One Hundred Moments of Us: A gorgeously heartwarming, uplifting romance

by Jon Rance

'A beautifully written "must read" for fans of David Nicholls' Sue Moorcroft

They say life is made up of moments.

So is a relationship.

From the moment he sets his eyes on Ashley Oliver at sixth form on the cusp of the new millennium, Charlie falls in love. It isn't all sunshine and roses though and it takes several years and more than one chance meeting before they begin their relationship.

Will they survive everything the world has to throw at them or will the pressure of life, love, and London be too much for them?

Told through moments big and small, trivial and significant, this is the moving and uplifting story of a relationship - the ups, the downs, and everything in between.

An unforgettable romance, perfect for fans of Sophie Cousens, Jill Mansell and Mike Gayle.

Readers are falling hard for One Hundred Moments of Us:

'You'll want to put aside as many moments as you can to read this...you'll love it!' Nick Spalding

'Thought-provoking yet tender, witty and warm, and with characters you'll care about and be rooting for until the end.' Matt Dunn

'An ambitious novel, covering over two decades and taking in all the moments - big, small, tender, painful, intimate and brutal - that make up a complex relationship and a charming and touching story.' Andy Jones

'What a beautiful, beautiful love story. I can't say enough good things about it!' Reader Review

'Absolutely loved this story and found it near impossible to put down!' Reader Review

'I fell in love with the characters in this book and simply could not put the book down' Reader Review

'A beautiful tapestry of love, life, and everything in between both uplifting and heart-wrenchingA must-read for anyone who believes in the power of moments and the enduring nature of true love.' Reader Review

'Such a lovely readhighly recommend.' Reader Review

'A captivating read that can only be described as unputdownable.' Reader Review

Praise for Jon

'A wonderful story of emotions, humour, and true love.' Reader Review

'Couldn't put this book down.' Reader Review

'If I could give this book 10 stars I would' Reader Review

'Funny, insightful, engaging and refreshing.' Reader Review

'A thoroughly good read and one I didn't want to finish!' Reader Review

'The author had me enthralled in the nostalgia of the 90s, Uni and the carefree times of youth.' Reader Review

'If you are a fan of romantic comedy you will love this!' Reader Review

Genres: Romance

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2024

About the author

Jon Rance is the author of seven novels: the Kindle top ten bestseller, This Thirtysomething Life, Happy Endings (both published by Hodder and Stoughton), This Family Life, Sunday Dinners, Dan And Nat Got Married, About Us, and The Summer Holidays Survival Guide. He's also the author of the Christmas novella, A Notting Hill Christmas.

Jon studied English Literature at Middlesex University, London, before going travelling and meeting his American wife in Australia. Jon loves comedy (especially sitcoms), the films of Richard Curtis, travelling and tea. He just turned forty, which is a terrifying time, so his books might get a bit edgier and possibly angrier as a result.

Jon writes dramatic, romantic, comedy fiction similar to the work of Mike Gayle, Matt Dunn, Nick Spalding and David Nicholls.

You can email him at: jonrance@yahoo.com

Please visit his website: www.jonrance.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @JRance75

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of One Day will likely enjoy this read as we are presented with the ups and downs of Charlie and Ash. One hundred moments, one hundred chapters, I flew through this sweet story and loved seeing the realistic portrayal of a couple who suffer the trials and tribulations of adulthood.

Each chapter is told from the alternating perspectives of Charlie and Ash. I liked this technique because I felt I grew close to each character. Over the story, I found myself sometimes sympathising more towards Ash; other times it was Charlie who pulled on my heartstrings. Overall however, I don’t think Rance manipulates readers to side with one of the characters; we see them as equals who behave no better than the other and equally deserve a happy ending.

We meet Charlie and Ash when they are at college. It is a typical of eyes meeting across a crowded room but love does not hit at first sight. Fates seem to have another idea and it takes several meetings and many years before they become a couple – and by this point, I was desperate to see them together! Except, as we all know, the course of true love never runs smooth with Charlie and Ash having diverging careers and different priorities in life.

I was completely expecting a tragedy in this book but I am pleased to say that Rance does not go down this path. Perhaps it was too much of a predictable option? There are plenty of poignant moments and I think this helps shape the characters of Charlie and Ash as they age. Furthermore, I think it just makes it a more realistic story, which definitely added to my enjoyment.

A new writer for me, I loved seeing how these one hundred moments shaped Charlie and Ash’s relationship. In the end, I found I could not put the book down, keen to see what the next moment will be for the characters. The story is engaging that explores all those things that shape a relationship, even down to the minor memories like scratches on a piece of furniture (I think we can all relate to that one!). It was a great read, a romantic story and I hope to read more from this author in future.

With thanks to Hera books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that is reminiscent of One Day by Dave Nicholls, in the way we have revisited two people's meetings and encountered them over a certain amount of years.
It includes the buildups, the near misses, and the highs and lows of Charlie and Ashley from 6th form, when Charlie has an unrequited crush on Ashley, to the present day.
Yes, there is happiness, but equally, as each relationship shows, there is sadness.
I almost gasped at the end, thinking we were looking at another tragic ending, like One Day, but no—we were saved, thank goodness!
A lovely story.

