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A Part of Me and You

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You always think you have more time…

Juliette always thought she’d have more time. But as her fortieth birthday approaches she is dealt the deadliest of blows – she has just weeks to live. As the terrible news sinks in, Juliette’s only concern is for her fifteen-year-old daughter, Rosie. Who will take care of her precious child? Who will love her daughter with the same fierce love? The answer lies in a secret Juliette hoped never to reveal…

Devastated at the loss of her own baby daughter, Shelley is barely managing to survive. Consumed by her grief, she has pushed everyone away – including the man who loves her the most. With her once happy marriage now in tatters, Shelley has nothing left to live for.

But as the lives of these two women collide, could Juliette’s secret be the key to solving Shelley’s heartache? And could Juliette’s death give Shelley one final chance to live again…

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2018

208 people are currently reading
458 people want to read

About the author

Emma Heatherington

20 books256 followers
Emma Heatherington is from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone.

Her latest novel, THE PROMISE, is out now in Ireland (HarperFiction) and available elsewhere on Kindle and Audio.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
308 reviews112 followers
February 6, 2018
WONDERFUL STORY!!! I suspect that I will continue to savor this for days. You're taken in from the first page. Juliette learns that the cancer she has been battling is not survivable and she has only a short time remaining. What do you do when faced with a life event like this? Juliette decided to take a trip to a small town in Ireland with her daughter where she can tell her about her diagnosis and to see if she can locate Rosie's father.

Juliette is worried for Rosie after she's gone and is hoping this trip will provide some answers. Their lives are intersected by a boutique owner who is carrying a weight of grief. Shelley has lost her daughter at the age of three, and the grief of that loss, even three years later, has been crippling to her. Her husband loves her so much, but she is pushing him away as she can't find the strength or courage to live. When Juliette learns of Shelley's loss, the irony is not lost on her that she is fighting to live a little longer and Shelley can barely make it through the day. They soon realize that they need one another and Juliette is determined to life shelly out of the fog and get her to live her life with happiness. Shelley is so grateful for her new friendship and the hope it inspires that she is determined to help Juliette with her final days beginning with the search for Rosie's father. As you watch the bond between the three strengthen, Shelley soon learns that fate as stepped in to reveal the true meaning of their relationship.

I loved this story and this was the first book I've read from this author. I immediately downloaded a second book as her writing style is so intense with emotion. If you've ever had the unfortunate experience of watching a loved on lose their battle to cancer, this story captures those feelings with fierce accuracy. You experience all POV, and it's such a vulnerable feeling. Juliette was able to let go with the knowledge that Rosie would have an exceptional life surrounded by people who would lover her with the same intensity that she felt.
Profile Image for Shirley Revill.
1,197 reviews286 followers
May 3, 2018
One of the best books I have ever read but have plenty of tissues when you read this story as you will need them.
A mother who is dying of cancer goes on a last trip to make memories for her teenage daughter as their is so little time left.
While she is on her trip fate brings a chance meeting with another mother who has been deeply affected by the death of her three year old daughter and the two become friends.
People come into our lives for a reason and sometimes it's not always easy to figure out why till the truth is revealed.
Very well written and impossible to put down. This story will stay with me for a long time. Very highly recommended.
Profile Image for Kavita Kumar.
341 reviews34 followers
January 16, 2018
Life seldom happens as we plan it. Fate, and I believe this with all my heart, manipulates all the unexpected, life altering circumstances which are beyond our control. Most hiccups can be overcome, but some destroy lives. Death is such a hiccup, or a choke you can say. This story shows how Fate takes loved ones away, but at the same time brings new people, new purposes in life to keep the show moving.. And what a show it is ! This story is told from the POV of two women, one who has lost her baby and doesn't know how to move on and one who is on the verge of dying and doesn't know how her child will cope after her death.

The story begins with 40-year old Juliette receiving the news of her inevitable death soon because her cancer has relapsed and this time, there is nothing to stop it from claiming her life. It was heart-breaking ! It throws light on how tough it must be for the doctors fighting this terrible disease to be stoic in face of their personal heart-break, frustrations of not being able to win and the loss of patients who've become family to you.Juliette's only concern is for her 15-year old daughter Rosie and how she will handle this news. Michael, Juliette's doctor suggests that she takes a break and take her to Killara, an Irish town, which has been Juliette's favorite city.

