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The Man I Thought You Were
One fine autumn evening, Anna returns from work and starts making dinner, eager to welcome home her husband, Mark. It’s just like any other day in their ten-year, Pinterest-perfect marriage—until he says he’s leaving her.
Discovering that the man she thought she knew better than anyone else is capable of abandoning it all sends Anna reeling. She believed the life they’d built together—and the bright future they’d imagined—counted for everything. How can he walk away?
The truth is Mark is battling secrets of his own—secrets Anna knows nothing about. A painful past and an uncertain future threaten to bring his life down around him—and he’ll do anything not to expose her to that.
But unravelling the past is lonelier than Mark could ever have imagined and, as the days turn to months, Anna worries the separation will break them forever. Can she bring him back from the brink of self-destruction before it’s too late, or will she discover that she never really knew him at all?
Discovering that the man she thought she knew better than anyone else is capable of abandoning it all sends Anna reeling. She believed the life they’d built together—and the bright future they’d imagined—counted for everything. How can he walk away?
The truth is Mark is battling secrets of his own—secrets Anna knows nothing about. A painful past and an uncertain future threaten to bring his life down around him—and he’ll do anything not to expose her to that.
But unravelling the past is lonelier than Mark could ever have imagined and, as the days turn to months, Anna worries the separation will break them forever. Can she bring him back from the brink of self-destruction before it’s too late, or will she discover that she never really knew him at all?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2017
818 people are currently reading
1144 people want to read
About the author
Leah Mercer
21 books249 followersLeah can't remember a time when she didn't love writing. From creating fake newspapers to writing letters to the editor, scribbling something was always on the agenda. Even the rejections she received after completing her first novel at age 13 didn't dent her enthusiasm.
So it makes sense, then, that she pursued a career in anything but writing. Public relations, teaching, recruitment, editing medical journals -- even a stint painting houses -- until she finally succumbed once more to the lure of the blank page.
When she's not being jumped on by her young son or burning supper while thinking of plot-lines, Leah can be found furiously tapping away on her laptop, trying not to check Twitter or Facebook.
Leah also writes romantic comedies under the name Talli Roland.
So it makes sense, then, that she pursued a career in anything but writing. Public relations, teaching, recruitment, editing medical journals -- even a stint painting houses -- until she finally succumbed once more to the lure of the blank page.
When she's not being jumped on by her young son or burning supper while thinking of plot-lines, Leah can be found furiously tapping away on her laptop, trying not to check Twitter or Facebook.
Leah also writes romantic comedies under the name Talli Roland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
July 7, 2019
This was one of the saddest stories I have ever read and I didn't enjoy any of it. As much as I adore angsty stories, there really should be a point to them and hopefully eventually a HEA.
July 21, 2019
I love reading about husband and wife relationships. I loved reading every page even though this story is very sad. The husband leaves his wife because he has cancer. This paperback is worth every penny. I requested this book as a Christmas present and I was so shocked and courses extremely pleased when I opened it to find this book that I my Christmas wish had come true as I was desperate to read this paperback. I really and truly very highly recommend reading The Man I Thought You Were.
August 26, 2017
I devoured this book. Could not put it down. This was quite an emotional read.
A seemingly perfect love and marriage of many years, imagine Anna's shock when her husband suddenly leaves her with no explanation. His secrets are heartbreaking. I felt like I was in Anna's head as she tried to piece things together and find Mark.
I loved getting glimpses of their past and how their love came to be. They seemed so content, so comfortable.
Great storyline, great writing and I highly recommend this book!
P.S. Warning: Total sobfest the last 5% of this one, but so worth it.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley
A seemingly perfect love and marriage of many years, imagine Anna's shock when her husband suddenly leaves her with no explanation. His secrets are heartbreaking. I felt like I was in Anna's head as she tried to piece things together and find Mark.
I loved getting glimpses of their past and how their love came to be. They seemed so content, so comfortable.
Great storyline, great writing and I highly recommend this book!
P.S. Warning: Total sobfest the last 5% of this one, but so worth it.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley
August 17, 2018
Um livro que fala de um casal em que tudo era perfeito na relação de ambos, até o momento em que tudo muda. O momento em que vão ter de enfrentar obstáculos que não esperavam. O momento em que vão ter de lutar pela vida, cada um em diferentes maneiras.
