, I’m rounding my rating up to 3.5 stars.
June 2, 2026
This book was absolutely beautiful!
It's a dual POV story that follows the beginnings of a love story between Alice and Michael. Only one little hiccup-- Michael is 40 years in the past! His letter somehow ends up on Alice's doorstep decades later, and she's left trying to figure out how their lives have collided. It slowly evolves into a love story as old as time.
I was hooked on this one from the beginning, and I loved that it kept me guessing until almost the very end. Part of me felt like the answer to it all was too simple, but the intended message was deep and full of truth.
I can't wait to read more of Cooper's work! Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc 💓
It's a dual POV story that follows the beginnings of a love story between Alice and Michael. Only one little hiccup-- Michael is 40 years in the past! His letter somehow ends up on Alice's doorstep decades later, and she's left trying to figure out how their lives have collided. It slowly evolves into a love story as old as time.
I was hooked on this one from the beginning, and I loved that it kept me guessing until almost the very end. Part of me felt like the answer to it all was too simple, but the intended message was deep and full of truth.
I can't wait to read more of Cooper's work! Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc 💓
June 15, 2026
Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes
✨ Sometimes the right message finds you exactly when you need it most.
🔐 Lost Letters across time | 💔 Grief and healing | ✨ Second chance at happiness | 🎞️ 80's Theme | 👩❤️👨 Bittersweet romance | 💞 Found family | 🇬🇧 Brookley, West Midlands, Shropshire
((rating: 3.75))
A new Emma Cooper release? Count me in! I absolutely loved The Truth About You and Me and The One Before the One, so I went into The Love of Another Life expecting to love it just as much. Unfortunately, that wasn't quite the case this time.
The story follows Alice, who returns to her hometown in Shropshire after losing both her fiancé and her job in London. As she tries to rebuild her life, supported by her childhood friend Spence and his teenage daughter, she receives a mysterious letter from a man named Michael. The strange part? The letter is addressed to Alice, but it's dated 1985. As more letters arrive, Alice becomes determined to uncover the truth about Michael and the connection she feels to him.
It's a fantastic premise, and I genuinely enjoyed Alice's journey to discover who Michael was and what his letters ultimately meant for her. Michael's words arrive at exactly the right moment in her life, offering hope, comfort, and a reason to look forward. At its heart, this is a story about hope, ambition, grief, self-discovery, and finding the courage to imagine a different future for yourself.
Although, I have mixed feelings about this book because I think this may be one of those rare cases of "it's not the book, it's me." I wasn't in the best reading headspace when I picked it up, and I struggled to fully immerse myself in the story. As a result, it took me almost three weeks to finish, which is unusual for me.
Another factor was my expectations. Based on the blurb, I was anticipating more magical realism and perhaps even a stronger time-travel element. The premise of letters being exchanged across decades sounded fascinating, and I expected that aspect to play a much bigger role. Instead, the story took a different direction, which left me feeling a little misled.
That said, this is still a beautifully crafted novel. The story is told through multiple POVs and dual timelines, and Emma Cooper's writing remains engaging and heartfelt. I especially enjoyed the 1980s setting and all the nostalgic references to the music, television shows, and culture of the era even if I was too young to fully appreciate every reference.
However, for me, the pacing was quite slow. The first half especially dragged, and I often found myself wanting the story to move forward more quickly. I also expected a stronger romantic element. While romance is certainly present, I wouldn't really classify this as a romance novel. As other reviewers have mentioned, it feels much more like women's fiction with romantic threads woven throughout.
I still appreciated many of the themes explored throughout the book: grief and healing, self-identity, found family, second chances, and learning to see the people around you for who they truly are. The emotional core is strong, even if the execution didn't completely work for me.
Overall, I can absolutely understand why so many readers have connected with this story. It's thoughtful, heartfelt, and beautifully written. Unfortunately, it just didn't quite deliver what I was hoping for, particularly regarding the magical realism elements, pacing, and romance. A pleasant read with a wonderful premise, but one that ultimately fell a little flat for me.
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Boldwood Books.
✨ Sometimes the right message finds you exactly when you need it most.
🔐 Lost Letters across time | 💔 Grief and healing | ✨ Second chance at happiness | 🎞️ 80's Theme | 👩❤️👨 Bittersweet romance | 💞 Found family | 🇬🇧 Brookley, West Midlands, Shropshire
((rating: 3.75))
A new Emma Cooper release? Count me in! I absolutely loved The Truth About You and Me and The One Before the One, so I went into The Love of Another Life expecting to love it just as much. Unfortunately, that wasn't quite the case this time.
The story follows Alice, who returns to her hometown in Shropshire after losing both her fiancé and her job in London. As she tries to rebuild her life, supported by her childhood friend Spence and his teenage daughter, she receives a mysterious letter from a man named Michael. The strange part? The letter is addressed to Alice, but it's dated 1985. As more letters arrive, Alice becomes determined to uncover the truth about Michael and the connection she feels to him.
It's a fantastic premise, and I genuinely enjoyed Alice's journey to discover who Michael was and what his letters ultimately meant for her. Michael's words arrive at exactly the right moment in her life, offering hope, comfort, and a reason to look forward. At its heart, this is a story about hope, ambition, grief, self-discovery, and finding the courage to imagine a different future for yourself.
Although, I have mixed feelings about this book because I think this may be one of those rare cases of "it's not the book, it's me." I wasn't in the best reading headspace when I picked it up, and I struggled to fully immerse myself in the story. As a result, it took me almost three weeks to finish, which is unusual for me.
Another factor was my expectations. Based on the blurb, I was anticipating more magical realism and perhaps even a stronger time-travel element. The premise of letters being exchanged across decades sounded fascinating, and I expected that aspect to play a much bigger role. Instead, the story took a different direction, which left me feeling a little misled.
That said, this is still a beautifully crafted novel. The story is told through multiple POVs and dual timelines, and Emma Cooper's writing remains engaging and heartfelt. I especially enjoyed the 1980s setting and all the nostalgic references to the music, television shows, and culture of the era even if I was too young to fully appreciate every reference.
However, for me, the pacing was quite slow. The first half especially dragged, and I often found myself wanting the story to move forward more quickly. I also expected a stronger romantic element. While romance is certainly present, I wouldn't really classify this as a romance novel. As other reviewers have mentioned, it feels much more like women's fiction with romantic threads woven throughout.
I still appreciated many of the themes explored throughout the book: grief and healing, self-identity, found family, second chances, and learning to see the people around you for who they truly are. The emotional core is strong, even if the execution didn't completely work for me.
Overall, I can absolutely understand why so many readers have connected with this story. It's thoughtful, heartfelt, and beautifully written. Unfortunately, it just didn't quite deliver what I was hoping for, particularly regarding the magical realism elements, pacing, and romance. A pleasant read with a wonderful premise, but one that ultimately fell a little flat for me.
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Boldwood Books.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So.. I had to travel across country for my daughter's graduation, and decided to read this on the plane. When will I ever learn??😮🥲🥹
Once again I found myself reading a heartfelt, lovely story that had me laughing, and crying on the plane! In front of strangers...who kept looking to see if I was ok!! 😂 This is the second book by the author that I have read and it is official- I am a fan!!! 🪭
Alice has recently moved back home after losing her job and fiancé. She is happy to be closer to Spence and his daughter Georgia. Alice and Spence have been best friends since childhood, and she has helped him in raising his daughter, Georgia. She begins receiving letters from Michael. The thing is, these letters are from 1985- written 40 years ago! Michael seems to know Alice, her fears, dreams and hopes. But how is this possible? As Alice continues to read the letters that continue to come, she is drawn to Michael and feels that they are connected in some way. She is determined to find him through researching. However, the more she looks for Michael, the more she removes herself from the people in her life right now, and she fails to see what might possibly be sitting right in front of her.
