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The One: A moving and unforgettable love story – the most emotional read of the year!
You never forget the one.
You’ll never forget this book.
Fall in love with this beautiful love story. A must read for fans of Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You and Cecelia Ahern’s PS I Love You
Lizzie Sparkes should be the happiest girl in the world – she’s three months away from marrying The One in the wedding of her dreams! But then The One before the One walks back in to her life with a bombshell.
Alex’s unexpected return changes everything and now Lizzie faces an impossible dilemma. Because how can you leave the past behind you, when it’s standing right in front of you…asking you for one more chance?
You’ll never forget this book.
Fall in love with this beautiful love story. A must read for fans of Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You and Cecelia Ahern’s PS I Love You
Lizzie Sparkes should be the happiest girl in the world – she’s three months away from marrying The One in the wedding of her dreams! But then The One before the One walks back in to her life with a bombshell.
Alex’s unexpected return changes everything and now Lizzie faces an impossible dilemma. Because how can you leave the past behind you, when it’s standing right in front of you…asking you for one more chance?
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2017
55 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
September 14, 2020
Very emotional. Was sat at 3 stars but the final 50 pages made me sob.
June 17, 2018
Este livro foi um excelente surpresa e despertou-me diversas emoções. Fala do primeiro amor e do verdadeiro amor, de que por mais tempo que passe, amor sempre será amor quando é verdadeiro e não importa quantas pessoas entrem na nossa vida, nunca conseguirão substituir-lo.
July 17, 2017
Böses Buch. Hat mich um den Schlaf gebracht :) Aber wirklich sehr schön!
April 25, 2018
Mais um livro que nunca tinha ouvido falar e sim é um romance cliché e muito simples mas que aqueceu o meu coração. Muito romântico.
March 14, 2018
The One is a beauty, that's for sure. I was lost in this story immediately. Chapters keep switching between Lizzie's past and present which caused me to connect with both her past and present self.
This is a perfect way to get to know both Josh, her fiance, and Alex, her ex-boyfriend. I ended up feeling as torn about them as Lizzie did, which is saying a lot since I mostly know exactly what I want. Or so I like to tell myself?
All characters in this novel are well-written, as is the story itself. They are unique, they are themselves and they don't feel made. They truly could be genuine people with their own pasts, flaws and characteristics. I ended up feeling as if I could simply walk into town and maybe meet one of them. Now that would be awesome indeed. Can it be Alex though? Okay.. Maybe I do have bit of a preference. A bit.
One major thing that has to be mentioned is that I did NOT feel like this novel was awfully predictable. Sure, I had guessed the ending chapters and chapters before getting close to reading it, but there definitely were little twists and turns I didn't see coming. I loved it and it made me enjoy reading so much more. I also finished this in under a day so there's that.
The only thing that could've been differently for me is the ending. It felt as if the story could've been wrapped up better, more beautiful but that's honestly such a subjective thing, isn't it?
4,5 / 5!
Kathy
This is a perfect way to get to know both Josh, her fiance, and Alex, her ex-boyfriend. I ended up feeling as torn about them as Lizzie did, which is saying a lot since I mostly know exactly what I want. Or so I like to tell myself?
All characters in this novel are well-written, as is the story itself. They are unique, they are themselves and they don't feel made. They truly could be genuine people with their own pasts, flaws and characteristics. I ended up feeling as if I could simply walk into town and maybe meet one of them. Now that would be awesome indeed. Can it be Alex though? Okay.. Maybe I do have bit of a preference. A bit.
One major thing that has to be mentioned is that I did NOT feel like this novel was awfully predictable. Sure, I had guessed the ending chapters and chapters before getting close to reading it, but there definitely were little twists and turns I didn't see coming. I loved it and it made me enjoy reading so much more. I also finished this in under a day so there's that.
The only thing that could've been differently for me is the ending. It felt as if the story could've been wrapped up better, more beautiful but that's honestly such a subjective thing, isn't it?
4,5 / 5!
Kathy
June 14, 2018
Quem olha para a capa deste livro e pensa a que é mais um romance banal, muda de idéias à medida que o vai lendo.