Juliette's sister, mother and husband are already devastated with her chemo sessions and treatments, and this news breaks them. Juliette wants them to be strong. Juliette plans for a trip with Rosie to Killara to make new memories with her daughter, to possibly get to meet Rosie's biological father who was a one-night-stand in Killara and to show Rosie the city which has always been special to her.

Meanwhile, we meet Shelley. Shelley who was become a shell of what she was before.She had just overcome her mother's death when she was 16 with the help of Matt. She was vibrant, loving and had a beautiful family, before fate came along and she lost her only 3-year old daughter Lily in a home accident. Now, she has no motivation to move on. Her husband Matt is ever loyal and loving, but slowly she is losing him too. She is just not able to accept reality and has isolated herself from all social life. She owns a clothing boutique 'Lily Loves' and that is the only solace for her.

Fate brings these 2 women together for a reason, to help both to move on in life and in death. Shelley is drawn to Rosie, who knows about her mother's death but is being strong for her mother, making new memories, wanting her mother to have the best time possible. Shelley unintentionally becomes a source of encouragement and support to both Rosie and Juliette. While Juliette guides Shelley to accept fate, to learn to live her life with the things that life has given her and to embrace life. The scenes between these two towards the end were heart-breaking and left me crying !


I loved Rosie ! Such a brave soul this one. So mature and strong for such a young girl. Her memories with Juliette will remain in my heart for a long time. Her words.. on my God !


"Don't be afraid of leaving me,Mum,' she says to me(Juliette), shaking her head."You will always be a part of me no matter where you go, and I'll be a part of you. We don't have to be afraid because I'll always feel you near me and I'll just close my eyes and know you are right in here." She puts her hand on her heart.


Yeah, I'm bawling my eyes out here !



I loved Shelley! I cannot imagine what kind of emotions she's had to go through after the loss of her child. Can one ever overcome such a devastating loss ? But Shelley's taking courage from Rosie and embracing life. The scene where she accepts Lily's death.. oh dear.. bawling again..

"I'm home, Merlin (the dog)," I tell my forever faithful old friend. "At last I think we can remember Lily properly and keep her a part of me and her dad and even you. She is a part of all of us and I'm going to embrace that from now on and feel her love in every room instead of fearing it. Everything is going to be alright now, Merlin. We're home again."


And Juliette ! Such a special woman, this lady ! Her strength, her will to do someone good even in her time of death was so touching. I felt so bad for her. How she overcame her own problems, to guide Shelley and keep her moving on was phenomenal.


"If there is such a thing as heaven, and I truly believe there is," I (Juliette) say to Shelley."I am going to seek out your precious Lily and hold her in my arms and make sure she is being looked after by her sweet grandma and I will look after them both, just for you."
"And every now and then, when things are not going your way or when life throws you a shit storm, close your eyes and breathe and know that it will pass and you have two, and soon three, very strong guardian angels up above, who will keep the wind at your back, urging you to sail on through your life at ease."




Wow ! Just wow ! Does it make sense when I say that I felt at peace reading this book ? Because I did.. It was so beautifully written and not rushed at all. Each character had so much depth, so much compassion, so much strength, so much love.. And Love is always bigger than fear, isn't it ? The end to the beautiful story was also very well-written. I loved the fact that it left me more hopeful that everything will be okay !

Thank you NetGalley and HarperImpulse for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Anitajt.
491 reviews7 followers
October 9, 2018
A powerful story of the mother/daughter bond. When you know you won’t be there anymore for your child what do you do. You make memories just like the previous ones but this time knowing you won’t have much time. A trip back to her favourite place with her daughter helps both of them to say goodbye. A truly moving story of love, hope and forgiveness. You will need tissues.
Profile Image for Suze.
1,884 reviews1,299 followers
February 24, 2018
Juliette is losing her battle against cancer. She gets the devastating news that she doesn't have long to live, it's only a matter of weeks. Juliette doesn't know how to tell her fifteen-year-old daughter Rosie. There's so much she still wants to share with her daughter and now she has to leave her before she's even grown up. To make some last memories with Rosie, Juliette decides to travel to Killara, the place in Ireland where she spent such a happy times many years ago. Will this holiday bring Rosie and Juliette what they need?

Shelley doesn't know how to keep going. She lost her little girl and every day is a struggle. Being a mother was all she ever wanted and now she's completely lost. She isn't ready to be social, she can't love her husband the way she should and she doesn't let anyone come close to her. Shelley's grief is all-consuming. Her daily routine filled with misery changes when she meets Rosie and Juliette. They know what tragedy feels like and this bond makes it possible for Shelley to communicate with them. However, becoming friends with a dying woman might bring her even more grief. Will Shelley dare to take a chance and what will happen if she does?