The characters in the story are well written. I really connected with Alice, trying to figure out the next steps for her life while also juggling the responsibilities she had to others. She is a bit lost and uncertain, but maintains a loving and encouraging presence for Spence and Georgia. Spence is the friend that has always stood by Grace, and has seen her through uncertain times with no judgement. The theme of friendship, finding your purpose and realizing the happiness that is in front of you made this such a heartwarming story where I waws rooting for all the characters!
The story is told in multiple POV's, and dual timelines. This was such an effective approach because we really get to know all the characters. When reading the story from Michael's perspective, I really understood his struggles with the decisions he had to make with what life had thrown his way. He is a bit down, but always encourages others. He yearns for Alice, but at the same time he discovers passion for his art and his own purpose in life. Meanwhile, when the POV is from Alice, we see why she feels so connected to Michael, while also realizing the importance and value of the people surrounding her now.
I really wanted Alice to connect with Michael, but also wanted her to see Spence who was standing right in front of her! Talk about being torn in two!!!💔
This book was a little unexpected with an emotional depth that examines the human heart. While heart wrenching at times, it also conveys a sense of hope and wonder that I found absolutely wonderful.
I did deduct one star, because there was one question not specifically answered. However, the story remained strong, and I keep thinking about it!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Once again I found myself reading a heartfelt, lovely story that had me laughing, and crying on the plane! In front of strangers...who kept looking to see if I was ok!! 😂 This is the second book by the author that I have read and it is official- I am a fan!!! 🪭
Alice has recently moved back home after losing her job and fiancé. She is happy to be closer to Spence and his daughter Georgia. Alice and Spence have been best friends since childhood, and she has helped him in raising his daughter, Georgia. She begins receiving letters from Michael. The thing is, these letters are from 1985- written 40 years ago! Michael seems to know Alice, her fears, dreams and hopes. But how is this possible? As Alice continues to read the letters that continue to come, she is drawn to Michael and feels that they are connected in some way. She is determined to find him through researching. However, the more she looks for Michael, the more she removes herself from the people in her life right now, and she fails to see what might possibly be sitting right in front of her.
The characters in the story are well written. I really connected with Alice, trying to figure out the next steps for her life while also juggling the responsibilities she had to others. She is a bit lost and uncertain, but maintains a loving and encouraging presence for Spence and Georgia. Spence is the friend that has always stood by Grace, and has seen her through uncertain times with no judgement. The theme of friendship, finding your purpose and realizing the happiness that is in front of you made this such a heartwarming story where I waws rooting for all the characters!
The story is told in multiple POV's, and dual timelines. This was such an effective approach because we really get to know all the characters. When reading the story from Michael's perspective, I really understood his struggles with the decisions he had to make with what life had thrown his way. He is a bit down, but always encourages others. He yearns for Alice, but at the same time he discovers passion for his art and his own purpose in life. Meanwhile, when the POV is from Alice, we see why she feels so connected to Michael, while also realizing the importance and value of the people surrounding her now.
I really wanted Alice to connect with Michael, but also wanted her to see Spence who was standing right in front of her! Talk about being torn in two!!!💔
This book was a little unexpected with an emotional depth that examines the human heart. While heart wrenching at times, it also conveys a sense of hope and wonder that I found absolutely wonderful.
I did deduct one star, because there was one question not specifically answered. However, the story remained strong, and I keep thinking about it!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this one. The premise hooked me from the start, even though ultimately my expectations and it seems those of most readers were different to the reality of the book.
We have a dual timeline dual POV. Alice in present day and Michael in 1985. His letters have somehow found themselves to Alice in present day. Michael writes to Alice a girl he met unexpectedly on a night out who he seems to have fallen head over heals for. Present day Alice believes he somehow is writing to her. As a journalist she starts to investigate Michael as she wants to track him down in present day. The journey takes her to his hometown, to his family and friends and art. A life in crisis, a journey of self-discovery that she desperately needed. A cross-roads moment as her relationship with her best-friend Spence comes to a critical point.
Without spoiling the story or twists, when debating what to rate this I came to the conclusion that the expectations I had were not the book's fault (perhaps the blurb's though). My expectations were however replaced with a wonderful alternative I had not expected. The characters all seemed wonderfully real in their ways, hopes and dreams, downs and ups. The 80s nostalgia hit was wonderful also and comes at a time where it seems people are craving the return of an analogue world, so it seemed fitting.
I must confess I have created a Spotify playlist with Michael's own 1985 mixtape. Its under the name of the book if anyone wishes to check it out 😂
I do have to point out that the star deduction is ultimately because I felt the book was somewhat bi-polar. It sets us up rooting for a storyline that does not deliver and halfway through the book when it delivers a gut punch we are suddenly meant to do a u-turn and root for an alternative storyline. I can't help but feel disappointed even if the alternative was well delivered with a lot of emotion and ultimately reality.
This was my first read of this author but I will certainly look out for her in future.
Many thanks to Boldwood books for providing me with a copy of the book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
We have a dual timeline dual POV. Alice in present day and Michael in 1985. His letters have somehow found themselves to Alice in present day. Michael writes to Alice a girl he met unexpectedly on a night out who he seems to have fallen head over heals for. Present day Alice believes he somehow is writing to her. As a journalist she starts to investigate Michael as she wants to track him down in present day. The journey takes her to his hometown, to his family and friends and art. A life in crisis, a journey of self-discovery that she desperately needed. A cross-roads moment as her relationship with her best-friend Spence comes to a critical point.
Without spoiling the story or twists, when debating what to rate this I came to the conclusion that the expectations I had were not the book's fault (perhaps the blurb's though). My expectations were however replaced with a wonderful alternative I had not expected. The characters all seemed wonderfully real in their ways, hopes and dreams, downs and ups. The 80s nostalgia hit was wonderful also and comes at a time where it seems people are craving the return of an analogue world, so it seemed fitting.
I must confess I have created a Spotify playlist with Michael's own 1985 mixtape. Its under the name of the book if anyone wishes to check it out 😂
I do have to point out that the star deduction is ultimately because I felt the book was somewhat bi-polar. It sets us up rooting for a storyline that does not deliver and halfway through the book when it delivers a gut punch we are suddenly meant to do a u-turn and root for an alternative storyline. I can't help but feel disappointed even if the alternative was well delivered with a lot of emotion and ultimately reality.
This was my first read of this author but I will certainly look out for her in future.
Many thanks to Boldwood books for providing me with a copy of the book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3,75 ✨️
The Love of Another Life is a story about dreams and taking chances on ourselves.
It wasn't the romance itself that grabbed me, but the message at the heart of the novel. It was beautiful. Reading Emma's words at the end made me understand the main characters even better.
Through Alice and Michael's connection, she explores what it means to want more from life, even when your circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. Both characters share a desire to reach beyond what has been expected of them, and I found that aspect of the story far more compelling than any (promising) romantic element.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that this isn't simply a love story between two people.
It's a story about hope, ambition, and finding the courage to imagine a different future for yourself. Michael's letters arrive in Alice's life at exactly the moment she needs them most, giving her not only hope but also something to believe in and look forward to.
I also appreciated the book's exploration of love in its many forms. It highlights the idea that family isn't always defined by blood and that some of the most meaningful relationships are the ones we choose.