Este livro conta uma história de amor, de amizade, de perdas e reencontros, tudo numa trama muito envolvente e com personagens maravilhosos, sendo que o final me deixou com um sentimento de tristeza e de alegria ao mesmo tempo.
Adorei conhecer o Alex e a Lizzie, dois personagens que ficam no nosso coração.
Este livro conta uma história de amor, de amizade, de perdas e reencontros, tudo numa trama muito envolvente e com personagens maravilhosos, sendo que o final me deixou com um sentimento de tristeza e de alegria ao mesmo tempo.
Adorei conhecer o Alex e a Lizzie, dois personagens que ficam no nosso coração.
May 4, 2018
Adorei! Foi uma leitura bastante agradável e que me encheu o meu coração.
Chorei baba e ranho durante esta leitura, mas o final foi perfeito.
O Alex é perfeito e a Lizzie uma rapariga maravilhosa.
A autora escreveu um óptimo livro para uma primeira vez.
Boas leituras
Chorei baba e ranho durante esta leitura, mas o final foi perfeito.
O Alex é perfeito e a Lizzie uma rapariga maravilhosa.
A autora escreveu um óptimo livro para uma primeira vez.
Boas leituras
June 27, 2018
3.5/5.0
April 30, 2019
Als het einde anders was geweest, had ik zeker 5 sterren gegeven. Het einde was niet slecht, maar ik hou van een ander soort einde!
July 19, 2018
Bem... este livro fez-me ter sentimentos um pouco contraditórios, apesar de ter gostado muito do livro no seu todo.
Foi o primeiro livro que li desta autora e não fiquei nada decepcionada. Acaba por ter uma escrita um nadinha infantil, mas que vai melhorando ao longo das páginas, fazendo com que o leitor queira, depressa, saber o que aconteceu e o que vai acontecer.
Gosto muito de livros em que temos acesso ao passado das personagens e ao presente, alternadamente. Tenho lido alguns livros assim e ajuda-me imenso a perceber as atitudes e os porquês de algumas coisas terem acontecido. Não é um livro que deixe muito à imaginação do leitor, uma vez que é um romance um bocadinho cliché em que há um grande amor, um coração partido e depois a recuperação do desgosto que aquele amor causou.
Opinião Completa
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.co...
Foi o primeiro livro que li desta autora e não fiquei nada decepcionada. Acaba por ter uma escrita um nadinha infantil, mas que vai melhorando ao longo das páginas, fazendo com que o leitor queira, depressa, saber o que aconteceu e o que vai acontecer.
Gosto muito de livros em que temos acesso ao passado das personagens e ao presente, alternadamente. Tenho lido alguns livros assim e ajuda-me imenso a perceber as atitudes e os porquês de algumas coisas terem acontecido. Não é um livro que deixe muito à imaginação do leitor, uma vez que é um romance um bocadinho cliché em que há um grande amor, um coração partido e depois a recuperação do desgosto que aquele amor causou.
Opinião Completa
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.co...
October 6, 2020
I expected a traditional love triangle I got so much more. It was so sad and the end was so beautiful and tragic. It took me a while getting into the story between two timelines at first. Present day with Lizzie and Josh and back story of Lizzie and Alex. Alex certainly was the one that got away for Lizzie in more ways than one. I liked Lizzie and found her interesting to read about. It was predictable that Lizzie had more feelings for Alex than Josh but not how it ended up being. I felt for Josh he didn't deserve to be the third part in the love triangle. Megan was a fantastic character I loved her so much. Andie was also a great supporting character of being Alex's sister and Connor his brother (which adds to the sadness of this story). Its a sad story but so beautifully written much more than a usual romance story I read. It also reinforces my belief you can live more in a year than ten. That was Lizzie with Alex.
October 21, 2017
I can’t believe she did exactly what you would’ve expected. This book is full of clichés and the writing style is very typical.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2018
This book was an extremely emotional read - it had unexpected twists with a lot of emotive language used throughout. It’s an incredibly gripping read, one that has immense substance and strength behind its plot. The writing is also massively poetic and delightful to read, and very easy to immerse yourself into.
