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This Book Made Me Think of You
This large print edition features an easy-to-read larger type size while preserving the complete text of the original edition.
Emma Donoghue, the “soul-stirring” (Oprah Daily) nationally bestselling author of Room, returns with a sweeping historical novel about an infamous 1895 disaster at the Paris Montparnasse train station.
Based on an 1895 disaster that went down in history when it was captured in a series of surreal, extraordinary photographs, The Paris Express is a propulsive novel set on a train packed with a fascinating cast of characters who hail from as close as Brittany and as far as Russia, Ireland, Algeria, Pennsylvania, and Cambodia. Members of parliament hurry back to Paris to vote; a medical student suspects a girl may be dying; a secretary tries to convince her boss of the potential of moving pictures; two of the train's crew build a life away from their wives; a young anarchist makes a terrifying plan, and much more.
From an author whose “writing is superb alchemy” (Audrey Niffenegger, New York Times bestselling author), The Paris Express is an evocative masterpiece that effortlessly captures the politics, glamour, chaos, and speed that marked the end of the 19th century.
Emma Donoghue, the “soul-stirring” (Oprah Daily) nationally bestselling author of Room, returns with a sweeping historical novel about an infamous 1895 disaster at the Paris Montparnasse train station.
Based on an 1895 disaster that went down in history when it was captured in a series of surreal, extraordinary photographs, The Paris Express is a propulsive novel set on a train packed with a fascinating cast of characters who hail from as close as Brittany and as far as Russia, Ireland, Algeria, Pennsylvania, and Cambodia. Members of parliament hurry back to Paris to vote; a medical student suspects a girl may be dying; a secretary tries to convince her boss of the potential of moving pictures; two of the train's crew build a life away from their wives; a young anarchist makes a terrifying plan, and much more.
From an author whose “writing is superb alchemy” (Audrey Niffenegger, New York Times bestselling author), The Paris Express is an evocative masterpiece that effortlessly captures the politics, glamour, chaos, and speed that marked the end of the 19th century.
554 pages, Hardcover
First published February 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 22,652 reviews
February 18, 2026
okay so not a 5 star romance, but a very strong 4! the ultimate book about books, a book lovers dream! so many bookish references, lists of books, just books all around. wanted to flag that there is a lot of grief talk in here; the FMC is grieving her husband and the MMC his father, but they work together to keep their legacies alive through their mutual love of books. very cute, a bittt repetitive for me (but you guys know me and my feelings about romance over 300 pages, just a me thing!) + fabulous on audio - loved the narrator!
February 15, 2026
Don’t you love that feeling when you close a book and think … wow, the author handled that topic so perfectly! I’ve read quite a number of books about characters navigating life after a significant loss, but I’m not sure any of them has felt as complete as this one by new-to-me author Libby Page. The bonus is that the story is also a love letter to books and reading with MANY bookish references that readers will enjoy!
Londoner Matilda “Tilly” Nightingale (take a moment to appreciate how awesome that name is) has lost her husband Joe, the love of her life, to cancer. In many ways the two were opposites: Joe, an American-born athletic extrovert to Tilly’s quirky bookish introvert, but their chance encounter in a bookstore one day began a love story that she’s now deeply grieving the loss of.
Tilly hasn’t felt like reading since Joe’s death five months ago, but on her birthday she receives an unexpected call from a man named Alfie Lane, the proprietor of local bookshop Book Lane. He informs her that she has a parcel waiting for her from Joe. What? How could this be?
In a final act of love for his wife, Joe arranged a year of books … one each month … specially cultivated for her to remind her to keep living and maybe even try new things. Accompanying each book is a handwritten letter from Joe to Tilly explaining the book choice. Over time, her visits to the bookstore lead to a sweet, supportive friendship with Alfie, and the books he gives her from Joe lead her on adventures and to new friends she might never have otherwise had. The places she goes and the people she meets in this book were amazing!
Can I stop for a minute and say … this may be the coolest, most thoughtful idea ever, and I kinda want a box of tissues right now just thinking about it. *sniff*
I won’t spell out the whole book, but here’s what I think Libby Page did SO brilliantly: she didn’t rush Tilly into the next phase of her life and sweep her past with Joe under the rug to be forgotten. I think when readers know that a book involves romance, it can create impatience to get to the next good part, so to speak. Instead, she lets the reader sit with Tilly through that year of processing her grief as she takes inspiration from Joe’s gifts to try new things and figure out what this new life should look like. Romance plays a role, but it doesn’t play the main role in the bulk of the story, and that felt so much more believable and relatable.
Having said that - for those looking for romance, you won’t be disappointed. The level of sweetness in how that aspect of the story develops darn near melted my heart! I don’t think Page could’ve written that romance arc any more believably and sensitively than she did, and it was the yummiest icing on a perfectly baked cake!
This was an immersion read with my Kindle and the audio narrated by Zadeiah Campbell-Davies, who did a lovely job with the voicing and regulating the emotion of the story. I highly recommend both formats. This will be on my year-end favorites list!
★★★★★❤️
Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author Libby Page for this digital ARC to honestly review, and to Libby/my library for the audio. This is out now.
Londoner Matilda “Tilly” Nightingale (take a moment to appreciate how awesome that name is) has lost her husband Joe, the love of her life, to cancer. In many ways the two were opposites: Joe, an American-born athletic extrovert to Tilly’s quirky bookish introvert, but their chance encounter in a bookstore one day began a love story that she’s now deeply grieving the loss of.
Tilly hasn’t felt like reading since Joe’s death five months ago, but on her birthday she receives an unexpected call from a man named Alfie Lane, the proprietor of local bookshop Book Lane. He informs her that she has a parcel waiting for her from Joe. What? How could this be?
In a final act of love for his wife, Joe arranged a year of books … one each month … specially cultivated for her to remind her to keep living and maybe even try new things. Accompanying each book is a handwritten letter from Joe to Tilly explaining the book choice. Over time, her visits to the bookstore lead to a sweet, supportive friendship with Alfie, and the books he gives her from Joe lead her on adventures and to new friends she might never have otherwise had. The places she goes and the people she meets in this book were amazing!
Can I stop for a minute and say … this may be the coolest, most thoughtful idea ever, and I kinda want a box of tissues right now just thinking about it. *sniff*
I won’t spell out the whole book, but here’s what I think Libby Page did SO brilliantly: she didn’t rush Tilly into the next phase of her life and sweep her past with Joe under the rug to be forgotten. I think when readers know that a book involves romance, it can create impatience to get to the next good part, so to speak. Instead, she lets the reader sit with Tilly through that year of processing her grief as she takes inspiration from Joe’s gifts to try new things and figure out what this new life should look like. Romance plays a role, but it doesn’t play the main role in the bulk of the story, and that felt so much more believable and relatable.
Having said that - for those looking for romance, you won’t be disappointed. The level of sweetness in how that aspect of the story develops darn near melted my heart! I don’t think Page could’ve written that romance arc any more believably and sensitively than she did, and it was the yummiest icing on a perfectly baked cake!
This was an immersion read with my Kindle and the audio narrated by Zadeiah Campbell-Davies, who did a lovely job with the voicing and regulating the emotion of the story. I highly recommend both formats. This will be on my year-end favorites list!
★★★★★❤️
Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author Libby Page for this digital ARC to honestly review, and to Libby/my library for the audio. This is out now.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
I enjoyed this story so much and that each month in the story brought book suggestions and a very special book gift for Tilly Nightingale from her recently deceased husband. Five months after Tilly's husband has died she learns her favorite book store has a book waiting for her at the beginning of each month. And, no, Alfie, the bookstore owner, will not give Tilly all the books NOW. No, her husband wanted her to get each book and its accompanying letter from him, one at a time at the beginning of the month.
Each book and each letter sends Tilly on some kind of adventure. Along the way, Tilly has to admit some things about herself. Grief has laid Tilly low and certain aspects of Tilly's personality and mindset has allowed her to think she should cut just about everyone important to her out of her life for some imagined or slight offence. Tilly is in a downward spiral of loneliness and is wondering how she lost so much more than just her late husband, Joe.
And then there is sweet, Alfie. Whether Tilly wants to see him each month or not, she has to see him to get the books. Joe was not a reader but Alfie is all about books. I loved both men based on what I learned about them. Different but awesome in their own ways. Actually, Tilly has a lot of awesome (and often grieving) people in her life but she's so quick to find fault that she's banished most of them out of her life, no matter how hard they try to get back in.
Can you tell I'm a little put out with Tilly? She's so hard on herself but she is even harder on those who care about her the most. This book is so good with the character growth, it's there but it takes time to happen, just like in real life. There are lessons to learn and Joe found a way to help Tilly grow and heal from the grave and bookseller Alfie is a part of that plan.
But don't forget the awesome, portly, store cat, Georgette. Every time we are in the bookstore, I'm looking for Georgette, such an great fit for this story and the store. I was able to read this story with Jayme and DeAnn and it was fun to discuss the books, the people, the story.
Publication February 3, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC
I enjoyed this story so much and that each month in the story brought book suggestions and a very special book gift for Tilly Nightingale from her recently deceased husband. Five months after Tilly's husband has died she learns her favorite book store has a book waiting for her at the beginning of each month. And, no, Alfie, the bookstore owner, will not give Tilly all the books NOW. No, her husband wanted her to get each book and its accompanying letter from him, one at a time at the beginning of the month.
Each book and each letter sends Tilly on some kind of adventure. Along the way, Tilly has to admit some things about herself. Grief has laid Tilly low and certain aspects of Tilly's personality and mindset has allowed her to think she should cut just about everyone important to her out of her life for some imagined or slight offence. Tilly is in a downward spiral of loneliness and is wondering how she lost so much more than just her late husband, Joe.
And then there is sweet, Alfie. Whether Tilly wants to see him each month or not, she has to see him to get the books. Joe was not a reader but Alfie is all about books. I loved both men based on what I learned about them. Different but awesome in their own ways. Actually, Tilly has a lot of awesome (and often grieving) people in her life but she's so quick to find fault that she's banished most of them out of her life, no matter how hard they try to get back in.
Can you tell I'm a little put out with Tilly? She's so hard on herself but she is even harder on those who care about her the most. This book is so good with the character growth, it's there but it takes time to happen, just like in real life. There are lessons to learn and Joe found a way to help Tilly grow and heal from the grave and bookseller Alfie is a part of that plan.
But don't forget the awesome, portly, store cat, Georgette. Every time we are in the bookstore, I'm looking for Georgette, such an great fit for this story and the store. I was able to read this story with Jayme and DeAnn and it was fun to discuss the books, the people, the story.