My main issue was with the pacing. I found the eventual outcome fairly predictable early on, and because of that, waiting until the very end for the story to fully reach its conclusion felt unnecessarily drawn out. I would have loved to see the narrative arrive at that point much sooner and spend more time exploring the aftermath.
Despite that, this was a comforting and uplifting read with a genuinely touching message. It's the kind of book that encourages you to appreciate the people around you, hold on to your dreams, and remember that it's never too late to imagine a different path for yourself.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for the ARC. 🫶🏼
The Love of Another Life is a story about dreams and taking chances on ourselves.
It wasn't the romance itself that grabbed me, but the message at the heart of the novel. It was beautiful. Reading Emma's words at the end made me understand the main characters even better.
Through Alice and Michael's connection, she explores what it means to want more from life, even when your circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. Both characters share a desire to reach beyond what has been expected of them, and I found that aspect of the story far more compelling than any (promising) romantic element.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that this isn't simply a love story between two people.
It's a story about hope, ambition, and finding the courage to imagine a different future for yourself. Michael's letters arrive in Alice's life at exactly the moment she needs them most, giving her not only hope but also something to believe in and look forward to.
I also appreciated the book's exploration of love in its many forms. It highlights the idea that family isn't always defined by blood and that some of the most meaningful relationships are the ones we choose.
My main issue was with the pacing. I found the eventual outcome fairly predictable early on, and because of that, waiting until the very end for the story to fully reach its conclusion felt unnecessarily drawn out. I would have loved to see the narrative arrive at that point much sooner and spend more time exploring the aftermath.
Despite that, this was a comforting and uplifting read with a genuinely touching message. It's the kind of book that encourages you to appreciate the people around you, hold on to your dreams, and remember that it's never too late to imagine a different path for yourself.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for the ARC. 🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My sincere thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read The Love of Another Life by Emma Cooper. I give my unbiased opinion of it in the following review.
The Truth About You and Me was one of my favorite reads of 2025 so I was excited to dive into Emma Cooper's 2026 release. The Love of Another Life is written in different points of view. Alice in the present day and Michael in 1985. Alice has just moved into a new place and has received letters addressed to her that Michael wrote and mailed back in 1985. As impossible as it sounds, she is not 100% sure that he isn't writing to her because he seems to know her and the letters are so personal. The more letters she gets, the more she feels compelled to find him. At the same time, Michael is back in 1985 searching for his Alice who he met only once but felt that they had a true connection.
This was one of those books that I just couldn't put down. It was so well written, that I was believing that it was possible for Michael and Alice to have met before Alice was even born. I was waiting to find out if there was time travel or something like that. The mystery rolls out little by little and I didn't predict everything. I loved the side characters who were helping and encouraging Michael and Alice in their quests as well as with the struggles they were facing in their times. There is so much more to this story than the possible romance across time. This is also a story about friendship, found family, and reaching for dreams. To me, this book was refreshingly unique just like last year's favorite. If you have not read an Emma Cooper book, I highly recommend giving her a try. I can't wait to read her next one.
The Truth About You and Me was one of my favorite reads of 2025 so I was excited to dive into Emma Cooper's 2026 release. The Love of Another Life is written in different points of view. Alice in the present day and Michael in 1985. Alice has just moved into a new place and has received letters addressed to her that Michael wrote and mailed back in 1985. As impossible as it sounds, she is not 100% sure that he isn't writing to her because he seems to know her and the letters are so personal. The more letters she gets, the more she feels compelled to find him. At the same time, Michael is back in 1985 searching for his Alice who he met only once but felt that they had a true connection.
This was one of those books that I just couldn't put down. It was so well written, that I was believing that it was possible for Michael and Alice to have met before Alice was even born. I was waiting to find out if there was time travel or something like that. The mystery rolls out little by little and I didn't predict everything. I loved the side characters who were helping and encouraging Michael and Alice in their quests as well as with the struggles they were facing in their times. There is so much more to this story than the possible romance across time. This is also a story about friendship, found family, and reaching for dreams. To me, this book was refreshingly unique just like last year's favorite. If you have not read an Emma Cooper book, I highly recommend giving her a try. I can't wait to read her next one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this romantic, time-travelling story. I found the relationships to be endearing and I loved the concept of these lost letters suddenly being delivered and making a difference in present day. With the art of letter writing in rapid decline, replaced with electronic communication, Cooper taps into a nostalgic romance that brings with it a raw honesty that somehow gets lost when typed in a message.
Michael and Alice are decades apart but romantically together. In 1985, Michael is lost and frustrated with life. A chance meeting with Alice in a club one night sees his life alter and with it, his attitude towards his own goals and dreams. In present day, Alice is also lost and frustrated, trying to move on after losing both her fiancé and job. When old letters begin arriving for Alice, written by this Michael, she feels like they are destined to meet properly, regardless of the years between them. It is like Michael is talking directly to her but every time she tries to reach out to him, Fate seems to have other ideas.
I was fascinated by the concept of this book because for the life of me, I could not work out how Alice had travelled back in the past and met Michael, yet has no conscious memory of doing so! Coupled with the fact that in the present, Michael must be in his seventies, I could not foresee how Cooper would develop this plot. However, this just made the story even more enjoyable and I loved watching these protagonists develop and grow – all thanks to these unexpected and seemingly magical letters.
Cooper makes plenty of cultural references to the eighties and it was fun seeing Alice rediscover them. Songs, food and film references, Cooper brings this era right into the present. Furthermore, the struggles that Michael describes in terms of employment and the financial difficulties experienced by his parents just added to the modern history of the book.
As relationships grow more complicated in both timelines, I enjoyed seeing how the characters would react. There are plenty of plot surprises along the way and I loved how satisfying the conclusion became. Whilst there are some sad moments, it did feel like the characters got exactly what they intended and, compared to what they were like at the start of the book, had clearly grown and embraced their dreams.
A lovely romance that spans the decades, this was magical and heart-warming. I could not put this book down as when I did, I found myself distracted by Michael and Alice. The ambiguity of their relationship was equally puzzling and endearing, making for a great read.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Michael and Alice are decades apart but romantically together. In 1985, Michael is lost and frustrated with life. A chance meeting with Alice in a club one night sees his life alter and with it, his attitude towards his own goals and dreams. In present day, Alice is also lost and frustrated, trying to move on after losing both her fiancé and job. When old letters begin arriving for Alice, written by this Michael, she feels like they are destined to meet properly, regardless of the years between them. It is like Michael is talking directly to her but every time she tries to reach out to him, Fate seems to have other ideas.
I was fascinated by the concept of this book because for the life of me, I could not work out how Alice had travelled back in the past and met Michael, yet has no conscious memory of doing so! Coupled with the fact that in the present, Michael must be in his seventies, I could not foresee how Cooper would develop this plot. However, this just made the story even more enjoyable and I loved watching these protagonists develop and grow – all thanks to these unexpected and seemingly magical letters.
Cooper makes plenty of cultural references to the eighties and it was fun seeing Alice rediscover them. Songs, food and film references, Cooper brings this era right into the present. Furthermore, the struggles that Michael describes in terms of employment and the financial difficulties experienced by his parents just added to the modern history of the book.
As relationships grow more complicated in both timelines, I enjoyed seeing how the characters would react. There are plenty of plot surprises along the way and I loved how satisfying the conclusion became. Whilst there are some sad moments, it did feel like the characters got exactly what they intended and, compared to what they were like at the start of the book, had clearly grown and embraced their dreams.