September 12, 2018
Que livro tão bom!
December 9, 2019
Anna had a good life, a routine, a picture perfect marriage, a loving husband. Until one day Mark came home and out of nothing, he tells her where to find everything and just walked out of the life they've built.
With no way to contact him, no one knowing where could be or what happened, his father, whom she never met before, whom he didn't talk to for 13 years, helps her looking for him.
But Mark doesn't want to be found. From the first moment of his diagnosis he knew he couldn't put her through this, just as he couldn't let her know about his past. His only mission now is to find the baby he gave up on long ago, to tell the girl how sorry he is for failing her and her mother.
This story really surprised me. From the blurb I expected something completely different. It really was one of the saddest stories I've ever read, heavy on emotion and deep but I didn't enjoy it. There's some second chances, forgiveness and hope but really, it's just depressing and tragic.
Everything about this is tragic, circumstances and decisions. Like Marks past and how things went down, how something good happened and he never allowed himself to learn. Like her sisters story, Annas walking out on her when she needed help and how she interfered, like his reaction to her, hitting the mark without knowing. Plus as good as it gets his biggest wishes coming true, right before his time is up and them doing the end together is still tragic.
I understood the characters, most of their actions and the conclusions they made but it's exhausting, having one bad thing after the other. The sister is the best example for that. Having a man, thrown out by his wife and moving in with his girlfriend would make a good storyline or side aspect or whatever, ironic as it is. Here it just adds to the dragging-down.
And how do you just walk away from your life? I mean no one can believe you could walk out on someone without the other looking for you. He did the same with his family before though, so he's used to it. And it all sounds so surreal, that it could really happen.
But I absolutely hate the well-intended protecting the significant other from something bad. Leave the decision up to them, dammit. In his case, he didn't only deny her these last few months but also took all the good memories. And that makes it selfish.
I did think a lot about this one after finishing, though. It might be a good read, just not enjoyable.
With no way to contact him, no one knowing where could be or what happened, his father, whom she never met before, whom he didn't talk to for 13 years, helps her looking for him.
But Mark doesn't want to be found. From the first moment of his diagnosis he knew he couldn't put her through this, just as he couldn't let her know about his past. His only mission now is to find the baby he gave up on long ago, to tell the girl how sorry he is for failing her and her mother.
This story really surprised me. From the blurb I expected something completely different. It really was one of the saddest stories I've ever read, heavy on emotion and deep but I didn't enjoy it. There's some second chances, forgiveness and hope but really, it's just depressing and tragic.
Everything about this is tragic, circumstances and decisions. Like Marks past and how things went down, how something good happened and he never allowed himself to learn. Like her sisters story, Annas walking out on her when she needed help and how she interfered, like his reaction to her, hitting the mark without knowing. Plus as good as it gets his biggest wishes coming true, right before his time is up and them doing the end together is still tragic.
I understood the characters, most of their actions and the conclusions they made but it's exhausting, having one bad thing after the other. The sister is the best example for that. Having a man, thrown out by his wife and moving in with his girlfriend would make a good storyline or side aspect or whatever, ironic as it is. Here it just adds to the dragging-down.
And how do you just walk away from your life? I mean no one can believe you could walk out on someone without the other looking for you. He did the same with his family before though, so he's used to it. And it all sounds so surreal, that it could really happen.
But I absolutely hate the well-intended protecting the significant other from something bad. Leave the decision up to them, dammit. In his case, he didn't only deny her these last few months but also took all the good memories. And that makes it selfish.
I did think a lot about this one after finishing, though. It might be a good read, just not enjoyable.
Read
July 30, 2017First Person past tense. Dual pov .
Major spoiler alert
Not rating as this is a personal hate of mine, and had I known it was in the story I would not have downloaded the book.
Major spoiler alert
Not rating as this is a personal hate of mine, and had I known it was in the story I would not have downloaded the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2021
Demasiado depressivo para o meu gosto...