A Part of Me and You is a beautiful heartbreaking story. Juliette knows she will have to leave her loved ones behind, while she isn't done living yet. Juliette loves Rosie with all her heart and there's so much she still wants to share with her daughter. Shelley is alive, but she's done living. She's given up and doesn't want to keep going. Juliette doesn't know how to say goodbye and Shelley isn't interested in being part of the world any longer. Shelley forms a deep and meaningful connection with Juliette and Rosie that helps them all through difficult times and makes the transition easier for them. I shed quite a few tears while reading their fantastic compelling story, it's sad, but also hopeful.

Emma Heatherington has written an impressive poignant story about loss, grief, love and fate. A Part of Me and You is emotional and thought-provoking. It's impactful and I love when I feel many different things when I'm reading a story, A Part of Me and You is a rollercoaster in that area. Emma Heatherington knows how to build tension, she skillfully explores every aspect of each layer of her main characters' personalities and she accurately describes all parts of the process they're going through. I absolutely love how gorgeous, detailed and captivating her writing is. A Part of Me and You is a mind-blowing story.
Profile Image for Kerry Davidson.
1 review1 follower
November 15, 2017
One of those books where I couldn't wait to finish the story to find out what happens - yet dreaded finishing in equal measure , as I was so engrossed in the characters lives. I really did escape into the minds of these people, I laughed and cried with them and really related to how they were facing their own personal struggles. The story is an absolute page turner, with unexpected twists and turns. I don't want to spoil any new readers experience by giving anything away- but I do want to highly recommend you read it! Yes I did cry during this book and I'm sure everyone will at some point , but I read it twice because I enjoyed it so much!
Profile Image for Nenette.
865 reviews62 followers
March 2, 2019
I can't remember the last time I read a more dramatic story that's not over the top like this one. I like drama, but I can't stand mushy drama - this is not that kind. This is the touching, emotional, tear-jerker kind. There were a lot of deep-meaning conversations, but I expected as much with the circumstances.

A mother, about to turn 40, should be starting her life (as cliched as it goes), but is literally dying. Making the most of the short time left, she embarks on a trip with her teenaged daughter to a place she visited 16 years ago, to make lasting memories, and to remember a more carefree time in her life.

Another mother, cut from the world by her grief over the loss of her 3-year old daughter. Somehow, even years after, she couldn't get past her grief.

A chance meeting, and a friendship bloomed, and these women helped each other cope.

Do you ever find yourself slowing your pace just to stretch the time you read a book? I did that here, and I wish there's a sequel...not that I was left hanging, but more because I want to read about Rosie as an adult.