A lovely romance that spans the decades, this was magical and heart-warming. I could not put this book down as when I did, I found myself distracted by Michael and Alice. The ambiguity of their relationship was equally puzzling and endearing, making for a great read.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a really enchanting story with some magical realism elements, women's fiction vibes, and an HEA for the romance lovers like me. I am a fan of friends who want something more in a relationship (hello, yearning), and this book has a lot of it in two timelines.
The dual timelines was effective in telling this story, and it was interesting to see the plot unfold from both sides. The main character, Alice, is very relatable, having returned to her hometown after her life (engagement, career, etc) falls apart. I felt like her relationship with her friend, Spence, felt complicated in a really realistic way.
I especially liked how the deeper emotions each character has for the other were revealed throughout the book. It felt like there was always something new to discover, either in regards to the plot or the way characters felt about each other.
For people who aren't used to reading British characters, there is some dialogue that might trip you up—just fyi. I also noted multiple instances where the dialogue tags seemed off. These were places where the dialogue belonged to one character but a different character is mentioned in the dialogue tag, or where a paragraph would end with a closed quote from one character only to have them be the next character speaking. These moments gave me pause and seemed like an editing error but didn't take away from the story, so I didn't change my rating.
I thought this was a great women's fiction read! I actually spent an evening or two staying up late reading, so it was a really engaging story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
The dual timelines was effective in telling this story, and it was interesting to see the plot unfold from both sides. The main character, Alice, is very relatable, having returned to her hometown after her life (engagement, career, etc) falls apart. I felt like her relationship with her friend, Spence, felt complicated in a really realistic way.
I especially liked how the deeper emotions each character has for the other were revealed throughout the book. It felt like there was always something new to discover, either in regards to the plot or the way characters felt about each other.
For people who aren't used to reading British characters, there is some dialogue that might trip you up—just fyi. I also noted multiple instances where the dialogue tags seemed off. These were places where the dialogue belonged to one character but a different character is mentioned in the dialogue tag, or where a paragraph would end with a closed quote from one character only to have them be the next character speaking. These moments gave me pause and seemed like an editing error but didn't take away from the story, so I didn't change my rating.
I thought this was a great women's fiction read! I actually spent an evening or two staying up late reading, so it was a really engaging story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
June 8, 2026
The Love of Another Life completely stole my heart. The premise alone had me hooked. Alice, struggling with grief and trying to start over, begins receiving letters from Michael, a man writing to her from 1985. It sounds impossible, but Emma Cooper makes it feel completely believable, and before long I was just as invested as Alice was in figuring out how this connection could even exist.
What I loved most was how real the characters felt. Alice is carrying so much loss and uncertainty, and watching her slowly open herself up again was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Michael felt incredibly genuine too, and through their letters you get to know him so well that it becomes impossible not to root for them. The story isn't just about romance either it's about grief, second chances, friendship, and figuring out how to move forward when life hasn't turned out the way you expected.
Alice's friendship with her lifelong best friend also added so much warmth to the story. This was an easy five-star read for me. It made me laugh, broke my heart more than once, and had me completely emotionally invested from start to finish. I kept telling myself I'd read one more chapter and suddenly it was far too late to be awake. If you love stories that make you feel everything, with characters you genuinely care about and a romance that stays with you long after you've finished, I can't recommend this one enough. This story somehow takes an impossible idea and turns it into something that feels incredibly human.
Thank you to the author and Boldwood Books for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What I loved most was how real the characters felt. Alice is carrying so much loss and uncertainty, and watching her slowly open herself up again was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Michael felt incredibly genuine too, and through their letters you get to know him so well that it becomes impossible not to root for them. The story isn't just about romance either it's about grief, second chances, friendship, and figuring out how to move forward when life hasn't turned out the way you expected.
Alice's friendship with her lifelong best friend also added so much warmth to the story. This was an easy five-star read for me. It made me laugh, broke my heart more than once, and had me completely emotionally invested from start to finish. I kept telling myself I'd read one more chapter and suddenly it was far too late to be awake. If you love stories that make you feel everything, with characters you genuinely care about and a romance that stays with you long after you've finished, I can't recommend this one enough. This story somehow takes an impossible idea and turns it into something that feels incredibly human.
Thank you to the author and Boldwood Books for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 16, 2026
Alice moves back home after recently becoming single again. She left a life behind that was comfortable and stable - until it wasn’t. Starting over and being jobless are never easy. She is supported by her best friend and his daughter. It becomes clear rather quickly that there is something more lingering between Spencer and Alice, who have known each other since childhood, but it never developed into anything serious.
Then we have our second timeline, where we meet Michael through his letters. In them, he describes meeting a stranger in 1985, and he was instantly smitten with her. Why these letters suddenly show up in Alice’s mailbox after all this time - and why they describe a woman who feels oddly familiar to her, as if he somehow knew her - that is the mystery Alice is trying to solve. She has found a new purpose and wants to find out who he is and why he wrote to this woman.
The beginning of the book had me instantly connected to the story. Alice felt lost, and those letters gave her a purpose. Did she become a little overly focused on solving the riddle and ignore what was happening around her? Yes. This only added to my frustration, and it’s what made me personally get attached to the characters. In the early stages, these letters even had me wondering if there was a possibility that Alice is the person he met. That part was done very well.
As the story continues, it becomes more about second chances, moving on, and seeing what is right in front of you. It made me feel good, kept me engaged the whole time, and even brought a tear to my eye. A very interesting read that I enjoyed a lot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Then we have our second timeline, where we meet Michael through his letters. In them, he describes meeting a stranger in 1985, and he was instantly smitten with her. Why these letters suddenly show up in Alice’s mailbox after all this time - and why they describe a woman who feels oddly familiar to her, as if he somehow knew her - that is the mystery Alice is trying to solve. She has found a new purpose and wants to find out who he is and why he wrote to this woman.
The beginning of the book had me instantly connected to the story. Alice felt lost, and those letters gave her a purpose. Did she become a little overly focused on solving the riddle and ignore what was happening around her? Yes. This only added to my frustration, and it’s what made me personally get attached to the characters. In the early stages, these letters even had me wondering if there was a possibility that Alice is the person he met. That part was done very well.
As the story continues, it becomes more about second chances, moving on, and seeing what is right in front of you. It made me feel good, kept me engaged the whole time, and even brought a tear to my eye. A very interesting read that I enjoyed a lot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Love of Another Life is a contemporary romance about mis-delivered letters and the effects it has on those to whom they were delivered. Spanning multiple timelines, there is both strong 80s nostalgia and present-day plots to enjoy. Fans of Dani Atkins, Josie Silver, or Sophie Cousens who prefer women's fiction with heartfelt characters will enjoy this one.
Quick Summary: Alice is a struggling writer looking for a new story. She receives letters addressed to an "Alice", and she considers whether they have been for her or a some other Alice. She investigated the sender, Michael, and learns about his story from the 1980s. Through dual timelines, we see both Michael and Alice grow to recognize the love that was right in front of them all along.
My Impressions: This book grew on me toward the second half, but I found the first half slow moving and the pacing of the novel was off. I had a hard time believing that Michael and Alice's short interaction had such a profound impact on him. I did enjoy Spence, his daughter Georgia, and the family drama that developed in the present day timeline. I wish the storyline with Kate had more details and depth. Overall it's not my favorite Emma Cooper novel to date, but I still enjoy her writing and will continue to read her books.
Content: Sparse use of strong profanity (f---) and kissing only.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My review is my own opinion and is not influenced by the author or publisher in any way.