Publication February 3, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This Book Made Me Think Of You written by Libby Page was beautiful, emotional, authentic pure, heart breaking, powerful, raw, inspiring and heart warming. When I first saw this beautifully detailed cover, I knew I had to get my hands on this book immediately, but little did I know that it would become my favorite book of 2026. Every book lover needs to read this beautiful book because this emotional story will speak directly to you and your precious heart of gold. I knew this book would be emotional, but I didn't expect my heart to be ripped into a million tiny pieces, my goodness, I was just a hot mess, I just know my messy bun has seen better days. The snot bubbles were bubbling and the tears were a waterfall. To whoever created waterproof mascara, thank YOU from the bottom of my heart because I couldn't hold back the tears that had a mind of their own. I loved every single minute of this book from the beginning all the way until the very last page that truly captured my tears, I just remember staring at the ceiling with tears rolling down my face when I finished this beautiful book. 🎀❣️This Book Made Me Think Of You was so poetically beautiful🎀❣️. I can't recommend this book enough, if you are a book lover looking for an emotional story, then please do yourselves a favor and have your calendars marked for February 3rd, 2026 for the publication of this lovely book, which is now available if you want your heart ripped out of your chest. I will forever be blessed and honored that I had the chance to read this book so early because it's now a favorite for me and it will forever remain close to my heart for years and years to come.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
🖤🎤Hey Alexa, play The Older You Get by Daniel Seavey🖤🎤
"📖🥰Bookshops aren't just book shops. They are places for book lovers to come together, like minded souls meeting among the stacks📖🥰".
"💔🥀People can just be crap at knowing how to deal with someone who is grieving💔🥀".
"⭐💫From one lone star to another, never forget that you are a part of a constellation⭐💫".
"❤️✨I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being❤️✨".
"♡ྀི🧸I think, maybe we don't get just one love of our lives. Maybe we all have room in our hearts for more than one story♡ྀི🧸".
"💘💤Sometimes life calls for a pillow fort. And sometimes you just have to build that fort yourself💘💤".
"ᥫ᭡♾️When you lose someone who is your entire universe, it hits you- all chances you didn't take, all the things you didn't say. Because the truth is that you think you have forever, but you don't. You never doᥫ᭡♾️".
Tilly Nightingale was married to Joe Carter, but Joe passed away six months ago, but died just nine months after their wedding- ugh I couldn't even imagine the heart break. Joe passed away months after being diagnosed with cancer, but his and Tilly's love story was oh so beautiful. Joe and Tilly met in a book shop and bonded over A Man Called Ove written by Fredrik Backman and ever since then they fell head over heels in love with each other. Even though he wasn't much of a reader himself, Joe always supported Tilly's love for books. Even though Tilly is a book lover at heart, she hasn't read a single book since Joe's diagnosis, Tilly would just sit by Joe's hospital bed for hours on end holding his hand and cherishing their last moments together. Tilly is a senior editor at Splash Books and she has a potential promotion to become the deputy publishing director. Before passing away, Joe left behind a birthday gift for his wife Tilly- this gift is so simple, but yet so beautiful and heart warming- twelve carefully chosen books from Joe, one for each month to help Tilly turn the page on her first year without her loving husband Joe. Tilly has twelve months, twelve books, and one chance to heal her heart. The first book Joe left behind is wrapped in brown paper and tied with a white ribbon- but the ribbons change color with each passing month. Joe also leaves a sweet note with every book telling Tilly why he chose that specific book. Tilly's waves of grief are so unexpected, but she just wants to let her hair down and be a big sister to her little sister Harper. At times it seemed like the books that Joe chose were a guide through life, but halfway through her year of books, Tilly's gifts on the first of the month have become like book marks keeping her place in the year. Each book that Joe picked holds a personal significance and a special meaning. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Tilly the biggest hug, this poor girl deserves the world. 🖤⃝🦋I love you, Tilly girl🖤⃝🦋.
Alfie Lane is a book seller and owner at Book Lane which is a book store that his dad built from scratch. Alfie believes the right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever. Alfie also has a cat named Georgette, but she's a neighborhood stray cat that just loves spending time at Book Lane, oh Georgette was just the sweetest fur baby. Alfie knows all about grief because his dad died from a heart attack right after Alfie finished college. Alfie wants his book store to feel like a safe place for people to just decompress while they navigate life dealing with grief. Alfie made a promise to Joe that he will call Tilly on January fifth which is also Tilly's birthday to let her know about her year of books that Joe left behind- all of these hand picked books from Joe are books that made him think of Tilly. That one unexpected call from Alfie on January fifth changed everything for Tilly. Alfie is actually the one that carefully wraps every book for Tilly with a cutesy colored ribbon for each month. Alfie's vulnerability was so beautiful, his story was so heart breaking, but I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give him the biggest hug as he navigated grief over the death of his dad. Alfie was so supportive, gentle, and patient with Tilly as she navigates this new life without her husband. I absolutely love that Tilly and Alfie had each other to lean on through this new life without their loved ones. After reading this beautiful book, I now want to go to London and visit this book shop and meet my new friends Rachel, Prudence, and Blue who also work at Book Lane And of course, I loved my favorite people, Alfie Lane and Tilly Nightingale. I absolutely adore Alfie for keeping his promise to Joe and gifting these books to Tilly. Ugh, I'm going to miss all of you, but don't worry, y'all will live rent free in my heart because how could I forget you? I can never imagine the pain you two beautiful souls have gone through. 🖤⃝🦋Alfie, you precious beautiful soul, I love you🖤⃝🦋.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
🖤🎤Hey Alexa, play The Older You Get by Daniel Seavey🖤🎤
"📖🥰Bookshops aren't just book shops. They are places for book lovers to come together, like minded souls meeting among the stacks📖🥰".
"💔🥀People can just be crap at knowing how to deal with someone who is grieving💔🥀".
"⭐💫From one lone star to another, never forget that you are a part of a constellation⭐💫".
"❤️✨I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being❤️✨".
"♡ྀི🧸I think, maybe we don't get just one love of our lives. Maybe we all have room in our hearts for more than one story♡ྀི🧸".
"💘💤Sometimes life calls for a pillow fort. And sometimes you just have to build that fort yourself💘💤".
"ᥫ᭡♾️When you lose someone who is your entire universe, it hits you- all chances you didn't take, all the things you didn't say. Because the truth is that you think you have forever, but you don't. You never doᥫ᭡♾️".
Tilly Nightingale was married to Joe Carter, but Joe passed away six months ago, but died just nine months after their wedding- ugh I couldn't even imagine the heart break. Joe passed away months after being diagnosed with cancer, but his and Tilly's love story was oh so beautiful. Joe and Tilly met in a book shop and bonded over A Man Called Ove written by Fredrik Backman and ever since then they fell head over heels in love with each other. Even though he wasn't much of a reader himself, Joe always supported Tilly's love for books. Even though Tilly is a book lover at heart, she hasn't read a single book since Joe's diagnosis, Tilly would just sit by Joe's hospital bed for hours on end holding his hand and cherishing their last moments together. Tilly is a senior editor at Splash Books and she has a potential promotion to become the deputy publishing director. Before passing away, Joe left behind a birthday gift for his wife Tilly- this gift is so simple, but yet so beautiful and heart warming- twelve carefully chosen books from Joe, one for each month to help Tilly turn the page on her first year without her loving husband Joe. Tilly has twelve months, twelve books, and one chance to heal her heart. The first book Joe left behind is wrapped in brown paper and tied with a white ribbon- but the ribbons change color with each passing month. Joe also leaves a sweet note with every book telling Tilly why he chose that specific book. Tilly's waves of grief are so unexpected, but she just wants to let her hair down and be a big sister to her little sister Harper. At times it seemed like the books that Joe chose were a guide through life, but halfway through her year of books, Tilly's gifts on the first of the month have become like book marks keeping her place in the year. Each book that Joe picked holds a personal significance and a special meaning. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Tilly the biggest hug, this poor girl deserves the world. 🖤⃝🦋I love you, Tilly girl🖤⃝🦋.
Alfie Lane is a book seller and owner at Book Lane which is a book store that his dad built from scratch. Alfie believes the right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever. Alfie also has a cat named Georgette, but she's a neighborhood stray cat that just loves spending time at Book Lane, oh Georgette was just the sweetest fur baby. Alfie knows all about grief because his dad died from a heart attack right after Alfie finished college. Alfie wants his book store to feel like a safe place for people to just decompress while they navigate life dealing with grief. Alfie made a promise to Joe that he will call Tilly on January fifth which is also Tilly's birthday to let her know about her year of books that Joe left behind- all of these hand picked books from Joe are books that made him think of Tilly. That one unexpected call from Alfie on January fifth changed everything for Tilly. Alfie is actually the one that carefully wraps every book for Tilly with a cutesy colored ribbon for each month. Alfie's vulnerability was so beautiful, his story was so heart breaking, but I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give him the biggest hug as he navigated grief over the death of his dad. Alfie was so supportive, gentle, and patient with Tilly as she navigates this new life without her husband. I absolutely love that Tilly and Alfie had each other to lean on through this new life without their loved ones. After reading this beautiful book, I now want to go to London and visit this book shop and meet my new friends Rachel, Prudence, and Blue who also work at Book Lane And of course, I loved my favorite people, Alfie Lane and Tilly Nightingale. I absolutely adore Alfie for keeping his promise to Joe and gifting these books to Tilly. Ugh, I'm going to miss all of you, but don't worry, y'all will live rent free in my heart because how could I forget you? I can never imagine the pain you two beautiful souls have gone through. 🖤⃝🦋Alfie, you precious beautiful soul, I love you🖤⃝🦋.
July 3, 2026
5 ⭐️s
First of all, kudos to the publisher for getting the blurb right. It tells you everything you need to know without giving too much away.
This is easily one of my favorite books I've read this year. My first tears came in Chapter 3, and honestly, I lost count of how many times I cried or teared up after that. It isn't all sad, though. There are plenty of funny and hopeful moments woven throughout the story, but it also doesn't shy away from some emotionally heavy ones.
Tillie’s grief over losing her husband, her struggle to move forward, and the guilt she feels about allowing herself to love again were handled with such realism and sensitivity.
Each month begins with a themed list of book recommendations, such as "Books to Read When You Don't Feel Like Reading" and "Books to Make You Hungry." It was a nice touch that made the reading experience even more enjoyable.
I don't have much to say other than I loved everything about this book and only wish I hadn't listened to it so quickly. Highly recommend!
First of all, kudos to the publisher for getting the blurb right. It tells you everything you need to know without giving too much away.
This is easily one of my favorite books I've read this year. My first tears came in Chapter 3, and honestly, I lost count of how many times I cried or teared up after that. It isn't all sad, though. There are plenty of funny and hopeful moments woven throughout the story, but it also doesn't shy away from some emotionally heavy ones.
Tillie’s grief over losing her husband, her struggle to move forward, and the guilt she feels about allowing herself to love again were handled with such realism and sensitivity.
Each month begins with a themed list of book recommendations, such as "Books to Read When You Don't Feel Like Reading" and "Books to Make You Hungry." It was a nice touch that made the reading experience even more enjoyable.
I don't have much to say other than I loved everything about this book and only wish I hadn't listened to it so quickly. Highly recommend!
April 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | A love letter to books and second chances
Could this possibly be my favorite book of 2026? Let’s see…
“The right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever.”
Isn’t that the truth? And, what a perfect way to begin this story. That opening line alone feels like a promise—and a beautiful reminder of how books find us exactly when we need them most.
Like this one.
“Welcome, Book Lover, You are Among Friends.”
And that’s exactly how this novel reads—like stepping into a warm, inviting space where we instantly know we belong.
There is something irresistible about a story centered around books and a bookstore—but this one goes so much deeper. (And for fellow readers, the author thoughtfully provides a full list of the books mentioned throughout the novel on her website. See link below.)