Cheers to a great read! My second book by the author, both rated 5 stars, so I am definitely getting another one!
Profile Image for Emma Bedford.
50 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2024
stunning. beautiful. heartfelt. so many life lessons and i did cry. loved.
Profile Image for Jane Hunt.
Author 3 books114 followers
January 17, 2018
Most mothers have two greatest fears when it comes to their children and 'A Part of  Me and You' tackles them both in an amazingly poignant story about Juliette and Shelley. Juliette is terminally ill and her greatest fear is what will become of her fifteen year old daughter Rosie when she dies. Shelley's three year old daughter Lily died in a tragic accident, which she blames herself for. She is emotionally dead and  has merely existed for three years since Lily's death.
Juliette is a strong, vibrant character, her support network is failing because they can't see their way forward without her but she remains determined to enjoy her remaining days and make sure her daughter has lots of positive memories to draw on when her mother is no longer around. 
A serendipitous meeting between Shelley and Rosie changes all their lives and tentative threads of hope draw them together as they support Juliette's last plan. The characters in the coastal town bring the story alive. Coupled with the charismatic setting you can't help but empathise with Juliette's choice for her last holiday. This is a character driven story but the plot is interesting and varied and amidst all the angst and love there is a mystery to solve.
The ending is tasteful and beautifully sad. The reader is left with tear filled eyes but a strong belief that love will prevail.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Angela  Mellor.
953 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2018
Crikey where do I start with A part of me and you???
This is definitely one of THE most emotional books I have EVER read and it deals with some very hard, very real topics. The story is based around Juliette and her daughter, Rosie. Juliette has terminal cancer and this book follows her after being given her final doctors consultation. Juliette decides that she has to live every day to the full not knowing how long she has to live, with her primary concern, making sure that Rosie has lots of memories of them together having fun. Juliette feels guilty that Rosie was born due to a one night stand that she had at the age of 25 whilst away in Killara. Juliette decides that Killara is where she wants to take Rosie to form these memories and also at th back of her mind to try and find Rosiess father who's she has little hope of finding as the only name she has for him is, Skipper.
The week away brings all kind of emotions, fun, friendships and forgiveness and the story has a really nice pace to it, letting the story move forward but allowing you time to digest all these feelings you are getting from reading it.
I loved how this had a very real feel to it and how well it was written allowing you to almost laugh ad cry at the same time.
I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperImpulse for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Audrey.
Author 11 books107 followers
January 18, 2018
Some books – and films – are touted as tear-jerkers. They may well provoke an emotional reaction, but often the reader/viewer is left feeling they have been manipulated. Drawn into a 'cry by numbers' situation cynically calculated to generate such a response. This is not an accusation that can be levelled at A Part of Me and You. From the outset, this is a book written from the heart, genuine emotion shining out from every page.
When we meet terminally ill Juliette and grief-stricken Shelley, we know this will not be an easy journey. What makes it so special is how each woman helps the other, the smallest of gestures forging a friendship that transcends their heartbreaking circumstances. Yes, there is a twist in the tale (which I must confess I figured out), but the fundamental message is simple: A little kindness and a lot of love goes a very long way. I loved the author's previous book The Legacy of Lucy Harte, which also deals with difficult subject matter, and hoped I would enjoy this one equally. I did.
Thanks to HarperImpulse and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.
16 reviews
January 9, 2018
Well what can I say, this is a heart warming fantastic read. I had read another book by Emma Heatherington 'The Legacy of Lucy Harte' which I loved and actually cried when I finished it as I was so engrossed in the characters. I didn't think this new book could live up to my expectations but it certainly has. This is a fantastically written book introducing us to Juliette who has just turned 40 but is terminally ill with cancer,her 15 year old only daughter Rosie and anew acquaintance Shelley who they meet on a trip to the West Coast of Ireland. The characters are very believable. This is a story with depths of emotion that most people could empathise with. I am hoping for a sequel? If you read one book this year make it this one and then make the time to read The Legacy of Lucy Harte, both of these books certainly made me change my perspective on life and living it to the full.
1 review
December 13, 2017
I had this book read in 2 days, I couldn't put it down. It was an emotional rollercoaster and I got completely hooked by the very first page. I read this book as if I knew the people. It will be a best seller for sure and an amazing movie. Well done Emma I hope your planning a sequel 👍
Profile Image for Ginger Harvey.
102 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2018
Sweetest story; a little predictable but so worth the read!
Profile Image for Clare.
1,310 reviews42 followers
April 30, 2018
If your looking for a story that will make you cry then read this, I really got into this and really felt for the charterers. This was so touching to read and I'm glad i read it.
470 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2018
An emotional read that brings home the things that are really important in life and that life is for living to the fullest as we never know what’s round the corner . I did know the plot very early in the book which did spoil it a little . Thanks to the publishers and for my chance to read
46 reviews
April 18, 2018
Wonderful book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was happy and sad ar the same time. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Jeanniehay64 .
492 reviews53 followers
February 25, 2018
I loved this emotional book from the beginning and found myself picking it up at every opportunity.
The book explores many real difficult topics but in a very sensitive heartwarming way. The main character Juliette has terminal cancer and the story follows her and her teenage daughter Rosie on the difficult journey such a diagnois produces. Juliette decides to live her last days to the full, creating memories Rosie can treasure. They travel to Ireland on holiday were Juliette hopes she may find Rosie's biological father a man who never knew of Rosie's existance after a one night stand. In Ireland they meet Shelley who is grief stricken after her infant daughters death. They all become firm friends and draw strength from each other through their own heartbreaking circumstances.
I found this book emotional I was laughing and crying in equal measures. The twist in the tale added to the story and made me smile. As a mother I could relate to the bond we have with our children and how devasting to realise we won't be around to watch them grow. This book is written from the heart and each character and situation was written superbly. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book which reminded me how precious life is and to enjoy each and every minute of it!! Thanks to Netgalley and HarperImpulse for allowing me to read this fabulous book.
Profile Image for Vanessa McGeown.
1 review
January 10, 2018
Wherever you are in life, you will find a piece of yourself in the characters of this book. Whether it's the fears of teenage Rosie, the loss felt by Shelley or the love and commitment of the main character Juliette, A Part of Me and You will have you hooked from the beginning to it's heart-wrenching and life-affirming end. The book is readable, believable, visual and endearing. You will laugh, you will love, you will cry and you will certainly be glad you read this book.
Profile Image for Lisa Harrison.
41 reviews
January 10, 2018
Such a beautifully written book for a very difficult subject to tackle. I was hooked from the moment I started this book and couldn’t wait to finish it...yet was scared to see the final fate of the main character. I really did feel that I was sharing my life with the characters whilst reading this book. Whoever reads this book will not be disappointed and I’m sure that there will be more to come with these characters....loved it.....
Profile Image for Kel.
597 reviews16 followers
February 11, 2018
I fell in love with this book just a few pages in and it held me under its spell throughout.
The characters were absolute gems who I felt I knew and I wanted to find out what happened next, whilst not wanting the book to end and wanting to savour how brilliant it was and make it last so I could keep enjoying it.
I really enjoyed this book and throughly recommend it, this book is a reminder of just how precious life is and how you should always find the sunshine in the dark.
Profile Image for MRS DOROTHY DOUGAN.
6 reviews
January 25, 2018
Real weepie