Quick Summary: Alice is a struggling writer looking for a new story. She receives letters addressed to an "Alice", and she considers whether they have been for her or a some other Alice. She investigated the sender, Michael, and learns about his story from the 1980s. Through dual timelines, we see both Michael and Alice grow to recognize the love that was right in front of them all along.
My Impressions: This book grew on me toward the second half, but I found the first half slow moving and the pacing of the novel was off. I had a hard time believing that Michael and Alice's short interaction had such a profound impact on him. I did enjoy Spence, his daughter Georgia, and the family drama that developed in the present day timeline. I wish the storyline with Kate had more details and depth. Overall it's not my favorite Emma Cooper novel to date, but I still enjoy her writing and will continue to read her books.
Content: Sparse use of strong profanity (f---) and kissing only.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My review is my own opinion and is not influenced by the author or publisher in any way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Love of Another Life by Emma Cooper is the kind of story that quietly sneaks up on you, wrapping itself around your heart with equal parts hope, grief, and wonder. At its center is Alice, a woman trying to rebuild after loss, whose fresh start is interrupted by a mysterious letter from a man writing in 1985—a man who somehow understands her in ways no stranger should.
What makes this story shine is its emotional depth. The letters between Alice and Michael feel intimate and deeply personal, creating a connection that feels impossible yet strangely inevitable. There’s an aching tenderness to their correspondence, layered with questions about fate, timing, and whether some loves are written across lifetimes. The time-slip element gives the story a magical quality without overshadowing the emotional core.
Alice’s journey is especially compelling because it isn’t only about romance—it’s about healing, learning to live alongside grief, and questioning whether we hold too tightly to what could have been at the expense of what still could be. The emotional stakes feel real, and the story balances heartbreak with moments of warmth and hope.
If you love stories that blend romance with a touch of mystery and emotional depth, this one delivers. It’s wistful, bittersweet, and deeply reflective, asking whether love can transcend time—or if the greatest love story is learning to embrace the life waiting for you now.
I had the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication, and these are my honest thoughts.
What makes this story shine is its emotional depth. The letters between Alice and Michael feel intimate and deeply personal, creating a connection that feels impossible yet strangely inevitable. There’s an aching tenderness to their correspondence, layered with questions about fate, timing, and whether some loves are written across lifetimes. The time-slip element gives the story a magical quality without overshadowing the emotional core.
Alice’s journey is especially compelling because it isn’t only about romance—it’s about healing, learning to live alongside grief, and questioning whether we hold too tightly to what could have been at the expense of what still could be. The emotional stakes feel real, and the story balances heartbreak with moments of warmth and hope.
If you love stories that blend romance with a touch of mystery and emotional depth, this one delivers. It’s wistful, bittersweet, and deeply reflective, asking whether love can transcend time—or if the greatest love story is learning to embrace the life waiting for you now.
I had the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication, and these are my honest thoughts.
September 30, 2026
"Sometimes love is right there in front of you, even if you've spent your life looking for it in the wrong place." - The Love of Another Life by Emma Cooper
A story that would definitely tug at your heartstrings. That is the simplest way for me to describe this, yet the book is far more than just a poignant love story. Full of hope, dreams and life, this was an unforgettable story you would not want to miss.
Fresh off a breakup and striving for a new beginning, Alice's life is disrupted when she receives a letter addressed to her from Michael, a hopeless romantic and struggling artist. Puzzled that this man seems to know all about her thoughts, fears and dreams, Alice becomes intrigued when she realises the letter was dated to be from 1985. 40 years ago.
More letters convinced Alice that there is some sort of magic or higher power in the works. As she becomes attached to the mysterious writer and yearns to meet him, Alice has to face the truth - that Michael may have moved on from the past - and so should she, to embrace what had always been right in front of her.
This was an emotional novel from start to end. From Alice's struggles to her grief and how it mirrors every inch of Michael's experience, I loved how savvy Emma Cooper was in crafting the parallels between the two characters. The story is filled with hope and heart, yet it does not hold back in its portrayal of tragedy and unrequited love. I was impressed by the twists and turns from start to finish, and I cannot wait to explore more from her.
A story that would definitely tug at your heartstrings. That is the simplest way for me to describe this, yet the book is far more than just a poignant love story. Full of hope, dreams and life, this was an unforgettable story you would not want to miss.
Fresh off a breakup and striving for a new beginning, Alice's life is disrupted when she receives a letter addressed to her from Michael, a hopeless romantic and struggling artist. Puzzled that this man seems to know all about her thoughts, fears and dreams, Alice becomes intrigued when she realises the letter was dated to be from 1985. 40 years ago.
More letters convinced Alice that there is some sort of magic or higher power in the works. As she becomes attached to the mysterious writer and yearns to meet him, Alice has to face the truth - that Michael may have moved on from the past - and so should she, to embrace what had always been right in front of her.
This was an emotional novel from start to end. From Alice's struggles to her grief and how it mirrors every inch of Michael's experience, I loved how savvy Emma Cooper was in crafting the parallels between the two characters. The story is filled with hope and heart, yet it does not hold back in its portrayal of tragedy and unrequited love. I was impressed by the twists and turns from start to finish, and I cannot wait to explore more from her.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🩷 Blurb-
When Alice receives a mysterious letter from a stranger writing from 1985, she’s determined to find the man who wrote it… But could chasing a miracle cost her the future?
A letter arrives at Alice's new house, interrupting her fresh start. It’s addressed to her, but written by a man she’s never met. And yet Michael understands her – her grief, her fears, even her dreams.
As more letters follow, Alice becomes convinced that she and Michael are connected somehow – that they are meant to meet. Or perhaps, in some impossible way, they already have.
But there’s one complication: Michael isn’t just a stranger – he’s writing from four decades in the past. And as Alice searches for a man who may no longer be waiting, she must decide whether love can truly defy time – or whether she’s risking the chance at happiness right in front of her.
💛 Review -
This was the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. This was such a beautifully written novel. The author's writing drew me in from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved Alice and Michael's characters and despite the time difference I wanted them to meet and have their happy ending. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Boldwood Books, the author Emma Cooper and Netgalley for my e arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When Alice receives a mysterious letter from a stranger writing from 1985, she’s determined to find the man who wrote it… But could chasing a miracle cost her the future?
A letter arrives at Alice's new house, interrupting her fresh start. It’s addressed to her, but written by a man she’s never met. And yet Michael understands her – her grief, her fears, even her dreams.
As more letters follow, Alice becomes convinced that she and Michael are connected somehow – that they are meant to meet. Or perhaps, in some impossible way, they already have.
But there’s one complication: Michael isn’t just a stranger – he’s writing from four decades in the past. And as Alice searches for a man who may no longer be waiting, she must decide whether love can truly defy time – or whether she’s risking the chance at happiness right in front of her.
💛 Review -
This was the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. This was such a beautifully written novel. The author's writing drew me in from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved Alice and Michael's characters and despite the time difference I wanted them to meet and have their happy ending. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Boldwood Books, the author Emma Cooper and Netgalley for my e arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you receive a letter from a stranger from 1985, what would you do?
This is my first Emma Cooper book, and I'm so happy I got the chance to discover Alice and Michael's story in advance. I think this book is beautifully written. The author's writing style made it so easy for me to get into the book and vividly imagine the things and places mentioned throughout the story. I love the premise and how it made me so curious about how things would unfold and fall into place once Alice decided to trace back and find Michael. I also loved the POVs from 1985 and the present day.