At its heart is Matilda “Tilly” Nightingale, a widow paralyzed by grief after losing her husband, Joe—and, the quiet, steady presence of Alfie, the bookstore’s proprietor.
Because they met in a bookstore, Joe understood better than anyone how deeply Tilly loved books. That’s why, before he died, he chose to give her the gift of a year in books.
But…Books—once Tilly’s greatest comfort—have become something she can no longer bear to read.
What Joe couldn’t have foreseen was how her profound grief from losing him would turn her away from books, the very thing that brought her the most comfort. Not even to read as an escape—leaving her to engage with books only out of obligation in her now joyless job as a Senior Editor working with spoiled celebrities.
So how will Joe’s final gift impact Tilly—and Alfie?
Twelve books.
One each month.
Each with a letter from Joe.
To receive them, she must return to the Book Lane Bookstore—and to a world she’s been trying to avoid.
And when she finally opens that first book…
“…inside her a door that she thought was locked nudges open, letting in a shaft of light.”
From there, something begins to shift.
What unfolds is tender, thoughtful, and quietly transformative. Watching Tilly slowly reopen herself to stories—and to life—felt incredibly real. Each book, each letter, each kind interaction nudges her forward, reminding readers that healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning how to carry love differently.
Is this what Joe was hoping for Tilly?
Or could it be something more?
Who knew that his gift would become the catalyst for an entirely new chapter—one of life and living?
“What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”
It’s a question that lingers—gently challenging both Tilly and the reader.
This book thoughtfully explores community, connection, friendship, family, grief, forgiveness, and healing—and what it truly takes to move forward without losing the memories we hold dear.
It’s a tender, transformative journey that celebrates not only books, but life itself, vividly portrayed through moments of exploration and adventures and, a richly drawn and deeply endearing cast of characters. Including Georgette—lovingly known as Georgie—the charming tabby bookstore cat, whose gentle purrs and cozy lap cuddles practically leap off the page and into the reader’s heart. 🐾
My own reading experience with this story, was marked by several colorful Post-it notes throughout—highlighting books I’m now eager to discover or revisit, and quotes that sparked meaningful reflection. (Because something was broken with the Goodreads ‘quotes’ section, I have included some here.)
This is more than just a story—it’s a journey. An adventure. One that reminds us why we read, why we feel what we do when we connect with characters, and why we keep turning the pages.
“I hope this…will inspire you to read. But more than that, I hope it will inspire you to live. Then choose a book. Hold it close. Your own adventures are waiting for you. It’s time to turn the page.”
And that is exactly why this is—without a doubt—in the running to be my favorite book of the year.
A truly special reading experience—that I won’t soon forget.
List of books mentioned in this story: https://libbypage.co.uk/your-guide-to...
Other notable quotes:
“The real magic of books is when turning the final page doesn't mean an ending but a beginning - a beginning that only you can write. When a book sends you to a place you've never been or encourages you to do something new or simply to live with a little more empathy or curiosity because of the characters you have met.”
“Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it yet. We’ve still got tomorrow.” – Anne of Green Gables by Anne Shirley
“Bookshops aren’t just bookshops. They’re places for book lovers to come together, like-minded souls meeting among the stacks.”
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T.S. Eliot
“I didn’t want to hide it, because hiding my grief felt like hiding the most important thing of all – my love for ‘this person.’”
Could this possibly be my favorite book of 2026? Let’s see…
“The right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever.”
Isn’t that the truth? And, what a perfect way to begin this story. That opening line alone feels like a promise—and a beautiful reminder of how books find us exactly when we need them most.
Like this one.
“Welcome, Book Lover, You are Among Friends.”
And that’s exactly how this novel reads—like stepping into a warm, inviting space where we instantly know we belong.
There is something irresistible about a story centered around books and a bookstore—but this one goes so much deeper. (And for fellow readers, the author thoughtfully provides a full list of the books mentioned throughout the novel on her website. See link below.)
At its heart is Matilda “Tilly” Nightingale, a widow paralyzed by grief after losing her husband, Joe—and, the quiet, steady presence of Alfie, the bookstore’s proprietor.
Because they met in a bookstore, Joe understood better than anyone how deeply Tilly loved books. That’s why, before he died, he chose to give her the gift of a year in books.
But…Books—once Tilly’s greatest comfort—have become something she can no longer bear to read.
What Joe couldn’t have foreseen was how her profound grief from losing him would turn her away from books, the very thing that brought her the most comfort. Not even to read as an escape—leaving her to engage with books only out of obligation in her now joyless job as a Senior Editor working with spoiled celebrities.
So how will Joe’s final gift impact Tilly—and Alfie?
Twelve books.
One each month.
Each with a letter from Joe.
To receive them, she must return to the Book Lane Bookstore—and to a world she’s been trying to avoid.
And when she finally opens that first book…
“…inside her a door that she thought was locked nudges open, letting in a shaft of light.”
From there, something begins to shift.
What unfolds is tender, thoughtful, and quietly transformative. Watching Tilly slowly reopen herself to stories—and to life—felt incredibly real. Each book, each letter, each kind interaction nudges her forward, reminding readers that healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning how to carry love differently.
Is this what Joe was hoping for Tilly?
Or could it be something more?
Who knew that his gift would become the catalyst for an entirely new chapter—one of life and living?
“What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”
It’s a question that lingers—gently challenging both Tilly and the reader.
This book thoughtfully explores community, connection, friendship, family, grief, forgiveness, and healing—and what it truly takes to move forward without losing the memories we hold dear.
It’s a tender, transformative journey that celebrates not only books, but life itself, vividly portrayed through moments of exploration and adventures and, a richly drawn and deeply endearing cast of characters. Including Georgette—lovingly known as Georgie—the charming tabby bookstore cat, whose gentle purrs and cozy lap cuddles practically leap off the page and into the reader’s heart. 🐾
My own reading experience with this story, was marked by several colorful Post-it notes throughout—highlighting books I’m now eager to discover or revisit, and quotes that sparked meaningful reflection. (Because something was broken with the Goodreads ‘quotes’ section, I have included some here.)
This is more than just a story—it’s a journey. An adventure. One that reminds us why we read, why we feel what we do when we connect with characters, and why we keep turning the pages.
“I hope this…will inspire you to read. But more than that, I hope it will inspire you to live. Then choose a book. Hold it close. Your own adventures are waiting for you. It’s time to turn the page.”
And that is exactly why this is—without a doubt—in the running to be my favorite book of the year.
A truly special reading experience—that I won’t soon forget.
List of books mentioned in this story: https://libbypage.co.uk/your-guide-to...
Other notable quotes:
“The real magic of books is when turning the final page doesn't mean an ending but a beginning - a beginning that only you can write. When a book sends you to a place you've never been or encourages you to do something new or simply to live with a little more empathy or curiosity because of the characters you have met.”
“Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it yet. We’ve still got tomorrow.” – Anne of Green Gables by Anne Shirley
“Bookshops aren’t just bookshops. They’re places for book lovers to come together, like-minded souls meeting among the stacks.”
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T.S. Eliot
“I didn’t want to hide it, because hiding my grief felt like hiding the most important thing of all – my love for ‘this person.’”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog
This book made me think about how much books can transform lives.
Tilly is grieving the recent death of her husband when she receives a call from a bookshop. She hasn’t read a book in forever, yet Joe has picked twelve of them for her—one for each month of the year. Each one has a letter from him to guide her through this first year of her grief. Her journey through these books and heartwarming notes makes Tilly reconnect with the world, the bookshop owner, and the community around her. As she turns the pages of the books, she is also turning the page on this chapter of her life.
This book is a treasure trove of feelings and a love letter to books all at the same time. It’s so very sad, but also heartwarming and life-affirming. It’s a book for anyone who believes in the magic and power of stories. Libby Page has written a beautiful and tender novel about love, loss, the magic of books, and new beginnings. I found it to be incredibly touching without being sickly sweet; it felt true to life, and the characters acted like real human beings.
It’s a poignant and uplifting read that made me both tear up and laugh out loud. It perfectly explores grief while at the same time filling you with hope. It reminded me that even in the hardest of times, books and their stories can help us heal and find our way toward the future. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
This book made me think about how much books can transform lives.
Tilly is grieving the recent death of her husband when she receives a call from a bookshop. She hasn’t read a book in forever, yet Joe has picked twelve of them for her—one for each month of the year. Each one has a letter from him to guide her through this first year of her grief. Her journey through these books and heartwarming notes makes Tilly reconnect with the world, the bookshop owner, and the community around her. As she turns the pages of the books, she is also turning the page on this chapter of her life.
This book is a treasure trove of feelings and a love letter to books all at the same time. It’s so very sad, but also heartwarming and life-affirming. It’s a book for anyone who believes in the magic and power of stories. Libby Page has written a beautiful and tender novel about love, loss, the magic of books, and new beginnings. I found it to be incredibly touching without being sickly sweet; it felt true to life, and the characters acted like real human beings.
It’s a poignant and uplifting read that made me both tear up and laugh out loud. It perfectly explores grief while at the same time filling you with hope. It reminded me that even in the hardest of times, books and their stories can help us heal and find our way toward the future. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As soon as I saw this DELIGHTFUL book cover and read the ENTICING premise, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy as soon as possible!
Let me begin with a favorite quote from this ultimately UPLIFTING book about grief and healing…
“From one lone star to another-never forget that you are part of a constellation” ✨
When Tilly Nightingale receives a call from her local bookshop, Book Lane, telling her there’s a birthday gift from her husband waiting for her she suspects a mistake.
Joe had died five months ago....
But, Alfie Lane, the bookshop owner convinces her to come in and when she does, he explains the gift to her-twelve carefully chosen books with TOUCHING handwritten letters from Joe, to be picked up one month at a time, helping her turn the page on her first year without him.
Oh Joe! 😭
The first, Matilda by Ronald Dahl, is a gentle reminder about how her love of books began, and each book that follows is like having Joe still holding her hand as she discovers new ways to slowly move forward instead of standing still. He nudges her to go to new places and to try new things.
Tilly begins to look forward to her monthly trips to the bookstore-spending time in the comforting space complete with the bookshop’s cat Georgette-and to the heartfelt conversations she begins to have with its thoughtful owner.
The book unfolds one month at a time, with each chapter opening with Book Lane’s themed recommendations for books to read that month.
Although she was grieving, Tilly did come across as a bit too hard on the people trying their best to support her-making assumptions instead of having honest conversations-but by the books end, we see her personal growth as she finally learns that she isn’t a LONE STAR after all. 💫✨
And, in case you’re wondering, yes my TBR list grew-starting with Matilda!
All book lovers should enjoy this one❣️
A buddy read with Marilyn and DeAnn. Be sure to watch for their amazing reviews!
Available NOW!
Thank You to Berkley for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Let me begin with a favorite quote from this ultimately UPLIFTING book about grief and healing…
“From one lone star to another-never forget that you are part of a constellation” ✨
When Tilly Nightingale receives a call from her local bookshop, Book Lane, telling her there’s a birthday gift from her husband waiting for her she suspects a mistake.
Joe had died five months ago....
But, Alfie Lane, the bookshop owner convinces her to come in and when she does, he explains the gift to her-twelve carefully chosen books with TOUCHING handwritten letters from Joe, to be picked up one month at a time, helping her turn the page on her first year without him.