November 30, 2017
Given that Leah Mercer is also romantic comedy author Talli Roland, it’s amazing to see what she can do with some darker subject matter. I really liked Who We Were Before last year, and was equally impressed by The Man I Thought You Were. Both Anna and Mark are sympathetic characters whom I found myself caring about a lot throughout the story.
Originally, I thought this novel was going to be a domestic thriller, but it really isn’t. It’s a sad story about a marriage that suddenly receives a huge upheaval. Leah keeps the reader guessing the whole time as to whether Anna will be able to find Mark and if they can get things right again. She does a beautiful job of describing their love and why it’s so hurtful and heartbreaking for them to be apart from each other. She also introduces some other compelling characters in both Anna and Mark’s family. I don’t want to say much more as to avoid spoilers.
While I’m very impressed with Leah’s writing style two books in, I would also like to see her try something different the next time. Both novels were about a husband and wife becoming separated and a tragic circumstance that came between them. They had misunderstandings throughout the story that kept them apart even more. Even if she did write another book in this vein, I’d still read it, as she handles difficult situations in a sensitive matter, while also evoking emotion.
Dream movie cast:
Anna: Talulah Riley
Mark: Tom Cullen
Sophie: Felicity Jones
Originally, I thought this novel was going to be a domestic thriller, but it really isn’t. It’s a sad story about a marriage that suddenly receives a huge upheaval. Leah keeps the reader guessing the whole time as to whether Anna will be able to find Mark and if they can get things right again. She does a beautiful job of describing their love and why it’s so hurtful and heartbreaking for them to be apart from each other. She also introduces some other compelling characters in both Anna and Mark’s family. I don’t want to say much more as to avoid spoilers.
While I’m very impressed with Leah’s writing style two books in, I would also like to see her try something different the next time. Both novels were about a husband and wife becoming separated and a tragic circumstance that came between them. They had misunderstandings throughout the story that kept them apart even more. Even if she did write another book in this vein, I’d still read it, as she handles difficult situations in a sensitive matter, while also evoking emotion.
Dream movie cast:
Anna: Talulah Riley
Mark: Tom Cullen
Sophie: Felicity Jones
August 23, 2017
The Man I Thought I knew, is a tender story about marital betrayal and abandonment, as a wife concludes that her stable and idyllic life and marriage was not as it appeared to herself and others, when she was forced to meet the challenges of unforeseen and uncontrollable life events and circumstances of love and marriage. Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, Leah Mercer earned her M.A. in journalism at a Canadian university and currently lives in London with her husband and son.
As a popular lecturer of the English department at University College in London, Anna and her businessman husband Mark had been married for ten wonderful years and were hoping to add a child to their family. Anna was shattered when Mark announced he was leaving her immediately-- there was no prior warning or explanation. In utter shock, Anna could barely function and took a leave of absence from her position at the college. Anna’s older sister Sophie would help her cope, she had always been Anna’s rock of support-- though Sophie suddenly was faced with her own marital conflicts as the two sisters leaned on one another emotionally during the disturbing and confusing time.
Anna tried desperately to piece together what few clues Mark left behind as she attempted to find where he was living, she needed to talk, needed insight and answers. Mark resigned from his company, cleared his cell, in his selfish and heartless act. The only clue left on the GPS led to a graveyard. Anna remembered Mark never shared his family history, as she pushed herself to contact members of his estranged family-- that hadn’t spoken in years.
Mercer thoughtfully crafted a storyline where readers needed to find out what happened to Mark after he vanished, as our deepest sympathy remained with Anna. Told in both Anna's and Mark's narration, this is a story of high drama surrounding the strength of family connections and the heartbreak of broken love, and is somewhat reminiscent of vintage classic film noir. (3*GOOD).
**With thanks to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for the direct e-copy for the purpose of review.
As a popular lecturer of the English department at University College in London, Anna and her businessman husband Mark had been married for ten wonderful years and were hoping to add a child to their family. Anna was shattered when Mark announced he was leaving her immediately-- there was no prior warning or explanation. In utter shock, Anna could barely function and took a leave of absence from her position at the college. Anna’s older sister Sophie would help her cope, she had always been Anna’s rock of support-- though Sophie suddenly was faced with her own marital conflicts as the two sisters leaned on one another emotionally during the disturbing and confusing time.
