After Him, There Was You

by Verity Gill

I thought losing him would be the end of my story. I didn’t realise it was the beginning of ours.

When Lorelai loses her husband, her world quietly collapses. Life becomes about surviving each day and raising her son while carrying a love that has nowhere left to go. Three years on, grief still lingers in the smallest moments, even as life begins to stir again.

As her son starts to understand what he has lost, Lorelai finds herself on an unexpected journey of healing, hope, and the possibility that love can return.

After him, there was you is a heart-warming novel about loss, resilience, and learning how to open the heart again.

408 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2026

Reviews

[Rhian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of love, loss and friendship. Amazingly written and full of such heartwarming moments between Lorelai and her support system (not forgetting her little boy Matty). Can’t wait to hopefully have more stories about surrounding characters. If you love a romance, especially one with a tropical backdrop you need to give this a read! 5/5 will be my new comfort book when I need to remember the world isn’t so bad and everything can always get better.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book does no wrong. the characters are loveable and relatable so many times I was thinking "same" 😏 I loved the friendships and family dynamics. I loved the interactions between Zac and Lorelai from their first meeting to the end of the book. I love Matty and how emotionally mature he is and how he interacts with the other characters. while reading I could visualise myself at the beautiful setting of the beach which we all need! the spice in the book was 🌶️ and it didn't feel like that was all it was as the story was soo good too! id 100% recommend if you love cowboys, romance, beautiful beach settings and found family. there's something relatable for everyone and it made me smile, cry and laugh out loud.

[Becca H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect little bit of escapism...from a cosy bookstore in Cumbria to the beaches of Hawaii, this is such a heartwarming story. It's a slow build but just wait until the gorgeous romance grips you. Hoping for more Zac please so get writing a sequel Verity!

[Chantal Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great getaway read! This tale whisks you away especially when you need it most. It is a romantic and aggressively spicy book, set jn a sun blushed paradise. So if you like spice ;) and romance this book is perfect!
It’s the first of Verity Gills books and I am sure this won’t be the last, it’s a great first book and I look forward to seeing where her writing will go and progress 😍
Hurry up and bring out another Verity! ♥️