Loved this book. Like Lucy Harte would be another for the movies. Great story about a mum with terminal cancer who goes back to Ireland to find the father of her 15 yr old daughter before she dies. Won't spoil the story but it takes a very unexpected turn for the better. Cried the last few chapters but great ending. Brilliant book.
Profile Image for Dawn Hargan.
1 review1 follower
January 4, 2018
I was hooked from the beginning. Couldn’t wait to see what happened and at same time didn’t want it to end. No spoilers but complete emotional roller coaster. Well done Emma 😃
Profile Image for Pauline.
1,826 reviews34 followers
March 4, 2018
An excellent read. A hard subject but done very well. Tissues will be needed.
Profile Image for lesemama.
1,601 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2021
Bewertet mit 3.5 Sternen

Zum Buch:
Juliette hat Krebs und genau an ihrem vierzigsten Geburtstag erfährt sie, dass sie sterben muss.
Nun beschließt sie mit ihrer Tochter Rosie nach Irland zu reisen um ihr nahe zu sein.
Shelley lebt gerade so, wie eigentlich möchte sie lieber sterben um bei ihren Tochter zu sein, die vor drei Jahren bei einem Unfall starb.
Dann begegnen sich die drei ...

Meine Meinung:
Eine unglaublich berührende Geschichte auch wenn alles wahnsinnig schnell ging.
Mir war es fast zu viel Drama, zu viel Zufälle und vor allem war es für mich ziemlich schnell klar, wie es ausgehen wird.
Sehr emotional und auch sehr traurig wird das Zusammentreffen der zwei Mütter beschrieben. Die eine, todkrank, die gerne leben möchte, die andere, gesund, die nichts mehr für das Leben übrig hat.
Rosie steht dazwischen.

Ein gut zu lesender Schreibstil, es ist auch alles nachvollziehbar, allerdings ist es mir zu sehr auf Tränen aus. Ganz so dramatisch hätte es nicht sein müssen.
So ganz zufrieden bin ich mit dem Ende nicht. Aber trotzdem eine bewegende Geschichte.
402 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2018
I wish I could give this book more than 5* and I cannot remember the last time I read something that had that feeling. Juliette is dying and wants to spend some time with her daughter Rosie and make happy memories. Going to Ireland to hopefully meet Rosie's father who doesn't even know she exists she meets and makes very quickly a good friend in Shelley. Shelley has her own sadness and has lost her own child who was only 3 years old. This is a story of friendship, heartache and loss but during that fear of losing someone you realise that they have had an impact on you as a person and no matter what happens in the afterlife if there is one that they will live on in you. A heartbreaking story that actually had me in tears.
7 reviews
July 1, 2018
Beautifully written

Absolute tear jerker, but written so beautifully. I loved the story & the characters. Pain & loss brings together 2 women & a teenage girl & their friendships heal one & prepare another for her imminent death. The end result was fairly predictable, but I loved it regardless.
This is the first book I have read from this author, but, I am now keen to read more of her books.
51 reviews
May 27, 2018
Beautiful story

A beautiful, sad story wonderfully written of a dying mother tries to make wonderful memories for the teen daughter she will leave behind.
17 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2019
Great book choice

I chose this book because I admire the author, have read a few of her books and was impressed.
This book did not disappoint. I was captured from the beginning, The subject was a tough one to tackle yet Emma did this with tenderness.



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