Oh Joe! 😭
The first, Matilda by Ronald Dahl, is a gentle reminder about how her love of books began, and each book that follows is like having Joe still holding her hand as she discovers new ways to slowly move forward instead of standing still. He nudges her to go to new places and to try new things.
Tilly begins to look forward to her monthly trips to the bookstore-spending time in the comforting space complete with the bookshop’s cat Georgette-and to the heartfelt conversations she begins to have with its thoughtful owner.
The book unfolds one month at a time, with each chapter opening with Book Lane’s themed recommendations for books to read that month.
Although she was grieving, Tilly did come across as a bit too hard on the people trying their best to support her-making assumptions instead of having honest conversations-but by the books end, we see her personal growth as she finally learns that she isn’t a LONE STAR after all. 💫✨
And, in case you’re wondering, yes my TBR list grew-starting with Matilda!
All book lovers should enjoy this one❣️
A buddy read with Marilyn and DeAnn. Be sure to watch for their amazing reviews!
Available NOW!
Thank You to Berkley for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
May 24, 2026
so so sweet, comforting, cozy, & bookish 🥹 I love a good heartwarming story & this was exactly that 🩷
May 18, 2026
Imagine a call from a bookstore. There is a book to be picked up. There will be 12. One for each month selected by your deceased spouse. A farewell gift from the departed.
For Tilly this comes 6 Months after Joe has passed away. She is still grieving and finding it hard to move forward. Now, there is this spark to light up her days as she awaits the next month’s reading and the personal letter that accompanies it. This monthly gift begins to move her out of the grieving stage and she begins to rediscover herself and her joys. She begins to travel making little discoveries along the way. There are hard days, but as the days go on, the grief becomes less sharp. Opening her up to possibilities.
The story’s theme is the resilience and acceptance of death. Not an easy path but one that is paved with memories and nudges from the grave.
And the monthly bookish picks by the book store?! Page, this made the story stand out so much more!! I loved the suggested readings for each month…they made me feel I was locked in stride with Tilly when she received her monthly book.
A delightfully charming and engaging read.
4.5⭐️
For Tilly this comes 6 Months after Joe has passed away. She is still grieving and finding it hard to move forward. Now, there is this spark to light up her days as she awaits the next month’s reading and the personal letter that accompanies it. This monthly gift begins to move her out of the grieving stage and she begins to rediscover herself and her joys. She begins to travel making little discoveries along the way. There are hard days, but as the days go on, the grief becomes less sharp. Opening her up to possibilities.
The story’s theme is the resilience and acceptance of death. Not an easy path but one that is paved with memories and nudges from the grave.
And the monthly bookish picks by the book store?! Page, this made the story stand out so much more!! I loved the suggested readings for each month…they made me feel I was locked in stride with Tilly when she received her monthly book.
A delightfully charming and engaging read.
4.5⭐️
March 14, 2026
A book about loss and grief and moving on.
"The right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever."📚❤️🩹
It's a touching and endearing premise. Pretty incredible if a little unbelievable at the way it all perfectly came together. Several months ago, Tilly lost her husband Joe. She receives a call from a bookshop that there is a package waiting for her from him. She says it's impossible but is told she should come in to pick it up. Waiting for her is a lovely wrapped up book but not just one but twelve. One for every month of the year. Chosen carefully and lovingly by Joe before he died. He's left instructions with the bookseller that she must pick up only one book a month. Each book will send her on a new adventure and slowly will bring happiness back to her life.
Book lovers will enjoy this one as it's loaded with references from many different books. Even one of my favourites is mentioned with one of its best quotes that was slightly changed for the 1985 miniseries.
"Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it yet."-Anne of Green Gables 👒
I loved the part when Tilly was thinking back to when Joe proposed in Santorini 🇬🇷 at the famous, "Atlantis Bookshop." I've been there and it was cool to hear it mentioned and it put a smile on my face 😊
It's a beautiful ending with hope and promise.
"The right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever."📚❤️🩹
It's a touching and endearing premise. Pretty incredible if a little unbelievable at the way it all perfectly came together. Several months ago, Tilly lost her husband Joe. She receives a call from a bookshop that there is a package waiting for her from him. She says it's impossible but is told she should come in to pick it up. Waiting for her is a lovely wrapped up book but not just one but twelve. One for every month of the year. Chosen carefully and lovingly by Joe before he died. He's left instructions with the bookseller that she must pick up only one book a month. Each book will send her on a new adventure and slowly will bring happiness back to her life.
Book lovers will enjoy this one as it's loaded with references from many different books. Even one of my favourites is mentioned with one of its best quotes that was slightly changed for the 1985 miniseries.
"Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it yet."-Anne of Green Gables 👒
I loved the part when Tilly was thinking back to when Joe proposed in Santorini 🇬🇷 at the famous, "Atlantis Bookshop." I've been there and it was cool to hear it mentioned and it put a smile on my face 😊
It's a beautiful ending with hope and promise.
March 13, 2026
I can't decide if this is a 3.75 or a 4, so it's really a 3.9 for me... (I know that's annoying haha)
This was such a gentle, tender, wholesome story that reminded me of "PS I Love You" and "Eat, Pray, Love". Written for the book lover (and cat lover), many moments of this story felt like a warm hug. It's simply written, and the story is also quite simplistic - like one of those stories that just unfolds in perfect harmony. But works well as an overall vibe!
I found myself tearing up quite early on in the book, but I will say the middle portion started feeling a bit repetitive and I was hoping for some more variety amongst the letters so it didn't feel as rinse and repeat month to month.
The ending wasn't as heartwrenching as I expected, more heartwarming. All in all, this was really enjoyable and easy to read!
This was such a gentle, tender, wholesome story that reminded me of "PS I Love You" and "Eat, Pray, Love". Written for the book lover (and cat lover), many moments of this story felt like a warm hug. It's simply written, and the story is also quite simplistic - like one of those stories that just unfolds in perfect harmony. But works well as an overall vibe!
I found myself tearing up quite early on in the book, but I will say the middle portion started feeling a bit repetitive and I was hoping for some more variety amongst the letters so it didn't feel as rinse and repeat month to month.
The ending wasn't as heartwrenching as I expected, more heartwarming. All in all, this was really enjoyable and easy to read!
May 23, 2026
This story is an ode to books, about the joy and the power of reading . Avid readers know the wonders that reading brings taking us to places we’ve never been, giving us experiences that we might never actually have, or the ability to know better emotions we have had and to feel those we never have. Tilly Nightingale has always been an avid reader, but can’t bring herself to read again when her young husband Joe dies. But what a gift Joe has left for her ! He has arranged at a local bookstore the gift of book each month for a year. Books that he hopes will inspire Tilly to read again. Books that will give her a sense of adventure to do things she never thought of doing. Books that will take her to places the two of them had planned to go before he died. With this beautiful gift, he gives her those things and so much more. He gives her the courage to live her life in spite of her grief or maybe because of it.
I loved Joe’s thoughtfulness, especially since he admittedly was not a reader. I loved the letters he wrote with each book. Oh my heart ! I loved the book talk between Tilly and Alfie, the bookstore owner who arranges the gifts with Joe. I loved the selection of books. I also loved the book selections that Alfie posts each month. I loved that it was about books, but I also loved that the story was about the beauty of friendship, family and of course love . I loved how perfectly predictable the story was because it was so right . The more I think about it, I have to give it 5 stars .
Thanks to Goodreads friend Karen for including in her review a complete list of all of the books talked about from the author’s web page.
https://libbypage.co.uk/your-guide-to...
I received a copy of this from Berkley through NetGalley.
I loved Joe’s thoughtfulness, especially since he admittedly was not a reader. I loved the letters he wrote with each book. Oh my heart ! I loved the book talk between Tilly and Alfie, the bookstore owner who arranges the gifts with Joe. I loved the selection of books. I also loved the book selections that Alfie posts each month. I loved that it was about books, but I also loved that the story was about the beauty of friendship, family and of course love . I loved how perfectly predictable the story was because it was so right . The more I think about it, I have to give it 5 stars .
Thanks to Goodreads friend Karen for including in her review a complete list of all of the books talked about from the author’s web page.
https://libbypage.co.uk/your-guide-to...
I received a copy of this from Berkley through NetGalley.
September 3, 2025
The premise was promising. Young, sad, widow gets a call from a local bookshop that she has a book waiting. She didn't order any books, but apparently her late husband (not a reader!) purchased one book a month for his wife to read after he died. Sweet! A great romance book plot!
BUT this book was pretty dreadful. It was chock-full of every rom-com cliche, but the spin is that the MC is not doing ALL THE THINGS with her husband, because he's DEAD. Which is, you know, horrible. But this privileged, mourning, QUIRKY gal does ALL THE THINGS, and then finds what she needed all along, right there at home. GAH.
ALL THE THINGS include: honeymoon in Bali (with her sister), including drunken karaoke; three weeks in Paris where she meets other grieving people and becomes instant BFFs with all of them; "wild camping" in Scotland with hilariously awful results; running a marathon (excuse me, *half* marathon), again with sis.
She's QUIRKY because she has red hair! She wears a tweed coat with big mismatched buttons! And a rainbow scarf and orange bobble hat! A floaty dress with a denim jacket!
BUT this book was pretty dreadful. It was chock-full of every rom-com cliche, but the spin is that the MC is not doing ALL THE THINGS with her husband, because he's DEAD. Which is, you know, horrible. But this privileged, mourning, QUIRKY gal does ALL THE THINGS, and then finds what she needed all along, right there at home. GAH.
ALL THE THINGS include: honeymoon in Bali (with her sister), including drunken karaoke; three weeks in Paris where she meets other grieving people and becomes instant BFFs with all of them; "wild camping" in Scotland with hilariously awful results; running a marathon (excuse me, *half* marathon), again with sis.
She's QUIRKY because she has red hair! She wears a tweed coat with big mismatched buttons! And a rainbow scarf and orange bobble hat! A floaty dress with a denim jacket!
March 4, 2026
📚✨ This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page ✨📚
We can visit Egypt.
We can learn to bake a cake.
We can fall in love.
We can remember who we once were.
★★★★★ 4.5 Stars
A warm hug of a novel — especially for bibliophiles.
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page is the kind of story that gently wraps itself around you and whispers, “Remember why you love books.”
Matilda (Tilly) is living beneath the heavy fog of grief after the death of her beloved husband, Joe. On the anniversary of his passing, she receives an unexpected call from a local bookseller: Joe has left her a package. Inside is the first of twelve carefully chosen books — one for each month of the year.
Thus begins Tilly’s year of books.
Joe had quietly noticed how Tilly’s love of reading faded after his cancer diagnosis. Knowing how much joy stories once gave her, he designed this final gift as a gentle guide back to herself — back to imagination, curiosity, and possibility.
“Books are not just stories — they are bridges back to ourselves.”
What unfolds is a tender journey through grief, renewal, and rediscovery. The joy of this novel is not only watching Tilly heal, but also delighting in the carefully curated books she receives. As readers, we’re reminded of all the incredible places literature can take us:
We can visit Egypt.
We can learn to bake a cake.
We can fall in love.
We can remember who we once were.