Anna tried desperately to piece together what few clues Mark left behind as she attempted to find where he was living, she needed to talk, needed insight and answers. Mark resigned from his company, cleared his cell, in his selfish and heartless act. The only clue left on the GPS led to a graveyard. Anna remembered Mark never shared his family history, as she pushed herself to contact members of his estranged family-- that hadn’t spoken in years.
Mercer thoughtfully crafted a storyline where readers needed to find out what happened to Mark after he vanished, as our deepest sympathy remained with Anna. Told in both Anna's and Mark's narration, this is a story of high drama surrounding the strength of family connections and the heartbreak of broken love, and is somewhat reminiscent of vintage classic film noir. (3*GOOD).
**With thanks to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for the direct e-copy for the purpose of review.
July 8, 2017
I was unable to put this book down! It's a very intense read about a couple who thought they were in a happy marriage until he comes home and tells her he is leaving with no explanation as to why. The story here is so gripping and I was so invested in it and the characters, I had to find out what happened. It covers some quite deep issues and I felt every emotion possible whilst reading this book.
If you want a deep, thought provoking read then don't hesitate, pick up this book on release day and get reading.
If you want a deep, thought provoking read then don't hesitate, pick up this book on release day and get reading.
September 25, 2017
Oh, what an emotional roller-coaster.
Anna and Mark have the perfect marriage filled with love, thoughtfulness and care for each other. One evening as Anna is busy preparing a meal awaiting the return of Mark from his work at the bank, Mark walks in straight faced saying he needs to talk. Within minutes he's walked back out of the door having told Anna that he's leaving her. Struck totally dumb, Anna believes he will be back in an our or two, then be back for the weekend and, when he still doesn't return, he'll be back before work on Monday – he's left the car, his clothes and mobile phone, so he's bound to be back.
As the days turn into weeks, Anna seeks the help from her sister, Sophie, and Mark's father in trying to trace him.
The book is written with 'Anna' and 'Mark' chapters, so we get each character's perspective and view of what's happening and how each are coping emotionally. I don't want to give too much away about the story and Mark's reasons for leaving Anna, but what I initially thought started out a bit chic-litty with the wonderful marriage and an affair thrown in, was completely wrong. This is a very grown up story of sadness and grief, and my heart skipped beats at crucial moments and I'm not ashamed to say I shed a tear through the penultimate chapter.
Anna and Mark have the perfect marriage filled with love, thoughtfulness and care for each other. One evening as Anna is busy preparing a meal awaiting the return of Mark from his work at the bank, Mark walks in straight faced saying he needs to talk. Within minutes he's walked back out of the door having told Anna that he's leaving her. Struck totally dumb, Anna believes he will be back in an our or two, then be back for the weekend and, when he still doesn't return, he'll be back before work on Monday – he's left the car, his clothes and mobile phone, so he's bound to be back.
As the days turn into weeks, Anna seeks the help from her sister, Sophie, and Mark's father in trying to trace him.
The book is written with 'Anna' and 'Mark' chapters, so we get each character's perspective and view of what's happening and how each are coping emotionally. I don't want to give too much away about the story and Mark's reasons for leaving Anna, but what I initially thought started out a bit chic-litty with the wonderful marriage and an affair thrown in, was completely wrong. This is a very grown up story of sadness and grief, and my heart skipped beats at crucial moments and I'm not ashamed to say I shed a tear through the penultimate chapter.
September 25, 2018
Adorei este livro do principio ao fim, o tema do livro é conhecido, mas desta vez é uma perspectiva diferente, pelo menos para mim.
Comecei a ler e fiquei logo curiosa e quanto mais lia, mais vontade tinha de ler.As vezes até fiquei frustrada por não conseguir ler mais depressa ou por ter de parar para fazer outras coisas.
Opinião completa em: http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.com...
Comecei a ler e fiquei logo curiosa e quanto mais lia, mais vontade tinha de ler.As vezes até fiquei frustrada por não conseguir ler mais depressa ou por ter de parar para fazer outras coisas.
Opinião completa em: http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.com...