It deals with some immensely difficult issues, and mainly deals with loss/grief and how to go on with life after losing the most important thing to you. It also discusses the idea of an upcoming wedding not necessarily being the right thing or proof of someone’s love and how complex the heart actually is in what it wants.
This is a heart wrenching, gut twisting story that brought tears to my eyes despite knowing what was going to happen. Knowing what was going to happen made everything so bittersweet, and that added a further brilliant dimension to the story.
I’ve deducted two stars just because I found the flashbacks to be clunky — they made the story flow considerably less and I found myself skipping a few of them which then obscured the plot for me. But I’m sure other readers would love those!
All in all this is a perfect chick lit read. Fun, amusing, with a touch of pure heartbreak and devastation. I thoroughly enjoyed this read!
It deals with some immensely difficult issues, and mainly deals with loss/grief and how to go on with life after losing the most important thing to you. It also discusses the idea of an upcoming wedding not necessarily being the right thing or proof of someone’s love and how complex the heart actually is in what it wants.
This is a heart wrenching, gut twisting story that brought tears to my eyes despite knowing what was going to happen. Knowing what was going to happen made everything so bittersweet, and that added a further brilliant dimension to the story.
I’ve deducted two stars just because I found the flashbacks to be clunky — they made the story flow considerably less and I found myself skipping a few of them which then obscured the plot for me. But I’m sure other readers would love those!
All in all this is a perfect chick lit read. Fun, amusing, with a touch of pure heartbreak and devastation. I thoroughly enjoyed this read!
May 11, 2018
7,5 de 10*
O livro de estreia de Maria Realf, "Quando Tu Voltaste", foi-me enviado de surpresa pela Editora Planeta. Desconhecia quer a autora quer o livro e parti para a sua leitura sem saber sequer a história. A capa indicava-me uma leitura leve, exactamente o que eu precisava após dias de trabalho intenso.
Foi o livro certo lido na altura certa. Leve, romântico, com dramatismo q.b. e com um final não tão previsível assim.
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.pt...
O livro de estreia de Maria Realf, "Quando Tu Voltaste", foi-me enviado de surpresa pela Editora Planeta. Desconhecia quer a autora quer o livro e parti para a sua leitura sem saber sequer a história. A capa indicava-me uma leitura leve, exactamente o que eu precisava após dias de trabalho intenso.
Foi o livro certo lido na altura certa. Leve, romântico, com dramatismo q.b. e com um final não tão previsível assim.
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.pt...
April 28, 2018
Romance fofinho, nunca tinha ouvido falar da autora mas a minha estreia com ela foi uma optima revelação! Romance ternurento com momentos completamente cliché mas que nos aquece o coração! Acaba por ser boa onda e ao mesmo tempo surpreendente! Gostei!
May 24, 2018
Opinião a sair do forno no Efeito dos Livros
June 6, 2018
Que livro fantástico! Adorei a história, as personagens, enfim tudo!
August 7, 2023
An under-rated romcom that deserves more recognition.
4.5 ⭐️
4.5 ⭐️
April 22, 2020
It takes a lot for me to truly love a book, but I loved this book. I purchased it about 6 months ago when The Book People had a sale, the cover drew me to it and I thought ah it's only £1, if it's rubbish I won't feel like I've lost anything. With Lockdown I found time to start reading again, this is the third book I've read this week and it just blew me away.
Lizzie is such a likeable character from the beginning, you can truly feel the heartbreak throughout the story of what happened between her and Alex. It felt very real, not like one of the books where they just fall in love and everything is rosy, it was true and raw.
Her friend Megan is such a good character too, she's just somebody you would want as a friend. I am gutted she didn't go out with Gareth in the end though but I did like how her story ended, it was quite witty.
I love nothing more than when an author can effectively write in two time frames and it works, Realf does this so well, switching from 10 years ago to the present, alining Lizzie's current with her past is excellent.