This story feels like a love letter to reading itself — a gentle meditation on how books shape our lives and open doors we didn’t know were closed.
I listened to the audiobook, beautifully narrated by Zadeiah Campbell-Davies. Her soft, soothing delivery perfectly matches the novel’s tone, and her French accents are especially lovely. At just over ten hours, it feels like an extended exhale — calm, comforting, and deeply bookish.
A tender balm for the soul and a celebration of why we read in the first place. 📖💛
May 4, 2026
2⭐️ 😩
A contemporary romance about second chances, self-discovery, and navigating love when life feels uncertain, following a woman trying to rebuild and redefine what she wants from her future.
This one unfortunately didn’t work for me, and I ended up DNF’ing it. I know I’m very much in the minority here, and I really did want to love it going in, but it felt too soft and too neatly wrapped for my taste. Everything felt a bit too safe, and I never really found myself emotionally pulled in.
The stakes didn’t feel strong enough to keep me engaged, so I struggled to stay invested as the story went on. Instead of tension or momentum, it mostly felt like things were unfolding in a very controlled, predictable way that didn’t hold my attention.
I had a similar experience with Theo of Golden- where I wanted more bite, more edge, more emotional weight than what I was getting on the page.
Ultimately, it just wasn’t the right fit for me, even though I can see why it might work for other readers.
✴︎a˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
A contemporary romance about second chances, self-discovery, and navigating love when life feels uncertain, following a woman trying to rebuild and redefine what she wants from her future.
This one unfortunately didn’t work for me, and I ended up DNF’ing it. I know I’m very much in the minority here, and I really did want to love it going in, but it felt too soft and too neatly wrapped for my taste. Everything felt a bit too safe, and I never really found myself emotionally pulled in.
The stakes didn’t feel strong enough to keep me engaged, so I struggled to stay invested as the story went on. Instead of tension or momentum, it mostly felt like things were unfolding in a very controlled, predictable way that didn’t hold my attention.
I had a similar experience with Theo of Golden- where I wanted more bite, more edge, more emotional weight than what I was getting on the page.
Ultimately, it just wasn’t the right fit for me, even though I can see why it might work for other readers.
✴︎a˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
February 15, 2026
Sweet story, kind of like P.S. I Love You but with books.
Five months after Tilly's husband dies, she receives a phone call from a bookstore. Her husband had ordered a book for her to pick up. When she arrives, she finds out that he had arranged with Alfie, the bookstore owner, to give Tilly a book each month for a year, each with a letter enclosed. Tilly is reeling and doesn't really want to read these books, but she reluctantly reads the first one and then bit by bit is able to read each one and take steps towards moving back into life again.
This is such a heartfelt tale. It's not completely feel-good, Tilly's grief is real and raw and her lifelong love of reading is stifled by that grief. I loved how it wasn't a quick fix, her journey of grief had numerous setbacks and stumbling steps forward. I also appreciated Alfie's own grief story--it wasn't the same as Tilly's but it was real as well.
The books chosen for Tilly to read were ones I was mostly familiar with but they weren't the ones readers will be expecting. That was very refreshing as it made me interested in revisiting some of them. It takes a real book lover to come up with this eclectic list of books.
Beautiful book about books and grief and the power books have to help with healing.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Five months after Tilly's husband dies, she receives a phone call from a bookstore. Her husband had ordered a book for her to pick up. When she arrives, she finds out that he had arranged with Alfie, the bookstore owner, to give Tilly a book each month for a year, each with a letter enclosed. Tilly is reeling and doesn't really want to read these books, but she reluctantly reads the first one and then bit by bit is able to read each one and take steps towards moving back into life again.
This is such a heartfelt tale. It's not completely feel-good, Tilly's grief is real and raw and her lifelong love of reading is stifled by that grief. I loved how it wasn't a quick fix, her journey of grief had numerous setbacks and stumbling steps forward. I also appreciated Alfie's own grief story--it wasn't the same as Tilly's but it was real as well.
The books chosen for Tilly to read were ones I was mostly familiar with but they weren't the ones readers will be expecting. That was very refreshing as it made me interested in revisiting some of them. It takes a real book lover to come up with this eclectic list of books.
Beautiful book about books and grief and the power books have to help with healing.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
February 13, 2026
I mentioned before that my Valentine’s reading list had become a reading list from hell, each book more disappointing than the one before. This book, however, felt like a breath of fresh air. The one good thing in a Valentine’s bag full of literary heartbreak.
As funny as it seems, this is not quite a romance novel, but it is very much a story about love.
Joe Carter leaves his wife a final gift: a year of books, one for every month. Through this, he gives her back a part of herself she has lost, offering her not just memories, but a life after him and something to look forward to.
I thought this book would break me, but it did not. Not really. Surprisingly, it is not a sad book. It feels…hopeful. Despite its themes of grief and death, it is safe to call this a cozy and easy read. The writing is simple and does not strain to charm. Given the nature of this story, anything else would’ve felt superfluous.
I think many readers will see themselves in Tilly’s story, grief or not. It speaks to grief, yes, but also to that strange, familiar experience of losing your connection to books and slowly finding your way back. Anyone who has ever drifted away from reading, struggled to return to it, or recently fallen back in love with books may find something quietly comforting here. I know I did.
We follow Matilda, aka Tilly, as she rediscovers her love for books and begins to re-engage with life beyond her grief. The stories she reads gently push her toward experiences she might never have chosen for herself. Along the way, she forms new connections and repairs relationships that had worn thin under the weight of loss.
I was genuinely excited to see the books chosen for Tilly’s year of reading, and I wish I could share some of my favorites without spoiling the story. Instead, I’ll focus on sharing some of the things I loved most about this book.
❤️☕ Love and the beauty of community ❤️☕
I love that Tilly finds a safe haven in The Book Lane bookshop and experiences love again with the bookshop owner, Alfie, even though this isn’t the central theme of the novel. I was a little scared when she started having feelings for Alfie because I wondered if it wasn't too soon for her to feel that way. But how soon is soon, and who decides that?
I also love the friendships she forms with the staff. My only regret is that I could not fully connect with the other characters. I usually adore family drama in novels, and while there was some here, I simply could not bring myself to care. I have tried to figure out why, but the answer is uncomplicated: they just did not feel real to me. Tilly and Alfie, on the other hand, felt like people you could actually meet in a bookshop or pass on the street.
❤️🩹📚 Emotional healing through reading ❤️🩹📚
Another thing I loved about this story was the destinations the books carried Tilly to. I practically screamed when she went to Montmartre in Paris. I generally dislike Paris and live happily in a smaller city in the southeast, but Montmartre is the one part of Paris I find undeniably charming.
While she’s there, Tilly also visits a bookshop named Shakespeare and Company. It has long been my dream to “tumbleweed” there. Tumbleweeding is a program that allows readers to stay at the bookshop in exchange for helping out and leaving behind a one-page autobiography or piece of writing. It used to be more informal (you simply show up at the bookshop and if they have space, they take you), but now appears to require an application. I doubt that makes it any easier to get in.
Now, I need to get this off my chest because this absolutely felt like rage bait. Matilda dog-ears her books. DOG-EARS. If any of my friends do this, please keep that information from me. I’m kidding. I love you, regardless.
Overall, this was a wholesome reading experience thanks to Tilly’s journey. I would have loved, truly loved, to give this five stars. But aside from Tilly and her books, I did not find enough to anchor me emotionally. I guess that will have to be enough.
If you love books about books, books about love, books about finding yourself again, and books that quietly remind you why reading matters, this might be your kind of story.
Updates while reading ༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･
My Valentine’s reading list has turned into a list from hell. Created by yours truly. Every book has been disappointing so far. I was supposed to be reading Lightning in Her Hands, but I couldn't get into the story, so I switched to this. BEST DECISION SO FAR. This is so good and I knew it would because look at the title! Then the blurb, beautiful 💔❤️🩹 I know it'll hurt, but I'm ready
💘 Valentine’s reading list 💘
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
𑣲 Tourist Season
𑣲 A Portrait of a Scotsman
𑣲 An Academic Affair
𑣲 This Book Made Me Think of You
𑣲 Bull Moon Rising
𑣲 Gloves Off
As funny as it seems, this is not quite a romance novel, but it is very much a story about love.
Joe Carter leaves his wife a final gift: a year of books, one for every month. Through this, he gives her back a part of herself she has lost, offering her not just memories, but a life after him and something to look forward to.
I thought this book would break me, but it did not. Not really. Surprisingly, it is not a sad book. It feels…hopeful. Despite its themes of grief and death, it is safe to call this a cozy and easy read. The writing is simple and does not strain to charm. Given the nature of this story, anything else would’ve felt superfluous.
I think many readers will see themselves in Tilly’s story, grief or not. It speaks to grief, yes, but also to that strange, familiar experience of losing your connection to books and slowly finding your way back. Anyone who has ever drifted away from reading, struggled to return to it, or recently fallen back in love with books may find something quietly comforting here. I know I did.
We follow Matilda, aka Tilly, as she rediscovers her love for books and begins to re-engage with life beyond her grief. The stories she reads gently push her toward experiences she might never have chosen for herself. Along the way, she forms new connections and repairs relationships that had worn thin under the weight of loss.
I was genuinely excited to see the books chosen for Tilly’s year of reading, and I wish I could share some of my favorites without spoiling the story. Instead, I’ll focus on sharing some of the things I loved most about this book.
❤️☕ Love and the beauty of community ❤️☕
I love that Tilly finds a safe haven in The Book Lane bookshop and experiences love again with the bookshop owner, Alfie, even though this isn’t the central theme of the novel. I was a little scared when she started having feelings for Alfie because I wondered if it wasn't too soon for her to feel that way. But how soon is soon, and who decides that?
I also love the friendships she forms with the staff. My only regret is that I could not fully connect with the other characters. I usually adore family drama in novels, and while there was some here, I simply could not bring myself to care. I have tried to figure out why, but the answer is uncomplicated: they just did not feel real to me. Tilly and Alfie, on the other hand, felt like people you could actually meet in a bookshop or pass on the street.
❤️🩹📚 Emotional healing through reading ❤️🩹📚
Another thing I loved about this story was the destinations the books carried Tilly to. I practically screamed when she went to Montmartre in Paris. I generally dislike Paris and live happily in a smaller city in the southeast, but Montmartre is the one part of Paris I find undeniably charming.
While she’s there, Tilly also visits a bookshop named Shakespeare and Company. It has long been my dream to “tumbleweed” there. Tumbleweeding is a program that allows readers to stay at the bookshop in exchange for helping out and leaving behind a one-page autobiography or piece of writing. It used to be more informal (you simply show up at the bookshop and if they have space, they take you), but now appears to require an application. I doubt that makes it any easier to get in.
Now, I need to get this off my chest because this absolutely felt like rage bait. Matilda dog-ears her books. DOG-EARS. If any of my friends do this, please keep that information from me. I’m kidding. I love you, regardless.
Overall, this was a wholesome reading experience thanks to Tilly’s journey. I would have loved, truly loved, to give this five stars. But aside from Tilly and her books, I did not find enough to anchor me emotionally. I guess that will have to be enough.
If you love books about books, books about love, books about finding yourself again, and books that quietly remind you why reading matters, this might be your kind of story.