August 10, 2018
3.5*
Quando li a sinopse deste livro nunca pensei encontrar a história que li...
Uma história de amor no casamento, entre pais e filhos e amor fraterno, que nos leva a um mundo de desespero e vivência do passado comprometendo o presente e o futuro. É sobretudo face à situação de vivência do passado e incapacidade de seguir em frente, que esta história me causou alguma irritação, pois apesar de entender os motivo não deixei de sentir que algumas decisões em vez de altruístas eram egoístas... De facto é um livro difícil de falar sem se fazer spoiler. Apesar de tudo gostei do final.
Quando li a sinopse deste livro nunca pensei encontrar a história que li...
Uma história de amor no casamento, entre pais e filhos e amor fraterno, que nos leva a um mundo de desespero e vivência do passado comprometendo o presente e o futuro. É sobretudo face à situação de vivência do passado e incapacidade de seguir em frente, que esta história me causou alguma irritação, pois apesar de entender os motivo não deixei de sentir que algumas decisões em vez de altruístas eram egoístas... De facto é um livro difícil de falar sem se fazer spoiler. Apesar de tudo gostei do final.
January 15, 2020
"(...)Ora, este casal traz-nos Anna e Mark. Um casal que se ama e que todos os dias fazem questão de demonstrar esse amor. De uma forma carinhosa e ternurenta, todos os dias Mark chega a casa e mostra-lhe o quanto a ama e o quanto ela lhe fez falta durante o dia de trabalho. Anna não podia ser mais feliz e não podia sentir-se mais amada e realizada no seu casamento. No entanto, eis que um dia, Mark chega a casa e, contra todas as expectativas de Anna, ele diz-lhe simplesmente que está tudo acabado e que se vai embora.
Face a uma declaração destas, como é suposto uma mulher reagir? Provavelmente eu teria reagido da mesma forma que ela. Era algo absolutamente impensável o marido que sempre havia demonstrado tanto amor por ela, decidisse não amá-la de uma hora para a outra e sem qualquer justificação.(...)
Opinião Completa no Sinfonia dos Livros
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.co...
Face a uma declaração destas, como é suposto uma mulher reagir? Provavelmente eu teria reagido da mesma forma que ela. Era algo absolutamente impensável o marido que sempre havia demonstrado tanto amor por ela, decidisse não amá-la de uma hora para a outra e sem qualquer justificação.(...)
Opinião Completa no Sinfonia dos Livros
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.co...
September 6, 2017
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review.
This was a heart-wrenching yet beautiful story. Anna and her husband Mark have a seemingly perfect marriage, until one day Mark comes home and says he needs to leave with no real explanation. And leave he does, taking nothing with him. You soon learn his reason. Personally, I wanted to punch him in the throat, even though I could understand his motives and what he thought he was doing. He just wasted so much time and love. My heart broke for Anna, as she was left in the dark, searching for her husband and answers. You will have to read yourself to find out if Anna and Mark get some closure, but be prepared to have a large bottle of wine and a never-ending supply of Kleenex.
This was a heart-wrenching yet beautiful story. Anna and her husband Mark have a seemingly perfect marriage, until one day Mark comes home and says he needs to leave with no real explanation. And leave he does, taking nothing with him. You soon learn his reason. Personally, I wanted to punch him in the throat, even though I could understand his motives and what he thought he was doing. He just wasted so much time and love. My heart broke for Anna, as she was left in the dark, searching for her husband and answers. You will have to read yourself to find out if Anna and Mark get some closure, but be prepared to have a large bottle of wine and a never-ending supply of Kleenex.
December 15, 2018
3.5 estrelas
Comecei muito empolgada e na verdade li o livro num dia e meio. Mas no final não gostei muito dos últimos acontecimentos e portanto leva só 3 estrelas e meia.
Comecei muito empolgada e na verdade li o livro num dia e meio. Mas no final não gostei muito dos últimos acontecimentos e portanto leva só 3 estrelas e meia.
August 2, 2017
A very gripping storyline that was hard to put down!!