[sophie's reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

One hundred moments of us by Jon Rance is a trivial and uplifting snapshot into the ups and downs of love and loss in a relationship from 1999 to 2022

Such a captivating read that can only be described as unputdownable. Set predominantly in London Ash and Charlie having met in school and later on a holiday in Lanzarote begin a relationship full of ups down from family to love loss and careers. I really loved the character of Charlie in this story but found his certain action (no spoilers) very out of character but also it was quite important to force him to have his personal development. Although I liked Ash I found at times she was naive towards the feeling of Charlie with situations like her father money jobs etc but it did make her feel more authentic as nobody is perfect in reality. I found the way the author chose to write this book as important moments quite clever and was done so successfully with the dual storytelling aspect. The theme of grief and loss is present in this story showing has grief can take over a relationship. Overall I really enjoyed this story and would highly recommend this read to anyone looking for a uplifting yet realistic romance story.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is gorgeous, from the title which draws you into the amazing cover and the story within its pages, it's just gorgeous!

This is the first book I have read by Jon Rance, I'm not sure how, but I am kicking myself for not discovering this author sooner; I think it's another case of me walking around with my eyes shut, but I can say for a fact this book will not be the last!

I got huge 'One Day' feels from this (though thankfully not as tear-jerking!), the way we follow Charlie and Ashley as they make their way through life, we are right by their sides through the ups and downs. I loved how people can appear in your life at the right time and have an unforgettable impact which never leaves you.

Ashley and Charlie first meet in school and over twenty years we watch as they try to form a relationship that is rocked with huge emotions, high lows life changes, grief and changes of personal perspectives. I liked how the author focuses most of the story on how grief and loss can impact a person and how relationships and friendships can become scattered and complicated.

It's a real and relatable story of love and loss, the writing is engaging and the story enlightening, though I did think it was a little slow-paced at times. I really liked the dual-person narrative so you become fully absorbed into both Charlie and Ashley's personal stories allowing you to connect with the characters.

Definitely recommended!

Thank you to Kate at Hera for the complimentary copy, which I honestly and voluntarily reviewed!

[Ceejay Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

My One Hundred Moments of Us by Jon Rance is a book that you have to take the time to read and not rush through to truly enjoy the story. I have to be honest, though. It took me much longer to finish than I anticipated. It took me several days to read. I felt like I was running a marathon.

It is hard to give this book a 2/5 star ⭐ rating. The reason for giving this rating is that I had to put this book down several times to be engaged. There was too much fluff. Although, I felt that the author put his heart into this book. It's not that I didn't love the book it's just that I think the author published it when it wasn't ready. Despite taking a year to write it.

I thought the main characters, Ash and Charlie, were young and native but grew into their personalities as they matured. Their love for each other was raw. They had their ups and downs like all relationships do. I found humor and endearment in their relationship. I almost felt like I was looking into their life and was secretly hoping that Charlie would let go of Ash as she emotionally hurt him. I don't want to spoil the book! So, I'll stop there...

Warning ⚠️ one of the characters in the book has a miscarriage.

What was unique about this book is that it incorporated a couple of the characters having to put a halt on their marriage because of COVID.

I had the chance to obtain an advanced reader copy #Netgalley. I let my access to the book lapse, so I had to buy the ebook to finish it.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

You often read books that capture the essence of love and breakup but books that actually address the trials of love are far and in between. This book is it.

It is real. It is fresh and beautiful. It is based in London, a city of many shades and can be what you want it to be.

It follows the story of Charlie and Ash, who met in Sixth Form, and the ups and downs of their relationship. We are treated to the dynamics between them, their realities, their struggles and their triumphs.

I enjoyed the dual POVs and how the author titled the chapters. I also loved the unpredictability and suspense. I had no idea how things will go and where they are headed and yet there was no dull moment.

If you are looking for an uplifting romance set in the UK and which celebrates great British culture then you should consider this.

I received an advanced copy and the review is mine and voluntary.

[Concha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Hera
From the moment Charlie sees Ash for the first time, he knows she is the love of his life. Fate brings them closer and further apart until the ideal moment arrives. It won't all be pretty but they will face whatever comes their way together.
Alternating chapters between Ash and Charlie we get to know their lives, their dreams and their feelings little by little through the different situations that the novel presents us with. Anyone can feel reflected and related to some of them and even have lived them directly.
Without an overwhelming pace, it is one of those novels through which you glide placidly.

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life ultimately consists of moments, some more memorable than others. And so does love.
That's a nice idea and concept for a novel about a relationship that took quite a while to take off and is stumbling along with ups and downs.
My only problem was that neither of the two was really relatable.
Ash is focused on her life plan: university, one year travelling, a good career, a nice husband, a house and children. In that order and within a set time frame.
Charlie on the other hand doesn't know what he wants to do with his life and has deep inside an overwhelming feeling of inferiority that makes him think that he's not good enough for Ash.