Updates while reading ༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･
My Valentine’s reading list has turned into a list from hell. Created by yours truly. Every book has been disappointing so far. I was supposed to be reading Lightning in Her Hands, but I couldn't get into the story, so I switched to this. BEST DECISION SO FAR. This is so good and I knew it would because look at the title! Then the blurb, beautiful 💔❤️🩹 I know it'll hurt, but I'm ready
💘 Valentine’s reading list 💘
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
𑣲 Tourist Season
𑣲 A Portrait of a Scotsman
𑣲 An Academic Affair
𑣲 This Book Made Me Think of You
𑣲 Bull Moon Rising
𑣲 Gloves Off
March 18, 2026
THIS BOOK! I am absolutely in love with this book! It’s incredibly enchanting and magical in the most peculiar of ways. Libby Page’s This Book Made me Think of You is about LOVE and about loss, but mostly, it’s a story about Tilly’s indelible heartwarming journey in healing. A book my heart will remember forever.❤️
Matilda (Tilly) Nightingale is our main girl! She is Beautiful and ginger and brave and heartbroken and perfectly imperfect in many ways. Tilly works in publishing and is a lover of books …yet she doesn’t read much anymore. Tilly is heartbroken and feeling very alone in her grief. It’s only been six months since Joe died and living alone in their flat in London is not what she had pictured her first year of marriage to be like. Burying herself in her work, Tilly is merely surviving.
Until today…her birthday….Today Tilly receives a phone call that changes everything!📞 The owner of a local bookstore in London, Alfie Lane from Book Lane has phoned to tell Tilly she has a parcel that needs to be picked up. Of all days…Tilly wonders ….
When she arrives she is handed a wrapped book with a bow and is informed that she has been gifted a book a month for a year from her husband Joe. Her world is completely shook. When she gets home, his letter falls from the book….💌
❤️What happens next? Literally, there are no words! I could actually feel Tully’s heart! The letters…. The books…. The adventures… The actual bravery. What an incredible gift of love and knowing! ❤️
This Book Made me Think of You by Libby Paige pens a beautiful story full of remarkable happenings that encompass love, grief, new adventures, bold travels, friendships, bravery and reminding yourself remembering is good, but it’s also okay to live again. I literally cried in most chapters, especially ones with the letters from Joe and the ones with remarkable connections-not kidding this book overwhelmed me🥰 AND I absolutely loved it!
An absolute MUST read!❤️
Matilda (Tilly) Nightingale is our main girl! She is Beautiful and ginger and brave and heartbroken and perfectly imperfect in many ways. Tilly works in publishing and is a lover of books …yet she doesn’t read much anymore. Tilly is heartbroken and feeling very alone in her grief. It’s only been six months since Joe died and living alone in their flat in London is not what she had pictured her first year of marriage to be like. Burying herself in her work, Tilly is merely surviving.
Until today…her birthday….Today Tilly receives a phone call that changes everything!📞 The owner of a local bookstore in London, Alfie Lane from Book Lane has phoned to tell Tilly she has a parcel that needs to be picked up. Of all days…Tilly wonders ….
When she arrives she is handed a wrapped book with a bow and is informed that she has been gifted a book a month for a year from her husband Joe. Her world is completely shook. When she gets home, his letter falls from the book….💌
❤️What happens next? Literally, there are no words! I could actually feel Tully’s heart! The letters…. The books…. The adventures… The actual bravery. What an incredible gift of love and knowing! ❤️
This Book Made me Think of You by Libby Paige pens a beautiful story full of remarkable happenings that encompass love, grief, new adventures, bold travels, friendships, bravery and reminding yourself remembering is good, but it’s also okay to live again. I literally cried in most chapters, especially ones with the letters from Joe and the ones with remarkable connections-not kidding this book overwhelmed me🥰 AND I absolutely loved it!
An absolute MUST read!❤️
February 3, 2026
EXCERPT: Just as he is about to open up, his attention falls on the Book Lover's Calendar that was a Christmas gift from a customer and is pinned to the shop noticeboard, open on the new year and illustrated with an image of a woman reading in a pool of lamplight. Today's date is circled in red, the words 'PHONE NIGHTINGALE' written in capital letters. He glances at the shelf reserved for books awaiting collection. For once it is empty apart from one solitary book wrapped in brown paper and tied with ribbon. It has sat there for a long time, unmoving as a rotation of titles came and went around it.
'What a way to start the year.'
Sweeping a scattering of paperwork to one side on his desk unearths a leatherbound book the size of a particularly comprehensive dictionary. Alfie flicks through the crinkled pages until he finds the number he needs. As he picks up the phone he thinks back to the promise he made over a year ago. He had almost forgotten that this day would eventually arrive. That he'd have to make this call.
He pauses for a moment, his finger hovering over the dial button. Because he's worked as a bookseller long enough to know how transformational books can be. But he also knows from personal experience that some people don't want their lives to suddenly change. And he has the feeling that the call he is about to make will turn this customer's life upside down.
ABOUT 'THIS BOOK MADE ME THINK OF YOU': Twelve stories. Twelve months. Once chance to heal her heart . . .
When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there’s a birthday gift from her fiancé waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn’t come as more of a shock. Partly because she can’t remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. Mainly because Joe died five months ago . . .
The gift is simple – twelve carefully-chosen books from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him.
Tilly sets out on a series of reading-inspired adventures that take her around the world. But as she begins to vlog her journey, her story becomes more than her own. With help from Alfie, the bookshop owner, her budding new following and her friends and family, can Tilly’s year of books show her how to love again?
MY THOUGHTS: OMG! I am completely blown away by this love story. I have laughed. I have cried, and cried some more. This Book Made Me Think of You is now on my 'FOREVER' shelf. I love it. How have I never read Libby Page before?
Written with grace and sincerity, This Book Made Me Think of You is about love, loss, grief and learning to live and love again. It is about the healing power of books and their stories. In addition to the book Tilly receives from Joe each month, there is a list of "Books of the month" following the same theme.
I'm going to quote another paragraph from This Book Made Me Think of You: You know the characters are going to end up together from the beginning, and yet somehow I still can't stop reading to find out what happens . . . Only, not once did I even contemplate stopping reading. I couldn't have stopped if you'd paid me. I was totally immersed in the storyline and totally in love with it. I still am.
Full of wisdom and comfort. A book for booklovers and lovers of love.
At the end of the book, there is another list of recommendations listing Libby's favorite books and books about grief.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#ThisBookMadeMeThinkofYou #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: LIBBY PAGE As well as being a best-selling author, she is also a writing coach, mentoring writers through the process of writing their own novels.
Before writing full time she worked as a journalist and in marketing. She lives in Somerset with her husband and young son.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Penguin via NetGalley for providing a DRC of This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page for review. all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
'What a way to start the year.'
Sweeping a scattering of paperwork to one side on his desk unearths a leatherbound book the size of a particularly comprehensive dictionary. Alfie flicks through the crinkled pages until he finds the number he needs. As he picks up the phone he thinks back to the promise he made over a year ago. He had almost forgotten that this day would eventually arrive. That he'd have to make this call.
He pauses for a moment, his finger hovering over the dial button. Because he's worked as a bookseller long enough to know how transformational books can be. But he also knows from personal experience that some people don't want their lives to suddenly change. And he has the feeling that the call he is about to make will turn this customer's life upside down.
ABOUT 'THIS BOOK MADE ME THINK OF YOU': Twelve stories. Twelve months. Once chance to heal her heart . . .
When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there’s a birthday gift from her fiancé waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn’t come as more of a shock. Partly because she can’t remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. Mainly because Joe died five months ago . . .
The gift is simple – twelve carefully-chosen books from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him.
Tilly sets out on a series of reading-inspired adventures that take her around the world. But as she begins to vlog her journey, her story becomes more than her own. With help from Alfie, the bookshop owner, her budding new following and her friends and family, can Tilly’s year of books show her how to love again?
MY THOUGHTS: OMG! I am completely blown away by this love story. I have laughed. I have cried, and cried some more. This Book Made Me Think of You is now on my 'FOREVER' shelf. I love it. How have I never read Libby Page before?
Written with grace and sincerity, This Book Made Me Think of You is about love, loss, grief and learning to live and love again. It is about the healing power of books and their stories. In addition to the book Tilly receives from Joe each month, there is a list of "Books of the month" following the same theme.
I'm going to quote another paragraph from This Book Made Me Think of You: You know the characters are going to end up together from the beginning, and yet somehow I still can't stop reading to find out what happens . . . Only, not once did I even contemplate stopping reading. I couldn't have stopped if you'd paid me. I was totally immersed in the storyline and totally in love with it. I still am.
Full of wisdom and comfort. A book for booklovers and lovers of love.
At the end of the book, there is another list of recommendations listing Libby's favorite books and books about grief.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#ThisBookMadeMeThinkofYou #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: LIBBY PAGE As well as being a best-selling author, she is also a writing coach, mentoring writers through the process of writing their own novels.
Before writing full time she worked as a journalist and in marketing. She lives in Somerset with her husband and young son.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Penguin via NetGalley for providing a DRC of This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page for review. all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
February 26, 2026
DNF at 60%.
Books are this girl’s entire personality. I was that way, too, once. When I was 14.
Her husband proposes to her by giving her a soliloquy about how much she loves books, and how he promises to always let her buy books and read books and pack books. I would’ve loved a proposal like that, too. When I was 14.
Does she dislike any book she reads? Can she think for herself? Does she have a personality outside of “curling up with a book”?
She’s as flat as a paper doll.
She inherits money from her dead husband and quits her job and travels the world. Oh how nice and realistic and relatable to grieve your loss on a beach in Bali or with cooking classes in France or Italy or wherever the hell.
This book is a silly fairytale with entry-level discussions on death in an attempt to bring depth.
🥱
Books are this girl’s entire personality. I was that way, too, once. When I was 14.
Her husband proposes to her by giving her a soliloquy about how much she loves books, and how he promises to always let her buy books and read books and pack books. I would’ve loved a proposal like that, too. When I was 14.
Does she dislike any book she reads? Can she think for herself? Does she have a personality outside of “curling up with a book”?
She’s as flat as a paper doll.
She inherits money from her dead husband and quits her job and travels the world. Oh how nice and realistic and relatable to grieve your loss on a beach in Bali or with cooking classes in France or Italy or wherever the hell.
This book is a silly fairytale with entry-level discussions on death in an attempt to bring depth.
🥱
August 12, 2026
As a thriller and mystery reader, living in the land of murder and mayhem can sometimes cause a bit of fatigue, so switching things up felt like a no-brainer. After watching the rom-com Voicemails For Isabelle a few nights earlier and finding myself in the mood for something a little more heartfelt, the bookish cover and title of This Book Made Me Think Of You only made me want to pick it up more.
"The right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever."
That very first sentence had me hooked, and any worries I had about stepping outside my usual genre disappeared pretty quickly. I had no trouble settling into the story and, if anything, it felt like exactly the change of pace I'd been looking for.
Matilda "Tilly" Nightingale is our main protagonist. She's recently widowed and, upon receiving a call from her local bookshop, learns her late husband has left her a gift of twelve books, one to open each month. Each has been carefully chosen for her, giving Tilly something of him to hold onto as she tries to navigate her grief and figure out what life looks like without him.