September 13, 2018
Was wir uns versprachen
von Leah Mercer
Amazon Publishing Deutschland / Tinte & Feder Verlag
Cover:
Zart
Rezension:
„Ein zutiefst emotionaler Roman von Bestsellerautorin Leah Mercer über die große Liebe, zweite Chancen, Vergebung und Hoffnung. Es scheint ein ganz normaler Tag zu sein: Anna kehrt von der Arbeit zurück, bereitet das gemeinsame Abendessen vor und freut sich auf Mark, mit dem sie seit zehn Jahren glücklich verheiratet ist. Doch noch am selben Abend verlässt Mark sie ohne ein Wort der Erklärung. Anna ist ratlos, verzweifelt – und entschlossen, die Gründe für sein Verhalten zu finden. Sie will nicht wahrhaben, dass er ihr gemeinsames Leben einfach aufgibt. Einen ersten Hinweis bekommt die junge Frau ausgerechnet von Marks Vater, mit dem ihr Mann seit dreizehn Jahren keinen Kontakt hatte. Aber das ist nur ein kleiner Schritt in Marks Vergangenheit, von welcher Anna alles zu wissen glaubte, den sie immer noch liebt. Und der ihr doch mit jedem Tag ihrer Trennung unbekannter wird. Ein Fremder mit schmerzhaften Geheimnissen …“
Dies ist wirklich ein Buch, welches mich überrascht hat. Denn die Handlung ist so völlig anders als eigentlich auf Grund des Klappentextes erwartet. Die Hintergründe der Handlungen waren überraschend und unerwartet. Das Buch bewegt den Leser emotional und lässt ihn auch noch lange nach dem Ende des Buches nicht zur Ruhe kommen. Die hier dargestellte Emotionalität ist wirklich enorm und berührt einen. Man sollte einen Taschentuchalarm ausgeben. Die Protagonisten sind so lebendig und realistisch beschrieben und die Schicksale tragisch. Der Schreibstil tut sein Übriges zu dieser emotionalen Reise. Ich hatte das Buch innerhalb kürzester Zeit durchgelesen und war auch danach noch mit den Gedanken bei den Protagonisten. Gerne vergebe ich 5/5 Sterne.
Danke an Netgalley und Amazon Publishing / Tinte & Feder Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar.
von Leah Mercer
Amazon Publishing Deutschland / Tinte & Feder Verlag
Cover:
Zart
Rezension:
„Ein zutiefst emotionaler Roman von Bestsellerautorin Leah Mercer über die große Liebe, zweite Chancen, Vergebung und Hoffnung. Es scheint ein ganz normaler Tag zu sein: Anna kehrt von der Arbeit zurück, bereitet das gemeinsame Abendessen vor und freut sich auf Mark, mit dem sie seit zehn Jahren glücklich verheiratet ist. Doch noch am selben Abend verlässt Mark sie ohne ein Wort der Erklärung. Anna ist ratlos, verzweifelt – und entschlossen, die Gründe für sein Verhalten zu finden. Sie will nicht wahrhaben, dass er ihr gemeinsames Leben einfach aufgibt. Einen ersten Hinweis bekommt die junge Frau ausgerechnet von Marks Vater, mit dem ihr Mann seit dreizehn Jahren keinen Kontakt hatte. Aber das ist nur ein kleiner Schritt in Marks Vergangenheit, von welcher Anna alles zu wissen glaubte, den sie immer noch liebt. Und der ihr doch mit jedem Tag ihrer Trennung unbekannter wird. Ein Fremder mit schmerzhaften Geheimnissen …“
Dies ist wirklich ein Buch, welches mich überrascht hat. Denn die Handlung ist so völlig anders als eigentlich auf Grund des Klappentextes erwartet. Die Hintergründe der Handlungen waren überraschend und unerwartet. Das Buch bewegt den Leser emotional und lässt ihn auch noch lange nach dem Ende des Buches nicht zur Ruhe kommen. Die hier dargestellte Emotionalität ist wirklich enorm und berührt einen. Man sollte einen Taschentuchalarm ausgeben. Die Protagonisten sind so lebendig und realistisch beschrieben und die Schicksale tragisch. Der Schreibstil tut sein Übriges zu dieser emotionalen Reise. Ich hatte das Buch innerhalb kürzester Zeit durchgelesen und war auch danach noch mit den Gedanken bei den Protagonisten. Gerne vergebe ich 5/5 Sterne.