[SH · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Charlie first meets Ashley Oliver in sixth form, he is in love. Yet it is not all sunshine and roses for them, taking several years and more than one chance meeting before they begin their relationship. The story follows them in their relationship, which is full of ups and downs. Ash has her life planned whilst Charlie is not quite as clear in where his future lies. He struggles with his confidence and it seemed that he was never quite sure of Ashley’s feelings for him. A realistic take on a relationship that spans many years.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Many years

This book follows Ash and Charlie’s lives starting at age 17. Lots of chance meetings, fate? But mostly details of their day to day lives, lots of details.

I thought the premise of the story was good, but it could have been much shorter and more engaging. It was difficult to get through, I wasn’t very invested in the characters or even cared about what the future had in store for them. I appreciate the work the author put into creating this book, but unfortunately it just missed the mark for me.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨My Thoughts✨
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book shows you the life of Ash & Charlie from when they first meet in sixth form in 1999 right up to the present day, you get to see every moment between them including all the highs and lows.

It was such a nostalgic read for me at the beginning because I grew up in the early 2000’s.

The whole story is a realistic portrayal of growing up and the ups and downs of being in a relationship and the breaking up and coming back together because you’re meant to be together no matter what.

It’s a really beautiful story that I know so many people will fall in love with.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely drawn to this book right from the second I saw it.
The cover is beautiful and that, along with the title, really gave me epic love story vibes.

As soon as I started reading, I was totally in love with everything about this book.

The characters were so relatable and likable that I couldn't help but root for them to get together and make their relationship work.
Obviously to make the novel work, there just had to be some bumps along the way - just like real life - and it just wasn't the right time for them - which had me really questioning whether this was going to ever turn out right for the couple.

The writing style was utterly mesmerising and I was so immersed in everything that was going on, I totally lost track of time and struggled to put this down.
The format of the chapters also had me sneaking in just one more chapter over and over as I just had to see every moment from each pov.

I liked that the moments were diverse in nature and that we saw the big and the small, good and bad. I think everyone can relate to some of the events in this storyline and that makes this feel more realistic than some other romances that I've read.

This was such a gorgeous read and my first by this author - but I'll definitely be hunting out more in the near future. I loved this.

[mer Kerensky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off thank you to netgalley and Hera for giving me this book! This book is meant to follow a couple throughout all the stages and moments of their relationship and as a concept that's so adorable. My problem with the outcome is that it just felt slightly flat. I couldn't get into the characters or the world and it felt a bit too disconnected. I was rooting for them by the end, and I loved the last like 40 pages.

SPOILERS!

I also have to say I hated the tropes and the way they broke up and got back together. It felt badly done and too rushed.

[Bookbug_40 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written book, heart-warming and touching. Charlie and Ash, both are relatable and well written characters. It's about them, finding each other, again and again, life's ups and downs, their love, their heartbreaks, and finally, reunion. Simple and easy to read writing style with deep emotions. It is a wonderful book about relationships and true love. Thanks a lot to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

[Zoe Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! Parts had me in tears - either of happiness or sadness. I loved how they were drawn together at different times and how some moments felt so realistic, like anything anyone in a relationship could experience. It was emotional and lovely. I got through it quickly, the short chapters were easy to get through and I was so intrigued to know what happened next. It does end happily which I loved!

[Tracy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasant book to read!
The development of the two main characters was done beautifully. Introducing both pivotal and everyday moments in this relationship, helped you to understand how deep their love was for each other as well as their struggles. This book was well written, entertaining, and left you with the feeling of contentment.
Thank you, NetGalley for sharing this book!

[Kenzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was stages throughout this book that I did genuinely enjoy, but majority of the book I felt bored. I couldn't really get into the characters and it felt almost like an array of short stories where nothing actually happened.

[Natalie Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one

I don't know how he does it but Jon Rance writes 1 fantastic book after another. This one is no exception. If you haven't read any of his books or are a longtime fan like myself, make this your next read. You won't be disappointed

[Brooke Forward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved thus book.

I felt this book was so real. I also couldn’t put it down. It was a really housework stopper as I kept picking it up. Loved it.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author. After reading several other reviews, I feel like a minority because I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It took a few chapters to get accustomed to the writing style, where each chapter represented one of the 100 significant moments in the lives of the main characters, Charlie and Ashley. Once I got the hang of it, the story progressed beautifully.

Following Charlie and Ashley through their lives was enthralling, and I found myself immersed in their different emotions. Their relationship had its highs and lows, with moments of joy and periods of hardship and sorrow. Both main characters are endearing in their own ways, yet they are deeply flawed, and we witness their attempts to overcome these challenges. The storyline, presented from both perspectives, is so cleverly written.

I was particularly moved by how their tales spanned several decades, from their youth to adulthood. It was a heartwarming and occasionally emotional journey that gripped me from the start, making the book impossible to put down. It's not a book I would typically pick up, but I'm delighted I had the chance to read it. It was such a beautiful read, and I would definitely recommend!