I love how Michael's letters gave hope, understanding, and determination not just to Alice, but also to himself. I love Spence, Georgia, and maybe even Kate too. I especially loved how Spence was always there for Alice, just as Kate was for Michael. The ending was not what I expected. It broke my heart to see how things ended for Michael, but it all made sense now that I'm sitting here thinking about it.
4 stars because I thought it was magical realism and there were characters that irked me. Nonetheless, I love this book! I would recommend it to people who want a peek into the past, who are struggling to make sense of their present, and who worry about the future. There is love, grief, and friendship in this book. You'll find your way, you just have to take a closer look at what and who is around you.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
This is my first Emma Cooper book, and I'm so happy I got the chance to discover Alice and Michael's story in advance. I think this book is beautifully written. The author's writing style made it so easy for me to get into the book and vividly imagine the things and places mentioned throughout the story. I love the premise and how it made me so curious about how things would unfold and fall into place once Alice decided to trace back and find Michael. I also loved the POVs from 1985 and the present day.
I love how Michael's letters gave hope, understanding, and determination not just to Alice, but also to himself. I love Spence, Georgia, and maybe even Kate too. I especially loved how Spence was always there for Alice, just as Kate was for Michael. The ending was not what I expected. It broke my heart to see how things ended for Michael, but it all made sense now that I'm sitting here thinking about it.
4 stars because I thought it was magical realism and there were characters that irked me. Nonetheless, I love this book! I would recommend it to people who want a peek into the past, who are struggling to make sense of their present, and who worry about the future. There is love, grief, and friendship in this book. You'll find your way, you just have to take a closer look at what and who is around you.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Emma Cooper always writes emotional stories with a lot of heart, and The Love of Another Life was no exception. The premise immediately pulled me in — letters arriving from 1985, mysterious connections across decades, and the question of whether love can transcend time. I really enjoyed the dual timelines and thought the chapters from Michael’s perspective added a lot of depth and emotion to the story.
That said, this book didn’t completely work for me the way I hoped it would. The pacing felt quite slow for a large portion of the novel, and I found myself waiting for the story to fully grab me. I also went into this expecting stronger magical realism or time travel elements, and while the mystery surrounding the letters was intriguing, some aspects felt a little underexplained by the end.
What kept me invested were the emotional themes and relationships, especially the friendship and quiet support between Alice and Spence. Emma Cooper writes grief, longing, and human connection beautifully, and there were definitely moments that really pulled at my emotions. The final part of the book was much stronger for me and left me feeling reflective and emotional.
Overall, while this wasn’t my favorite book by the author, it was still a heartfelt and thoughtful read with memorable characters and an emotional core that will resonate with many readers — especially those who enjoy slower-paced women’s fiction with romance, mystery, and themes of second chances.
That said, this book didn’t completely work for me the way I hoped it would. The pacing felt quite slow for a large portion of the novel, and I found myself waiting for the story to fully grab me. I also went into this expecting stronger magical realism or time travel elements, and while the mystery surrounding the letters was intriguing, some aspects felt a little underexplained by the end.
What kept me invested were the emotional themes and relationships, especially the friendship and quiet support between Alice and Spence. Emma Cooper writes grief, longing, and human connection beautifully, and there were definitely moments that really pulled at my emotions. The final part of the book was much stronger for me and left me feeling reflective and emotional.
Overall, while this wasn’t my favorite book by the author, it was still a heartfelt and thoughtful read with memorable characters and an emotional core that will resonate with many readers — especially those who enjoy slower-paced women’s fiction with romance, mystery, and themes of second chances.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐️
This was my first Emma Cooper novel and I really liked her writing style. She writes in a way that makes it easy to believe the time and place. It's a dual timeline story partly told in 1985 and partly in the present. It's mostly told in two POV by Alice and Michael.
In the present day Alice has moved back to her hometown of Shropshire, England after breaking up with her fiancé and losing her job in London. She's trying to figure out her new life and has the help of her childhood friend Spence and his thirteen year old daughter whom she is very close to. One day as she's settling into her new place a letter arrives from a man named Michael. It's addressed to Alice. The letter seems to speak to her but this can't be? Michael's letter is dated from 1985 and she can't possibly be the same Alice he is writing to can she? It's a great premise and I mostly enjoyed the story although the first half started off quite slowly.
I really enjoyed the 1985 setting and the nostalgic look back at the songs and shows of that time. Alice's quest to find out about Michael was interesting to follow and I like what it eventually led her to admit to herself. I guess like others I thought there might be a touch of magical realism or time travel involved so it was a bit disappointing in that aspect. Overall a pleasant read.
Publishes on June 8, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the Advance Reader's Copy.
This was my first Emma Cooper novel and I really liked her writing style. She writes in a way that makes it easy to believe the time and place. It's a dual timeline story partly told in 1985 and partly in the present. It's mostly told in two POV by Alice and Michael.
In the present day Alice has moved back to her hometown of Shropshire, England after breaking up with her fiancé and losing her job in London. She's trying to figure out her new life and has the help of her childhood friend Spence and his thirteen year old daughter whom she is very close to. One day as she's settling into her new place a letter arrives from a man named Michael. It's addressed to Alice. The letter seems to speak to her but this can't be? Michael's letter is dated from 1985 and she can't possibly be the same Alice he is writing to can she? It's a great premise and I mostly enjoyed the story although the first half started off quite slowly.
I really enjoyed the 1985 setting and the nostalgic look back at the songs and shows of that time. Alice's quest to find out about Michael was interesting to follow and I like what it eventually led her to admit to herself. I guess like others I thought there might be a touch of magical realism or time travel involved so it was a bit disappointing in that aspect. Overall a pleasant read.
Publishes on June 8, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the Advance Reader's Copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📝📬Lovely message though made me sad😢
A chance one evening encounter in 1985 sets this lovely story in motion. Two strangers with hours to kill and, out of it, a young man down on his circumstances takes a fresh look at life thanks to a mystery muse named Alice who dashes off her address and invites him to write to her.
This story really grabbed me. Of the four main protagonists, I have to admit Alice, the woman who receives a stranger's letters decades after they were written at a difficult juncture in her life, was not my favorite. Her bestie single father Spencer and Kate, a lively Yorkshire greengrocer, were more to my taste. But Michael, the 30 year old writer of the letters, was the beating heart of the story that captured my admiration. His life prospects seem dim and conscripted but, thanks to his meeting with Alice, things start turning around for him.
With some significant twists along the way, in large the story ends on an upbeat note but there is some sadness to the plot that I couldn't shake. Still, it's a lovely novel about learning how to find love and beauty in the ordinary rather than striving for a perfect dream. And letting those you hold dear know how much they mean to you while you are able. Family, friend and romantic love: all here and celebrated.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
A chance one evening encounter in 1985 sets this lovely story in motion. Two strangers with hours to kill and, out of it, a young man down on his circumstances takes a fresh look at life thanks to a mystery muse named Alice who dashes off her address and invites him to write to her.
This story really grabbed me. Of the four main protagonists, I have to admit Alice, the woman who receives a stranger's letters decades after they were written at a difficult juncture in her life, was not my favorite. Her bestie single father Spencer and Kate, a lively Yorkshire greengrocer, were more to my taste. But Michael, the 30 year old writer of the letters, was the beating heart of the story that captured my admiration. His life prospects seem dim and conscripted but, thanks to his meeting with Alice, things start turning around for him.