Anyway, you knew no good would come from Connor getting into a bar fight as it was a foreshadowing of what was going to come of his future, however, I was truly shocked by the manner of his death. I also understand why Alex felt the way he did and why he felt he had to leave, he clearly wasn't thinking straight and needed to just sort himself out, no matter the cost of Lizzie's feelings.
Of course you do wonder why Alex resurfaces after 10 years and straight away my first thoughts were that he found out she was engaged, someone in his family had died so he had to come back or that he was ill himself, so that bit wasn't much of a shock to me. I feel in this way Alex was an extremely selfish character as he had absolutely no right to force his way back into Lizzie's life, who had found love again, it may not have been the all-consuming love she had with Alex, but it was one where she knew she would be happy and safe.
It was a bit obvious you knew she wouldn't marry Josh, as you can tell she clearly had unfinished business with Alex. I hate how in stories like this people always wait until the day of or the minute before to decide not to make this big life choice though. Surely she knew if she was thinking about another man on her wedding day or making excuses to spend time with him when she should have been organising her wedding that she shouldn't have been getting married?
However, I am so glad that she decided not to get married as whether Alex had months or a year or so to live you would want to truly make the most of life with the person you love more than life itself and I'm so glad she got the chance to do that as it was a great story of "the one who got away" but then came back.
The part that got me most about this book was the epilogue. Honestly, I cried the ugliest cry at 4:30am when I finished it. Just how she had such a brand new outlook on life because of him, how he encouraged her to be the best version of himself whether he was there to watch her or not, it's what everybody wants from a relationship. Then for her to be in a bar named after her when she genuinely believed he had left her and moved on with life all those years ago I just wasn't expecting it as I forgot that it was his ambition to open a bar, and for Connor's picture to be on the wall. My heart just broke a little bit about how much of a person Alex truly was.
The one little detail that I didn't particularly like was that she was pregnant. I didn't feel it was necessary, although I understand how it will have helped her to get on with life knowing she would always carry a part of him with her.
Anyway, I'm going to stop going on now because I could go forever with this book, its the best thing I've read in a while. Looking forward to seeing what else Realf comes up with!
Lizzie is such a likeable character from the beginning, you can truly feel the heartbreak throughout the story of what happened between her and Alex. It felt very real, not like one of the books where they just fall in love and everything is rosy, it was true and raw.
Her friend Megan is such a good character too, she's just somebody you would want as a friend. I am gutted she didn't go out with Gareth in the end though but I did like how her story ended, it was quite witty.
I love nothing more than when an author can effectively write in two time frames and it works, Realf does this so well, switching from 10 years ago to the present, alining Lizzie's current with her past is excellent.
Anyway, you knew no good would come from Connor getting into a bar fight as it was a foreshadowing of what was going to come of his future, however, I was truly shocked by the manner of his death. I also understand why Alex felt the way he did and why he felt he had to leave, he clearly wasn't thinking straight and needed to just sort himself out, no matter the cost of Lizzie's feelings.
Of course you do wonder why Alex resurfaces after 10 years and straight away my first thoughts were that he found out she was engaged, someone in his family had died so he had to come back or that he was ill himself, so that bit wasn't much of a shock to me. I feel in this way Alex was an extremely selfish character as he had absolutely no right to force his way back into Lizzie's life, who had found love again, it may not have been the all-consuming love she had with Alex, but it was one where she knew she would be happy and safe.
It was a bit obvious you knew she wouldn't marry Josh, as you can tell she clearly had unfinished business with Alex. I hate how in stories like this people always wait until the day of or the minute before to decide not to make this big life choice though. Surely she knew if she was thinking about another man on her wedding day or making excuses to spend time with him when she should have been organising her wedding that she shouldn't have been getting married?
However, I am so glad that she decided not to get married as whether Alex had months or a year or so to live you would want to truly make the most of life with the person you love more than life itself and I'm so glad she got the chance to do that as it was a great story of "the one who got away" but then came back.