Tilly is one of those characters who, from the start, isn't hard to love and want the best for. She's still dealing with the loss and the void left behind since her husband, Joe, died, and watching her try to pick up the pieces is sad, but you can't help but cheer her on. The twelve books she receives give her a chance to slowly find her feet again, and I couldn't get over how believable she felt.
Every book allows Tilly to set out on a new adventure, and the relationships she forms along the way, along with the food, scenery and new experiences, become another stepping stone in her journey of healing. At the same time, we get a glimpse into her relationships with the people already in her life and how Joe's death has affected them too. Her relationship with Alfie is one you can probably see coming, but that didn't make me any less excited for it.
I loved just how much of the story revolves around books and reading. Along with Joe's monthly gifts, there are little Book Lane recommendation lists scattered throughout, with books for different moods, places and moments in life. With each month, I looked forward to seeing what would be recommended next and definitely added a few to my own list along the way. It really drives home that sometimes it's not just about finding a good book, but finding the right one at exactly the right time.
I'm sure there's more about this story that will pop into my head after I've finished writing this, and I know my review probably doesn't even cover half of what I took away from it. It was quite an emotional ride at times, but the part that really got me was the idea that we owe it to the people we've lost to keep living our own lives to the fullest. Man... that got me good.
I lost my mum to cancer a decade ago, so there was a lot about Tilly's grief that hit close to home. I've watched my dad try to navigate that loss and rebuild his life, and there have been times when I've felt stuck in a weird kind of limbo myself, not really knowing how to move forward without Mum here. This book reminded me that I need to live my life for myself, but in a way, for her too, because she didn't get the chance to keep living hers.
Overall, I really enjoyed getting to know these characters, who were memorable and lovable. More than anything, though, it was nice to switch off that part of my brain that's constantly investigating and suspicious of everyone and just relax with a story for once. There were even a couple of moments where I felt my eyebrow start to raise before having to remind myself, Bo, there's no murder to solve here.
For any fellow thriller readers needing a palate cleanser but not wanting to stray too far from the bookish world, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a go. A few tears along the way weren't quite part of the plan, but I guess the crying really put the "cleanser" in palate cleanser.
"The right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever."
That very first sentence had me hooked, and any worries I had about stepping outside my usual genre disappeared pretty quickly. I had no trouble settling into the story and, if anything, it felt like exactly the change of pace I'd been looking for.
Matilda "Tilly" Nightingale is our main protagonist. She's recently widowed and, upon receiving a call from her local bookshop, learns her late husband has left her a gift of twelve books, one to open each month. Each has been carefully chosen for her, giving Tilly something of him to hold onto as she tries to navigate her grief and figure out what life looks like without him.
Tilly is one of those characters who, from the start, isn't hard to love and want the best for. She's still dealing with the loss and the void left behind since her husband, Joe, died, and watching her try to pick up the pieces is sad, but you can't help but cheer her on. The twelve books she receives give her a chance to slowly find her feet again, and I couldn't get over how believable she felt.
Every book allows Tilly to set out on a new adventure, and the relationships she forms along the way, along with the food, scenery and new experiences, become another stepping stone in her journey of healing. At the same time, we get a glimpse into her relationships with the people already in her life and how Joe's death has affected them too. Her relationship with Alfie is one you can probably see coming, but that didn't make me any less excited for it.
I loved just how much of the story revolves around books and reading. Along with Joe's monthly gifts, there are little Book Lane recommendation lists scattered throughout, with books for different moods, places and moments in life. With each month, I looked forward to seeing what would be recommended next and definitely added a few to my own list along the way. It really drives home that sometimes it's not just about finding a good book, but finding the right one at exactly the right time.
I'm sure there's more about this story that will pop into my head after I've finished writing this, and I know my review probably doesn't even cover half of what I took away from it. It was quite an emotional ride at times, but the part that really got me was the idea that we owe it to the people we've lost to keep living our own lives to the fullest. Man... that got me good.
I lost my mum to cancer a decade ago, so there was a lot about Tilly's grief that hit close to home. I've watched my dad try to navigate that loss and rebuild his life, and there have been times when I've felt stuck in a weird kind of limbo myself, not really knowing how to move forward without Mum here. This book reminded me that I need to live my life for myself, but in a way, for her too, because she didn't get the chance to keep living hers.
Overall, I really enjoyed getting to know these characters, who were memorable and lovable. More than anything, though, it was nice to switch off that part of my brain that's constantly investigating and suspicious of everyone and just relax with a story for once. There were even a couple of moments where I felt my eyebrow start to raise before having to remind myself, Bo, there's no murder to solve here.
For any fellow thriller readers needing a palate cleanser but not wanting to stray too far from the bookish world, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a go. A few tears along the way weren't quite part of the plan, but I guess the crying really put the "cleanser" in palate cleanser.
May 13, 2026
Thoughts
Ok I need to read more from this author! When I tell you this made me fall in love with reading all over again 🥲 this book genuinely felt like a hug it's so magical and just all around heartfelt, one of those books that'll have you feeling every emotion under the sun but also the inner comfort -- ughh I genuinely can't put into words, this book is an experience in itself! 🥹
Plot Summary
Five months after losing her husband Joe, Tilly Nightingale is stunned to discover he arranged for her to receive twelve books after his death; one for each month of her first year without him.
As each book inspires a new adventure, Tilly begins sharing her journey online and slowly starts reconnecting with life, love, and the people around her. With the support of friends, family, and a local bookshop owner, she begins to wonder if healing might be possible after all.
My Bookstagram
Ok I need to read more from this author! When I tell you this made me fall in love with reading all over again 🥲 this book genuinely felt like a hug it's so magical and just all around heartfelt, one of those books that'll have you feeling every emotion under the sun but also the inner comfort -- ughh I genuinely can't put into words, this book is an experience in itself! 🥹
Plot Summary
Five months after losing her husband Joe, Tilly Nightingale is stunned to discover he arranged for her to receive twelve books after his death; one for each month of her first year without him.
As each book inspires a new adventure, Tilly begins sharing her journey online and slowly starts reconnecting with life, love, and the people around her. With the support of friends, family, and a local bookshop owner, she begins to wonder if healing might be possible after all.
My Bookstagram
August 6, 2026
4.5 stars!
"From one lone star to another-never forget that you are part of a constellation."
This was such a wonderful and heartwarming story about grief, love, healing, family and friendship! This Book Made Me Think of You follows Tilly who receives a call from a bookshop, Alfie that she has a gift from her husband who died 6 months ago. The gift he ordered for her before he died is a book with a handwritten note every month to help her fall in love with reading again and live her life after him. The monthly books start new adventures for Tilly that she will never forget.
Thoughts
I became invested in this wonderful story and characters from the first page. This book was a love letter to readers and people who love bookstores as well as libraries. The plot was interesting and the pacing was perfect. I loved that the author weaved in the past with the present. I appreciated how the author discussed grief and healing in this book, everyone goes through a different journey when a loved passes away. Additionally the showed that grief takes time and there's no time limit for the grieving process. I related to this because three of my grandparents have passed away and I think of them often. The writing was descriptive, poetic, and concise. I loved the trips that Tilly went on and the setting were so well described that I felt I was on the trip with her. I also loved the descriptions of food and places. I felt many emotions while reading this book including sadness, happiness and anger. The ending was heartwarming and well written. I loved that there was a reflection on Tilly's journey.
Characters
Tilly was a great character, she was brave, smart, talented, resilient, and smart. Tilly's character development was excellent, she found her love for reading again and she started processing her grief. Tilly did make assumptions about people before getting to know them. I related to her because I love books and I have faced the loss of a loved one. I loved Joe, he was so sweet, outgoing, charming, caring, and brave, I wish I could have known him more. I loved Alfie so much, he was so sweet, smart, caring, hardworking resilient, and had a great heart. I swooned at his glasses and that he loves to read. I really liked the side characters too, especially Prudence, John, Blue, Georgette, Cecile, Harper, Rachel and Pierre. They all added an important part to the book. I loved the interactions between Tilly and Alfie with the side characters.
Romance
The romance was heartwarming and I loved the slow-burn aspect of it. I loved that Alfie and Tilly had a lot in common especially their love of reading. The chemistry and tension between them was amazing! The romance was relatable since it took them a while to develop feelings for each other. I also loved that Alfie waited until Tilly was ready and didn't try to force his feelings on her.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance, books at bookstores and reading, excellent characters and wonderful writing!
"From one lone star to another-never forget that you are part of a constellation."
This was such a wonderful and heartwarming story about grief, love, healing, family and friendship! This Book Made Me Think of You follows Tilly who receives a call from a bookshop, Alfie that she has a gift from her husband who died 6 months ago. The gift he ordered for her before he died is a book with a handwritten note every month to help her fall in love with reading again and live her life after him. The monthly books start new adventures for Tilly that she will never forget.
Thoughts
I became invested in this wonderful story and characters from the first page. This book was a love letter to readers and people who love bookstores as well as libraries. The plot was interesting and the pacing was perfect. I loved that the author weaved in the past with the present. I appreciated how the author discussed grief and healing in this book, everyone goes through a different journey when a loved passes away. Additionally the showed that grief takes time and there's no time limit for the grieving process. I related to this because three of my grandparents have passed away and I think of them often. The writing was descriptive, poetic, and concise. I loved the trips that Tilly went on and the setting were so well described that I felt I was on the trip with her. I also loved the descriptions of food and places. I felt many emotions while reading this book including sadness, happiness and anger. The ending was heartwarming and well written. I loved that there was a reflection on Tilly's journey.
Characters
Tilly was a great character, she was brave, smart, talented, resilient, and smart. Tilly's character development was excellent, she found her love for reading again and she started processing her grief. Tilly did make assumptions about people before getting to know them. I related to her because I love books and I have faced the loss of a loved one. I loved Joe, he was so sweet, outgoing, charming, caring, and brave, I wish I could have known him more. I loved Alfie so much, he was so sweet, smart, caring, hardworking resilient, and had a great heart. I swooned at his glasses and that he loves to read. I really liked the side characters too, especially Prudence, John, Blue, Georgette, Cecile, Harper, Rachel and Pierre. They all added an important part to the book. I loved the interactions between Tilly and Alfie with the side characters.
Romance
The romance was heartwarming and I loved the slow-burn aspect of it. I loved that Alfie and Tilly had a lot in common especially their love of reading. The chemistry and tension between them was amazing! The romance was relatable since it took them a while to develop feelings for each other. I also loved that Alfie waited until Tilly was ready and didn't try to force his feelings on her.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance, books at bookstores and reading, excellent characters and wonderful writing!
November 13, 2025
| ARC REVIEW | COMING: 29TH JANUARY 2026
★ 4.5 ★
⚠️ Trigger Warnings ⚠️
~ Death (most prominently of a husband, and father)
~ Bereavement
~ Cancer
~ Grief
📚 Summary 📚
Five months ago, Tilly Nightingale lost two of her biggest loves: her husband Joe, and as a result, also her passion for reading. However, five months after Joe's death, deep in grief and with her birthday fast approaching, Tilly receives a call from the local bookseller Alfie Lane, explaining that there is a gift from her late husband waiting for her at his bookshop. The gift being twelve books carefully selected by Joe, one for each month of the year, designed to help Tilly navigate her new life without him, cope with the weight of her grief, support her in ever so gradually piecing herself back together again, and maybe even give her the strength to take a chance on love again.