Danke an Netgalley und Amazon Publishing / Tinte & Feder Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar.
August 16, 2017
It appears that Anna and Mark have the kind of marriage that could be described as pretty perfect. Maybe Mark could find a better job if he went back to school, but his career pays the bills and the couple, hoping to have a family will need that security while Anna is out of the workforce. So pretty perfect, two people who love each other, love being together and are happy in the present and looking forward to the future.
So what could go wrong? Mark comes home one night and tells Anna he is leaving. Anna, totally blindsided watches him walk out with little but the clothes on his back. Sure that he will return with some kind of explanation and apology, she is devastated to find he has also left his cell phone and car keys behind. Anna has no way to contact him and no idea where he has gone. Discovering that he has also resigned from his job, Anna is determined to uncover the reason he walked away and left their life behind.
The POV alternates between Anna and Mark and we soon discover the reason for Mark’s departure. Since I’m that person who never reads spoilers, I won’t provide any either. Let me say though that the past has a way of intruding on the present and will play a role in Anna and Mark’s story. A very well written story that grabbed my attention from page one and made me choose to keep reading rather than tackling the chores on my to-do list. They were still there when I was done and I felt it was much more important to discover how a perfect marriage could change in the blink of an eye.
My first Leah Mercer novel and it won’t be my last. Thanks to the author, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I typically don’t read books described as “Chick Lit” but this one made me question why.
So what could go wrong? Mark comes home one night and tells Anna he is leaving. Anna, totally blindsided watches him walk out with little but the clothes on his back. Sure that he will return with some kind of explanation and apology, she is devastated to find he has also left his cell phone and car keys behind. Anna has no way to contact him and no idea where he has gone. Discovering that he has also resigned from his job, Anna is determined to uncover the reason he walked away and left their life behind.
The POV alternates between Anna and Mark and we soon discover the reason for Mark’s departure. Since I’m that person who never reads spoilers, I won’t provide any either. Let me say though that the past has a way of intruding on the present and will play a role in Anna and Mark’s story. A very well written story that grabbed my attention from page one and made me choose to keep reading rather than tackling the chores on my to-do list. They were still there when I was done and I felt it was much more important to discover how a perfect marriage could change in the blink of an eye.
My first Leah Mercer novel and it won’t be my last. Thanks to the author, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I typically don’t read books described as “Chick Lit” but this one made me question why.
August 6, 2018
Lá se foi o meu plano de ler histórias leves nas minhas férias.
Dei por mim a limpar a lágrima na piscina :|
Opinião a ser partilhada brevemente no Efeito dos Livros
Dei por mim a limpar a lágrima na piscina :|
Opinião a ser partilhada brevemente no Efeito dos Livros
October 30, 2017
I didn’t make it past 50 pages. I don’t care what happens to these characters. What a lame reasons to leave your wife.
June 23, 2018
Couldn't even bring myself to finish reading it as it was so repetitive and annoying.
March 16, 2019
The Man I Thought You Were
Leah Mercer
Narrated by: Napoleon Ryan, Heather Wilds
STORY-5
Leah Mercer takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride with her brilliant poignant Brit-Lit novel, The Man I Thought You Were. A tale of love and loss, a family drama and how a person’s past affects their present and their future. Mark and Anna are both exceptional characters and readers will find themselves commiserating, debating and disagreeing with both of them over the course of this heartbreaking story. It’s a powerfully moving read and you’ll need the tissues close.
NARRATION-4
The narration by Napoleon Ryan and Heather Wilds is convincing, clear and eloquent and even though the Brits are known for their stiff upper lips a bit more feeling could have been put into the portrayal of the novel.
SUMMARY:
Mark and Anna Lewis have the perfect life, the perfect marriage, cocooning themselves in the private world they’d created and fervently hoping and trying to have a child. Then one night Mark comes home from work and without warning tells Anna he’s leaving her. Shocked Anna doesn’t know what to do or what to think but is convinced that he loves her that must be some kind of explanation and with what little she knows about his past starts digging to try and find him.