The part that got me most about this book was the epilogue. Honestly, I cried the ugliest cry at 4:30am when I finished it. Just how she had such a brand new outlook on life because of him, how he encouraged her to be the best version of himself whether he was there to watch her or not, it's what everybody wants from a relationship. Then for her to be in a bar named after her when she genuinely believed he had left her and moved on with life all those years ago I just wasn't expecting it as I forgot that it was his ambition to open a bar, and for Connor's picture to be on the wall. My heart just broke a little bit about how much of a person Alex truly was.
The one little detail that I didn't particularly like was that she was pregnant. I didn't feel it was necessary, although I understand how it will have helped her to get on with life knowing she would always carry a part of him with her.
Anyway, I'm going to stop going on now because I could go forever with this book, its the best thing I've read in a while. Looking forward to seeing what else Realf comes up with!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2017
Ein wirklich tolles Buch, das ich innerhalb von 24 Stunden verschlungen habe. Der Schreibstil ist sehr angenehm und flüssig zu lesen und die Autorin wusste, wann, wo und wie sie Humor und Herzschmerz einbaut. Die Handlung mag zwar abgedroschen und Mainstream klingen, aber es ist, meiner Meinung nach, dennoch einzigartig umgesetzt!
Danke dafür<3
Danke dafür<3
December 10, 2018
Wow, just wow! What an incredible, moving, heart-wrenching and highly emotional book, and by far one of the best contemporaries I’ve read. Not just this year, but one of the best I’ve ever read! This is the first I have read by Maria Realf and it will definitely not be the last. The One had me reaching for the tissue’s with every new page, it is a book that makes you think never to take anything for granted as you don’t know what’s around the corner.
13 weeks before her wedding to Josh; Lizzie is on cloud nine she is going to be marrying the love her life, nothing could go wrong. That is until Alex; the man she always saw as being her ‘The One’ comes back into her life after years apart, but he hasn’t come to break her or Josh up he has come with devastating news, news that will change her life. Lizzie is now torn between the man she is set to marry and supposed to live happily ever after with and the man she has always loved, the man who stole her heart then went on to break it.
I love the way this is written, you follow Lizzie as she is getting ready for her big day, as she struggles with her feelings for both men and as she is trying to get her thoughts in order to decide what she must do. Then the story briefly jumps back to when Lizzie and Alex met, their relationship through University and above all what happened to break them apart – which is in itself deeply sad and beautifully written. The reason why Alex has come back is heart-breaking, and I will admit that the ending was deeply emotional and I did shed a tear or two – note to reader; stock up on the tissues you are going to need them! The split between them was difficult on them both but there was a reason for his sudden leaving the country.
Lizzie is a good woman, she has a kind honest and loyal personality and a heart of pure gold, she wants to do right by everyone. Her heart has always belonged to one man, but when Alex left he did break it, I did get the feeling that Josh was sort of a close number two where for Lizzie. She loves him dearly, she is so happy with him but there is a piece of her that still belongs to Alex and you pick up on that within the first few pages when she finds herself in a complicated and difficult position.
The One is a touching, honest, emotional, heart-breaking, loving, poignant story all about true love, about second chances. Ms Realf’s writing is flawless, she has a real gift for pulling at the heartstrings and drawing the reader into her story, the character’s are brilliantly portrayed, realistic, likeable, humbling and engaging whether that be the leads of the secondary character’s, each character is beautifully created.
This book is simply stunning, if you love the likes of PS, I Love You by Cecelia Ahern and When I Fall In Love by Miranda Dickinson (which are two of my favourite books) then this is the book you need to read, I can guarantee you will love it and be moved to tears. I really cannot recommend this enough, it is a book that everyone needs to read.
Perfect!
This was a complimentary copy via the author in exchange for an honest review, Thank you Maria!
13 weeks before her wedding to Josh; Lizzie is on cloud nine she is going to be marrying the love her life, nothing could go wrong. That is until Alex; the man she always saw as being her ‘The One’ comes back into her life after years apart, but he hasn’t come to break her or Josh up he has come with devastating news, news that will change her life. Lizzie is now torn between the man she is set to marry and supposed to live happily ever after with and the man she has always loved, the man who stole her heart then went on to break it.