With some significant twists along the way, in large the story ends on an upbeat note but there is some sadness to the plot that I couldn't shake. Still, it's a lovely novel about learning how to find love and beauty in the ordinary rather than striving for a perfect dream. And letting those you hold dear know how much they mean to you while you are able. Family, friend and romantic love: all here and celebrated.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
June 11, 2026
Emma Cooper writes novels that go beyond the ordinary. They make you feel every pain, every emotion. You experience every step of her characters' journey. And, even though it's a drama, you'll laugh many times too, since the author has this gift of making us cry and laugh. Every time I finish one of her stories, I'm left with a monumental book hangover.
In *The Love Of Another Life*, which hasn't yet been released in Brazilian Portuguese (@publishers wake up!), I read it in the original language. Alice is grieving and begins receiving letters from Michael, which makes Alice increasingly willing to read. The x of the question... But here's the Michael is in 1985, four decades in the past, and yes, it seems surreal, but in Cooper's hands, the impossible becomes possible – and we come to love them both, uncovering their secrets, falling in love with the couple who can never be together, or will they? To find out more, you'll have to experience all the emotions I felt while reading this book. Once again, I felt like I was inside the story, like a fan who doesn't miss a single play of this "crazy" yet possibility-filled match. The book also talks about grief, life, understanding, second chances, and friendship. It only has one flaw: the book ends. I want more, much more!
In *The Love Of Another Life*, which hasn't yet been released in Brazilian Portuguese (@publishers wake up!), I read it in the original language. Alice is grieving and begins receiving letters from Michael, which makes Alice increasingly willing to read. The x of the question... But here's the Michael is in 1985, four decades in the past, and yes, it seems surreal, but in Cooper's hands, the impossible becomes possible – and we come to love them both, uncovering their secrets, falling in love with the couple who can never be together, or will they? To find out more, you'll have to experience all the emotions I felt while reading this book. Once again, I felt like I was inside the story, like a fan who doesn't miss a single play of this "crazy" yet possibility-filled match. The book also talks about grief, life, understanding, second chances, and friendship. It only has one flaw: the book ends. I want more, much more!
July 10, 2026
In this new novel from Emma Cooper, readers follow Alice as a letter interrupts her fresh start at her new home, and while the letter is addressed to her, it’s from a man named Michael she’s never met. Michael seems to understand her grief, fears, and dreams perfectly, and as more letters follow, she comes to believe that they were meant to meet (or already have met). However, Michael’s no ordinary stranger -- he is writing these letters four decades earlier, and he might not be waiting for Alice anymore. As her search for Michael continues, Alice has to see if love can defy time and space or if she’s letting the happy ending right in front of her go. Emotional and packed with complex characters, readers will love the centrality of Alice and Michael’s relationship as well as their connections with other characters throughout the book, while the emotional beats really carry readers through the narrative. The initial twist sets up a fascinating premise for Alice to work through, and her humanity really shines through as she evolves over the course of the novel. Emotional and thought-provoking, fiction readers will love this moving new novel and its central characters from Emma Cooper.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
June 9, 2026
When Alice moves into a new house for a fresh start, she receives a mysterious letter addressed to her from a man named Michael writing from 1985. Even though they have never met, Michael seems to understand her grief, fears, and dreams in a way no one else can. As more letters arrive, Alice becomes convinced they share an impossible connection, leading her to question whether love really can transcend time.
I was immediately drawn into the mystery surrounding the letters and loved the emotional depth woven throughout the story. Alice’s journey through grief and healing felt genuine, and the connection between her and Michael was both tender and bittersweet. The time-crossed romance was handled in a way that felt intriguing rather than overly complicated, and it kept me wanting to know how everything would unfold. The pacing was a little slow in parts, especially in the middle, but the unique premise made it worthwhile. Emma Cooper writes with warmth and sensitivity, creating a story that feels both hopeful and poignant.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was immediately drawn into the mystery surrounding the letters and loved the emotional depth woven throughout the story. Alice’s journey through grief and healing felt genuine, and the connection between her and Michael was both tender and bittersweet. The time-crossed romance was handled in a way that felt intriguing rather than overly complicated, and it kept me wanting to know how everything would unfold. The pacing was a little slow in parts, especially in the middle, but the unique premise made it worthwhile. Emma Cooper writes with warmth and sensitivity, creating a story that feels both hopeful and poignant.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 9, 2026
I will always show up for Emma Cooper's books, and The Love of Another Life is the perfect example of why. Once again, she has delivered a beautifully written story that completely captured my heart.
This book is filled with all of the feels. The emotions are deep, complex and incredibly moving, making it impossible not to become invested in the lives of these wonderful characters. They practically leap off the page. I laughed with them, cried with them, and felt every step of their journey.
There is also a wonderful thread of nostalgia running throughout the story. As someone who grew up in the 80s, I could vividly relate to those little details including the sheer horror of hearing a beloved mixtape begin to stretch in the cassette player!
Emma Cooper has a gift for creating character-driven stories that are heartfelt, emotional and utterly unforgettable. If you love novels that make you laugh, cry and leave you thinking about the characters long after you've turned the final page, I wholeheartedly recommend The Love of Another Life.
With thanks to Boldwood Books for providing an advance copy.
This book is filled with all of the feels. The emotions are deep, complex and incredibly moving, making it impossible not to become invested in the lives of these wonderful characters. They practically leap off the page. I laughed with them, cried with them, and felt every step of their journey.
There is also a wonderful thread of nostalgia running throughout the story. As someone who grew up in the 80s, I could vividly relate to those little details including the sheer horror of hearing a beloved mixtape begin to stretch in the cassette player!
Emma Cooper has a gift for creating character-driven stories that are heartfelt, emotional and utterly unforgettable. If you love novels that make you laugh, cry and leave you thinking about the characters long after you've turned the final page, I wholeheartedly recommend The Love of Another Life.
With thanks to Boldwood Books for providing an advance copy.
June 13, 2026
Interesting concept
Alice, recently single after a long-term relationship, moves into a house and starts receiving letters dated 1985. She's intrigued and confused, since the letters are addressed to Alice but she knows it isn't possible to have been her. All letters are from the same person, and he recounts an evening that he and Alice spent together.
The book is told in paragraphs from the POV of 3 characters: Michael, Alice and Spence. Michael is the letter writer and Spence is Alice's long time best friend and father of Georgia. Alice has been a part of their lives since Georgia was a little baby and her mother left the picture. Alice is determined to find Michael and is shocked when she locates a mural he painted that resembles her...very eerie.
I don't write spoilers, so I can't say what happens to Michael, Alice or Spence. This story is a lesson in opening your eyes to what is around you and not searching beyond. I will say that the first part of the book held my attention more than the second part, but it was a good read.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
Alice, recently single after a long-term relationship, moves into a house and starts receiving letters dated 1985. She's intrigued and confused, since the letters are addressed to Alice but she knows it isn't possible to have been her. All letters are from the same person, and he recounts an evening that he and Alice spent together.
The book is told in paragraphs from the POV of 3 characters: Michael, Alice and Spence. Michael is the letter writer and Spence is Alice's long time best friend and father of Georgia. Alice has been a part of their lives since Georgia was a little baby and her mother left the picture. Alice is determined to find Michael and is shocked when she locates a mural he painted that resembles her...very eerie.
I don't write spoilers, so I can't say what happens to Michael, Alice or Spence. This story is a lesson in opening your eyes to what is around you and not searching beyond. I will say that the first part of the book held my attention more than the second part, but it was a good read.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this premise and how the story played out in ways I did not fully anticipate. This story is so smartly and meticulously written that looking back you can see how carefully everything fits together. The dual timelines and POVs provided the opportunity to really know and love the characters. I was completely invested from the start in their stories and the question of if, how, and when these characters will finally meet. [And oh, the nostalgia I felt for 1985 – so realistically and lovingly portrayed.]