Mark just learned he has stage 4 liver cancer and is starting chemo to see if he can gain more time, time he needs to right a terrible wrong from his past. The first thing he has to do is to set Anna free because he knows first hand what a toll watching someone you love die has on a person.
Leah Mercer
Narrated by: Napoleon Ryan, Heather Wilds
STORY-5
Leah Mercer takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride with her brilliant poignant Brit-Lit novel, The Man I Thought You Were. A tale of love and loss, a family drama and how a person’s past affects their present and their future. Mark and Anna are both exceptional characters and readers will find themselves commiserating, debating and disagreeing with both of them over the course of this heartbreaking story. It’s a powerfully moving read and you’ll need the tissues close.
NARRATION-4
The narration by Napoleon Ryan and Heather Wilds is convincing, clear and eloquent and even though the Brits are known for their stiff upper lips a bit more feeling could have been put into the portrayal of the novel.
SUMMARY:
Mark and Anna Lewis have the perfect life, the perfect marriage, cocooning themselves in the private world they’d created and fervently hoping and trying to have a child. Then one night Mark comes home from work and without warning tells Anna he’s leaving her. Shocked Anna doesn’t know what to do or what to think but is convinced that he loves her that must be some kind of explanation and with what little she knows about his past starts digging to try and find him.
Mark just learned he has stage 4 liver cancer and is starting chemo to see if he can gain more time, time he needs to right a terrible wrong from his past. The first thing he has to do is to set Anna free because he knows first hand what a toll watching someone you love die has on a person.
July 28, 2017
The Man I Thought You Were.
What makes a caring husband walk out and leave his wife, his job and his home? Anna doesn't know but she's determined to find out. Mark does not want Anna to find him but faces a difficult journey and a search of his own. This novel explores how well we really know our partners and their past history and reveals how secrets can return to haunt you as it tells the love story of Mark and Anna from both viewpoints. A sad yet uplifting novel full of engaging characters facing dilemmas and struggling to deal with them. I enjoyed reading this Leah Mercer novel as much as her first.
I received a copy of this from net galley in exchange for a fair review.
What makes a caring husband walk out and leave his wife, his job and his home? Anna doesn't know but she's determined to find out. Mark does not want Anna to find him but faces a difficult journey and a search of his own. This novel explores how well we really know our partners and their past history and reveals how secrets can return to haunt you as it tells the love story of Mark and Anna from both viewpoints. A sad yet uplifting novel full of engaging characters facing dilemmas and struggling to deal with them. I enjoyed reading this Leah Mercer novel as much as her first.
I received a copy of this from net galley in exchange for a fair review.
November 11, 2017
A heartbreaking book that I couldn't put down! At only 99p, I thought I'd give it a go and it was a very emotional read that I really enjoyed! I found Mark quite selfish to begin with and couldn't understand how he could leave his wife despite how perfect they were together. But, as the book goes on and you get an insight into why he left, I began to sympathise with him a bit more. I'd recommend this book but prepare yourself with tissues for the tragic ending!
November 7, 2019
Such a sad tale
It’s strange that a book can be heart-wrenching and beautiful at the same time. This story was so sad, and at some point you realize this couple will not get the HEA they dreamed about because of circumstances neither of them can control.
Despite the tragic ending, I was inspired by how deeply they loved each other.
It’s strange that a book can be heart-wrenching and beautiful at the same time. This story was so sad, and at some point you realize this couple will not get the HEA they dreamed about because of circumstances neither of them can control.
Despite the tragic ending, I was inspired by how deeply they loved each other.
July 25, 2017
Such an emotional roller coaster. I wanted to knock sense into Mark making him see the errors of his choice. I wanted to guide Anna to find answers and solutions. This story stresses how important trust and communication are to a marriage. They put themselves through torment that wasn't necessary but yet it was important. You might want to read this one in private to experience the emotions and tears without embarrassment. Netgalley provided my early copy and my review written voluntarily.
October 9, 2017
Heartbreaking! Fans of books like P.S. I Love You and My Sister's Keeper will love this one too.
August 2, 2017
This is a lovely story. Not as good as Who we were before but still good. I look forward to her next book.
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