I love the way this is written, you follow Lizzie as she is getting ready for her big day, as she struggles with her feelings for both men and as she is trying to get her thoughts in order to decide what she must do. Then the story briefly jumps back to when Lizzie and Alex met, their relationship through University and above all what happened to break them apart – which is in itself deeply sad and beautifully written. The reason why Alex has come back is heart-breaking, and I will admit that the ending was deeply emotional and I did shed a tear or two – note to reader; stock up on the tissues you are going to need them! The split between them was difficult on them both but there was a reason for his sudden leaving the country.
Lizzie is a good woman, she has a kind honest and loyal personality and a heart of pure gold, she wants to do right by everyone. Her heart has always belonged to one man, but when Alex left he did break it, I did get the feeling that Josh was sort of a close number two where for Lizzie. She loves him dearly, she is so happy with him but there is a piece of her that still belongs to Alex and you pick up on that within the first few pages when she finds herself in a complicated and difficult position.
The One is a touching, honest, emotional, heart-breaking, loving, poignant story all about true love, about second chances. Ms Realf’s writing is flawless, she has a real gift for pulling at the heartstrings and drawing the reader into her story, the character’s are brilliantly portrayed, realistic, likeable, humbling and engaging whether that be the leads of the secondary character’s, each character is beautifully created.
This book is simply stunning, if you love the likes of PS, I Love You by Cecelia Ahern and When I Fall In Love by Miranda Dickinson (which are two of my favourite books) then this is the book you need to read, I can guarantee you will love it and be moved to tears. I really cannot recommend this enough, it is a book that everyone needs to read.
Perfect!
This was a complimentary copy via the author in exchange for an honest review, Thank you Maria!
May 23, 2018
Nunca me tinha chegado a casa um livro cuja primeira página tinha, na sua impressão original, uma dedicatória com o meu nome. A Editorial Planeta fez um trabalho fabuloso de promoção de Quanto Tu Voltaste e foi impossível não me sentir, de certa forma, especial. Comecei a leitura com bastante entusiasmo e muito curiosa. O formato do romance está bem conseguido, no sentido em que cada capítulo alterna entre o presente e o passado da protagonista, deixando-nos sempre com imensas questões, resultando numa leitura compulsiva. Não obstante deste virar de páginas intenso, lamento o rumo que a história tomou. Confesso que antes de começar a escrever este texto senti-me uma pequena traidora. Afinal vinha-me dedicado, a maioria das opiniões são extremamente positivas, mas eu senti-me um pouco defraudada. Nos últimos capítulos do livro já adivinhava tudo ao pormenor do que ia acontecer e não pelas melhores razões - foi tudo um grande clichê. Se há quem se comova com este formato mais tradicional, tal não é o meu caso pois acho que o romance tinha tudo para se tornar brutalmente comovente e forte no impacto no leitor. Tal não aconteceu comigo. Passo a explicar.
Lizzie Sparkles é uma protagonista com quem é fácil ganhar empatia. Teve um primeiro grande amor, em que tudo era intenso, mas também familiar. Não era só uma questão do romance, havia também uma grande proximidade com a família. Quando a conhecemos no tempo presente está prestes a casar, porém não com esse primeiro amor, mas com um outro. Alguém que a complementa, que lhe dá espaço, que cuida de si e dos seus interesses. Da sua vida passada não há rasto a não ser quando lhe contam que "o Tal" está de volta à cidade. É neste contraste que vamos então seguindo os preparativos do casamento enquanto conhecemos todos os pormenores daquela relação cujas emoções voltam agora para a atormentar. Emoções essas que ficaram ainda mais inflamadas quando descobre as verdadeiras razões sobre este regresso.