This is the second book I have read by Emma Cooper, and boy am I a fan. A go-to author if you are looking for well-written stories with emotional depth; this book is it. It’s about finding your purpose and your place. And it is about having the courage to pursue those things. It is heart-wrenching and healing. And it has a few Britishisms that this American had never heard, so I had fun looking those up!
A big thank you to Boldwood Books for the invitation to read an advance copy of this book via NetGalley. (The novel is scheduled for release on June 8th)
This is the second book I have read by Emma Cooper, and boy am I a fan. A go-to author if you are looking for well-written stories with emotional depth; this book is it. It’s about finding your purpose and your place. And it is about having the courage to pursue those things. It is heart-wrenching and healing. And it has a few Britishisms that this American had never heard, so I had fun looking those up!
A big thank you to Boldwood Books for the invitation to read an advance copy of this book via NetGalley. (The novel is scheduled for release on June 8th)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you netgalley for the ARC
The Love of Another Life by Emma Cooper
📖 A beautifully emotional love story about grief, mystery, and the kind of connection that should be impossible. When Alice receives a letter from a man writing from 1985, she becomes determined to understand how he knows her so deeply and whether love can somehow reach across time. What makes this book special is the aching mix of romance, loss, and hope. It feels tender, original, and made for readers who want their hearts absolutely wrecked before being gently put back together.
Tropes & Vibes
💌 Letters across time
⏳ Time defying love
💔 Grief and healing
✨ Second chance at happiness
🧩 Emotional mystery
🌙 Bittersweet romance
Read this if you like
✨ Love stories with a magical twist
✨ Emotional fiction that makes you cry
✨ Split timeline storytelling
✨ Jojo Moyes style heartbreak and hope
✨ Books about fate, timing, and impossible connections
#TheLoveOfAnotherLife #EmmaCooper #EmotionalReads #TimeTravelRomance #BoldwoodBooks
The Love of Another Life by Emma Cooper
📖 A beautifully emotional love story about grief, mystery, and the kind of connection that should be impossible. When Alice receives a letter from a man writing from 1985, she becomes determined to understand how he knows her so deeply and whether love can somehow reach across time. What makes this book special is the aching mix of romance, loss, and hope. It feels tender, original, and made for readers who want their hearts absolutely wrecked before being gently put back together.
Tropes & Vibes
💌 Letters across time
⏳ Time defying love
💔 Grief and healing
✨ Second chance at happiness
🧩 Emotional mystery
🌙 Bittersweet romance
Read this if you like
✨ Love stories with a magical twist
✨ Emotional fiction that makes you cry
✨ Split timeline storytelling
✨ Jojo Moyes style heartbreak and hope
✨ Books about fate, timing, and impossible connections
#TheLoveOfAnotherLife #EmmaCooper #EmotionalReads #TimeTravelRomance #BoldwoodBooks
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sometimes a book isn’t quite what you were expecting - but it doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. Yes, like others, I was expecting time travel, an impossible love across the years - but that’s confined to the letters arriving from the past, and a few frissons around identity. Instead it’s a superbly written story of two separate lives - Alice in the present day, Michael in the 80s - with a slow uncovering of the unexpected links between them. The book’s love stories are to be found elsewhere - the support networks they both have, the special people in the background, who can so easily be overlooked and taken for granted.
Alice’s journey to recovery and self-awareness is exceptionally engaging, with the most perfect emotional moments - despite the elements of the unexplained, her drive to uncover the truth, sometimes tipping into obsession, was entirely convincing and easy to empathise with. And as for Michael’s story - it’s authentically 80s in every way, a story of thwarted dreams and constant disappointment. The story’s structure works well with alternating threads for the two main characters - it’s often not my favourite, but the balance was perfect, the transitions never tearing you away from a thread you’d prefer to follow.
The themes of grief, recovery and finding yourself made it a particularly emotional read - not the book I expected it to be, but one I very much enjoyed.
Alice’s journey to recovery and self-awareness is exceptionally engaging, with the most perfect emotional moments - despite the elements of the unexplained, her drive to uncover the truth, sometimes tipping into obsession, was entirely convincing and easy to empathise with. And as for Michael’s story - it’s authentically 80s in every way, a story of thwarted dreams and constant disappointment. The story’s structure works well with alternating threads for the two main characters - it’s often not my favourite, but the balance was perfect, the transitions never tearing you away from a thread you’d prefer to follow.
The themes of grief, recovery and finding yourself made it a particularly emotional read - not the book I expected it to be, but one I very much enjoyed.
July 29, 2026
This was such a heartbreaking yet heartwarming read. Such a beautiful story that had me hooked from the get go. It follows Alice who gets these mysterious letters from a man named Micheal. They come to her when she needs them the most, the only problem is that they were written in 1985 and not actually meant for her but another Alice. Unsure of how or why, she starts to investigate this strange happening. She gets so invested in solving this past mystery that she almost misses what is right in front of her face.
I’m gonna be real the ending is not what I had hoped for originally, part of me wishing for some time-traveling magic to occur. But I am so glad it did not end that way and she opened her eyes/heart to what was waiting for her all along! I loved her little found family. I loved finding out who Michael was and what happened to him. Absolutely tore me apart, sobbing at the end. And then again in the epilogue.
This was my second book by Emma Cooper and won’t be my last. Will be back for more, thank you to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for my honest review.
I’m gonna be real the ending is not what I had hoped for originally, part of me wishing for some time-traveling magic to occur. But I am so glad it did not end that way and she opened her eyes/heart to what was waiting for her all along! I loved her little found family. I loved finding out who Michael was and what happened to him. Absolutely tore me apart, sobbing at the end. And then again in the epilogue.
This was my second book by Emma Cooper and won’t be my last. Will be back for more, thank you to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for my honest review.
April 30, 2026
Thank you netgalley for the chance to read this!
I REALLY loved this. I liked Emma Cooper's last book and figured this would be right up my alley.
In a bit of magical realism, Alice (reeling from a hard breakup from the man she thought she'd marry) begins to receive letters from 1985, and a man named Michael sweeps her off her swoony epistolary feet. At the same time, we see her try to get her life back on track with Spence, her childhood best friend, and his daughter Georgia. In Michael's timeline, we watch as he yearns for the Alice he is writing to while navigating artistry and figuring out his life's direction.
What I love is how much this just toys with magical realism, but in reality is about something so much deeper. I LOVE how, in all timelines, this is about friends to lovers, and the ones who get away, and the ones who have been there all along. It's deep and complex while being mostly PG13...it just works.
When you realize the 'twist' and how the magic plays in to it: it just becomes and absolutely adorable romance. Read this if you need to be hopeful.
I REALLY loved this. I liked Emma Cooper's last book and figured this would be right up my alley.
In a bit of magical realism, Alice (reeling from a hard breakup from the man she thought she'd marry) begins to receive letters from 1985, and a man named Michael sweeps her off her swoony epistolary feet. At the same time, we see her try to get her life back on track with Spence, her childhood best friend, and his daughter Georgia. In Michael's timeline, we watch as he yearns for the Alice he is writing to while navigating artistry and figuring out his life's direction.
What I love is how much this just toys with magical realism, but in reality is about something so much deeper. I LOVE how, in all timelines, this is about friends to lovers, and the ones who get away, and the ones who have been there all along. It's deep and complex while being mostly PG13...it just works.
When you realize the 'twist' and how the magic plays in to it: it just becomes and absolutely adorable romance. Read this if you need to be hopeful.
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