💭 My Thoughts 💭
I thought this was a wonderfully sweet and emotional read, written in such a warm and tender way, perfectly fitted for the themes mentioned. I found myself tearing up before I was even 10% into the book! I particularly loved the flashbacks showing us glimpses of Tilly and Joe's life together. They made me want to hug my loved ones a little tighter.
The plot was a little bit predictable, but I think that there's something comforting about predictability in these types of books, almost as if it's like a bit of solace amongst the emotional themes and tear-jerking moments.
This book is written in third person perspective, which worked fine. However, I often find this can take a degree of emotional depth away from the characters. Therefore, as this book was so emotive, I did wonder whether it would've better suited being written in first person perspective as this may have potentially portrayed the depth of Tilly and Alfie's emotions more effectively.
The pacing felt a bit inconsistent; sometimes a slow burn and other times a bit too rushed. At several points, I really wanted things to slow down so I could really savour Tilly's shifting mental state and better appreciate her journey of healing. For example, I would've loved to have read more about Tilly's adventures around Paris with the "grief gang".
Sprinkled with numerous book recommendations throughout, I think that this is a great book for anyone who loves reading and uses books as a form of escapism. From the beautifully poetic descriptions of how much a book in the right hands can truly change someone's life, to the level of commitment it must've taken to collate so many appropriate book recommendations to scatter throughout the story, it is apparent that Libby Page is incredibly passionate about literature. This also meant that each characters' love of books also read very authentically.
💫 Overall 💫
I really enjoyed this book. It was emotional, heart-warming and brimming with hope amongst heartbreak. Libby Page handled the themes with such care and sensitivity, and gave all the characters their own little personalities and quirks, making them feel so real and well-rounded. Even with the inconsistent pacing, I found this book fantastic and would recommend it to anyone who likes their romances with a side of sobbing.
Thank you to NetGalley, Libby Page and Penguin General UK | Viking for gifting this eBook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
★ 4.5 ★
⚠️ Trigger Warnings ⚠️
~ Death (most prominently of a husband, and father)
~ Bereavement
~ Cancer
~ Grief
📚 Summary 📚
Five months ago, Tilly Nightingale lost two of her biggest loves: her husband Joe, and as a result, also her passion for reading. However, five months after Joe's death, deep in grief and with her birthday fast approaching, Tilly receives a call from the local bookseller Alfie Lane, explaining that there is a gift from her late husband waiting for her at his bookshop. The gift being twelve books carefully selected by Joe, one for each month of the year, designed to help Tilly navigate her new life without him, cope with the weight of her grief, support her in ever so gradually piecing herself back together again, and maybe even give her the strength to take a chance on love again.
💭 My Thoughts 💭
I thought this was a wonderfully sweet and emotional read, written in such a warm and tender way, perfectly fitted for the themes mentioned. I found myself tearing up before I was even 10% into the book! I particularly loved the flashbacks showing us glimpses of Tilly and Joe's life together. They made me want to hug my loved ones a little tighter.
The plot was a little bit predictable, but I think that there's something comforting about predictability in these types of books, almost as if it's like a bit of solace amongst the emotional themes and tear-jerking moments.
This book is written in third person perspective, which worked fine. However, I often find this can take a degree of emotional depth away from the characters. Therefore, as this book was so emotive, I did wonder whether it would've better suited being written in first person perspective as this may have potentially portrayed the depth of Tilly and Alfie's emotions more effectively.
The pacing felt a bit inconsistent; sometimes a slow burn and other times a bit too rushed. At several points, I really wanted things to slow down so I could really savour Tilly's shifting mental state and better appreciate her journey of healing. For example, I would've loved to have read more about Tilly's adventures around Paris with the "grief gang".
Sprinkled with numerous book recommendations throughout, I think that this is a great book for anyone who loves reading and uses books as a form of escapism. From the beautifully poetic descriptions of how much a book in the right hands can truly change someone's life, to the level of commitment it must've taken to collate so many appropriate book recommendations to scatter throughout the story, it is apparent that Libby Page is incredibly passionate about literature. This also meant that each characters' love of books also read very authentically.
💫 Overall 💫
I really enjoyed this book. It was emotional, heart-warming and brimming with hope amongst heartbreak. Libby Page handled the themes with such care and sensitivity, and gave all the characters their own little personalities and quirks, making them feel so real and well-rounded. Even with the inconsistent pacing, I found this book fantastic and would recommend it to anyone who likes their romances with a side of sobbing.
Thank you to NetGalley, Libby Page and Penguin General UK | Viking for gifting this eBook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
February 24, 2026
This is the story of a woman who receives a phone call out of the blue from her local bookshop in London, saying that her book is ready for her. She thinks there is a mistake, since she didn’t order anything. No, the bookseller tells her. Your husband arranged a gift of a year of books for you before he passed away.
I approached this with some caution, because there are three subjects that are hard to write about sincerely and with feeling (without turning maudlin): death, romance, and a love of books. I needn’t have worried since this one handles all of them well, with quiet poignancy, humor, and steady bursts of surprise and joy. Bonuses: complex family/in-law relationships, building communities, travel, endlessly thoughtful and varied book recommendations, and a bookstore cat named Georgette.
Particularly strongly recommended if you love the true story of the bittersweet, deeply romantic relationship between American Helene Hanff and the British bookstore she corresponds with for years in 84, Charing Cross Road or if you have ever walked into a bookshop and thought I'm home.
This is such a hug of a book and I'm so happy to have spent time in this world. I freaking love everyone in it.
4.5 stars
Audio Notes: Perfectly narrated by Zadeiah Campbell-Davies. Though I completely misunderstood the way she pronounced "Bali" and kept wondering where this vacation was, until the FMC ate some dadar gulung (Indonesian pancakes), haha.
I approached this with some caution, because there are three subjects that are hard to write about sincerely and with feeling (without turning maudlin): death, romance, and a love of books. I needn’t have worried since this one handles all of them well, with quiet poignancy, humor, and steady bursts of surprise and joy. Bonuses: complex family/in-law relationships, building communities, travel, endlessly thoughtful and varied book recommendations, and a bookstore cat named Georgette.
Particularly strongly recommended if you love the true story of the bittersweet, deeply romantic relationship between American Helene Hanff and the British bookstore she corresponds with for years in 84, Charing Cross Road or if you have ever walked into a bookshop and thought I'm home.
This is such a hug of a book and I'm so happy to have spent time in this world. I freaking love everyone in it.
4.5 stars
Audio Notes: Perfectly narrated by Zadeiah Campbell-Davies. Though I completely misunderstood the way she pronounced "Bali" and kept wondering where this vacation was, until the FMC ate some dadar gulung (Indonesian pancakes), haha.
February 19, 2026
4⭐️ This book is about overcoming grief and how books can help people heal. Libby is a library mouse and a true bookworm who is struggling after her husband passed away. Alfie owns a bookstore and is dealing with his own grief after losing his father. As the story goes on, they help each other through their pain and start to find hope again. Throughout the book, there are so many book recommendations woven into the story, which makes it even more special.
February 6, 2026
4 solid stars - very nice read about a recent widow & the books her late hubs left behind for her. A bit predictable but still a very nice, like warm hug of a book
March 8, 2026
It's been three years since I've read The Vintage Shop of Second Chances, the book that introduced me to author, Libby Page. It's a story with characters I remember, even though I didn't think I would, and it remained her highest-rated book on Goodreads until this book was published.
Tilly Nightingale is frozen in grief from her husband's death five months ago and is unable to think about much else. When she received a call from Alfie Lane at her local bookstore, telling her that a birthday gift from her husband, Joe, was waiting for her to pick up, she couldn't remember the last time she read a book. At the bookstore, she learns the gift is one carefully chosen book per month, each with a letter from Joe, to help steer her through her first year without him...
This Book Made Me Think of You is more of a love story to Tilly than a romance. She navigates through loss, grief, and guilt of moving forward, using the books Joe curated as her guide. Her reading-inspired journey focuses on healing, finding joy, and a future without forgetting the past.
I read the DRC while listening to the audiobook narrated by Zadeiah Campbell-Davies, who brings these characters to life, and enhanced my immersive reading experience. If you love discovering new-to-you books, spending time in a bookstore, and are not afraid to experience something or someplace new, this is a book for you. Tissues are recommended!
5⭐
Thank you, Berkley and Libby Page, for the gifted DRC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Tilly Nightingale is frozen in grief from her husband's death five months ago and is unable to think about much else. When she received a call from Alfie Lane at her local bookstore, telling her that a birthday gift from her husband, Joe, was waiting for her to pick up, she couldn't remember the last time she read a book. At the bookstore, she learns the gift is one carefully chosen book per month, each with a letter from Joe, to help steer her through her first year without him...
This Book Made Me Think of You is more of a love story to Tilly than a romance. She navigates through loss, grief, and guilt of moving forward, using the books Joe curated as her guide. Her reading-inspired journey focuses on healing, finding joy, and a future without forgetting the past.
I read the DRC while listening to the audiobook narrated by Zadeiah Campbell-Davies, who brings these characters to life, and enhanced my immersive reading experience. If you love discovering new-to-you books, spending time in a bookstore, and are not afraid to experience something or someplace new, this is a book for you. Tissues are recommended!
5⭐
Thank you, Berkley and Libby Page, for the gifted DRC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
November 19, 2025
4.25 stars
This Book Made Me Think About You was emotional, sweet, and so very hopeful. It had some heavy topics, mainly centered around grief, but it was represented beautifully. It was my first book by Libby Page, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Tilly’s husband passed away in the summer, and it is now the first of the year. She gets a call from her local bookshop that she has a package there. It’s a book. From her husband. It is, in fact, 12 books. One, she gets on the first of each month from Joe. A gift she never saw coming.
Alfie is the bookseller and is dealing with grief of his own after losing his dad and inheriting his bookstore. Though his father has been gone longer than Tilly’s dad, it’s still challenging for him to navigate all his feelings. I loved both Alfie and Tilly and rooted for them to be together. Though the focus of this book is not on romance, I enjoyed it nonetheless.
This is one of those books that brought a few tears, but ultimately left me with the biggest smile on my face. I hurt for these characters, but also cheered for them. This book was a win for me!
This Book Made Me Think About You was emotional, sweet, and so very hopeful. It had some heavy topics, mainly centered around grief, but it was represented beautifully. It was my first book by Libby Page, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Tilly’s husband passed away in the summer, and it is now the first of the year. She gets a call from her local bookshop that she has a package there. It’s a book. From her husband. It is, in fact, 12 books. One, she gets on the first of each month from Joe. A gift she never saw coming.
Alfie is the bookseller and is dealing with grief of his own after losing his dad and inheriting his bookstore. Though his father has been gone longer than Tilly’s dad, it’s still challenging for him to navigate all his feelings. I loved both Alfie and Tilly and rooted for them to be together. Though the focus of this book is not on romance, I enjoyed it nonetheless.
This is one of those books that brought a few tears, but ultimately left me with the biggest smile on my face. I hurt for these characters, but also cheered for them. This book was a win for me!
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