Como disse anteriormente, a nível de estrutura e de ritmo o livro está muito bem conseguido. Por todas as dúvidas e expectativas que são criadas, o leitor vê-se completamente agarrado à história. Colocamo-nos na pele de Lizzie, quem sabe recordamos Aquele primeiro amor e estabelecemos uma empatia muito grande com ela. Sofremos com ela. Comigo isso só aconteceu até certa altura. Não tanto pelo desfecho, mas pelo caminho tão directo e previsível do mesmo. Dito isto, para quem for amante de um romance tradicional, certamente encontrará aqui uma leitura viciante e comovente, com um pequeno toque de tragédia.
Lizzie Sparkles é uma protagonista com quem é fácil ganhar empatia. Teve um primeiro grande amor, em que tudo era intenso, mas também familiar. Não era só uma questão do romance, havia também uma grande proximidade com a família. Quando a conhecemos no tempo presente está prestes a casar, porém não com esse primeiro amor, mas com um outro. Alguém que a complementa, que lhe dá espaço, que cuida de si e dos seus interesses. Da sua vida passada não há rasto a não ser quando lhe contam que "o Tal" está de volta à cidade. É neste contraste que vamos então seguindo os preparativos do casamento enquanto conhecemos todos os pormenores daquela relação cujas emoções voltam agora para a atormentar. Emoções essas que ficaram ainda mais inflamadas quando descobre as verdadeiras razões sobre este regresso.
Como disse anteriormente, a nível de estrutura e de ritmo o livro está muito bem conseguido. Por todas as dúvidas e expectativas que são criadas, o leitor vê-se completamente agarrado à história. Colocamo-nos na pele de Lizzie, quem sabe recordamos Aquele primeiro amor e estabelecemos uma empatia muito grande com ela. Sofremos com ela. Comigo isso só aconteceu até certa altura. Não tanto pelo desfecho, mas pelo caminho tão directo e previsível do mesmo. Dito isto, para quem for amante de um romance tradicional, certamente encontrará aqui uma leitura viciante e comovente, com um pequeno toque de tragédia.
February 20, 2018
A very touching romantic read that I highly enjoyed.
Lizzie is due to get married to Josh, when, out of the blue, Alex, the previous love of her life, makes an appearance. They parted on bad terms, but Lizzie still has feelings for him. Alex clearly still cares for Lizzie too, and she is faced with the dilemma of choosing which of the two men she wants to spend her future with...an awful situation to face!
It sounds like quite a light read, but actually there was a lot of depth to the story and characters. I really liked Realf's conversational writing style and found it very easy to become immersed in the plot. A countdown to Lizzie and Josh's wedding tells the present story, and the past chapters reveal how her relationship with Alex began and ended. They blended together well to relay the overall story. The conclusion was bittersweet and rounded up a very good read.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lizzie is due to get married to Josh, when, out of the blue, Alex, the previous love of her life, makes an appearance. They parted on bad terms, but Lizzie still has feelings for him. Alex clearly still cares for Lizzie too, and she is faced with the dilemma of choosing which of the two men she wants to spend her future with...an awful situation to face!
It sounds like quite a light read, but actually there was a lot of depth to the story and characters. I really liked Realf's conversational writing style and found it very easy to become immersed in the plot. A countdown to Lizzie and Josh's wedding tells the present story, and the past chapters reveal how her relationship with Alex began and ended. They blended together well to relay the overall story. The conclusion was bittersweet and rounded up a very good read.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2021
It was great book but an emotional rollercoaster.
August 19, 2022
i really liked it
August 17, 2018
I loved this book. I was hooked immediately, I started it before bed on Wednesday and finished at some point on Thursday, I just had to know what happened. I loved all the characters, they were well rounded and although you kind of know the way you want the story to go (well, I did anyway), it's not a predictable plot line and the emotional roller coaster never lets up, you are strapped in for the ride and can't get out. I laughed, I shed tears, I had a lump in my throat. The book is beautifully written and very touching. A stunning debut that will stay with me a while. Please hurry up and write another one, Ms Realf!
May 11, 2023
Boring and cringe 😞
September 27, 2018
Lizzie Sparkes is busily planning her dream wedding to Josh, when her old boyfriend Alex walks back into her life. Lizzie had always thought that Alex was 'The One', that was until he disappeared, turning her world upside down. How will she react to him turning up out of the blue, especially when it transpires that he has some life-changing news? Will Lizzie be able to put the past behind her, or are some things simply meant to be?
The vast majority of the book is told between two time frames, flitting from the present day where Lizzie is planning her wedding, to a decade earlier when she was dating Alex. The chapters in the present day are presented as a count down to the wedding, whilst the chapters set in the past detail the history between Lizzie and Alex - how it all began between them and how it ended.
Readers perhaps ought to beware that this is not your typically 'light and fluffy' chicklit, tragic events occuring both in the past and present time frames. I've seen some comparisons made to Jojo Moyes' Me Before You, and I can appreciate why, given the subject matter of this book; though I would say that I actually found Moyes' novel more filled with humour and life-affirming moments that balanced out the reading experience. I'm not saying this book is all dark and tragic, however, it is pretty bleak in parts.
It's difficult to really say more without giving anything way, however, Realf essentially keeps you guessing till the end as to who Lizzie will choose out of Josh and Alex. The story is told sensitively, and you do get a real sense of the dilemma that Lizzie finds herself in.
An emotional story, that touches on difficult subjects of loss and grief, with a touching love story at its heart.
The vast majority of the book is told between two time frames, flitting from the present day where Lizzie is planning her wedding, to a decade earlier when she was dating Alex. The chapters in the present day are presented as a count down to the wedding, whilst the chapters set in the past detail the history between Lizzie and Alex - how it all began between them and how it ended.
Readers perhaps ought to beware that this is not your typically 'light and fluffy' chicklit, tragic events occuring both in the past and present time frames. I've seen some comparisons made to Jojo Moyes' Me Before You, and I can appreciate why, given the subject matter of this book; though I would say that I actually found Moyes' novel more filled with humour and life-affirming moments that balanced out the reading experience. I'm not saying this book is all dark and tragic, however, it is pretty bleak in parts.
It's difficult to really say more without giving anything way, however, Realf essentially keeps you guessing till the end as to who Lizzie will choose out of Josh and Alex. The story is told sensitively, and you do get a real sense of the dilemma that Lizzie finds herself in.
An emotional story, that touches on difficult subjects of loss and grief, with a touching love story at its heart.
Read
May 22, 2022Ich weiß noch nicht, wie ich das Buch bewerten soll…eigentlich lese so gut wie nie Liebesgeschichten, wurde aber auf YouTube damals so angefixt von Sandra vom Buchschnack.
Mir hat es wirklich Spaß gemacht zu lesen und es gab keine „Augenroll-Momente“, die es in vielen Liebesromanen für mich gibt, weswegen ich sie kaum lese. Der Schreibstil ist einfach und man fliegt nur durch die Seiten, weswegen ich es auch an zwei Tagen durchgesuchtet habe. Allerdings wusste ich bereits nach ca 1/3 wie das Buch weitergeht, was die Gründe für bestimmte Handlungen waren und wie es enden wird. Ich hatte mit allen Vermutungen recht, dennoch ist es ein sehr gutes und emotionales Buch, was ich für zwischendurch echt empfehlen kann, auch für Menschen, die normalerweise nichts mit diesem Genre anfangen können!
Mir hat es wirklich Spaß gemacht zu lesen und es gab keine „Augenroll-Momente“, die es in vielen Liebesromanen für mich gibt, weswegen ich sie kaum lese. Der Schreibstil ist einfach und man fliegt nur durch die Seiten, weswegen ich es auch an zwei Tagen durchgesuchtet habe. Allerdings wusste ich bereits nach ca 1/3 wie das Buch weitergeht, was die Gründe für bestimmte Handlungen waren und wie es enden wird. Ich hatte mit allen Vermutungen recht, dennoch ist es ein sehr gutes und emotionales Buch, was ich für zwischendurch echt empfehlen kann, auch für Menschen, die normalerweise nichts mit diesem Genre anfangen können!
December 4, 2021
Foi uma leitura agradável mas nada de extraordinário, confesso que depois de ler críticas tão positivas, esperava mais.
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