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Our Life in a Day
THE RULES ARE SIMPLE: Choose the most significant moments from your relationship - one for each hour in the day.
You'd probably pick when you first met, right?
And the instant you knew for sure it was love?
Maybe even the time you watched the sunrise after your first night together?
But what about the car journey on the holiday where everything started to go wrong?
Or your first proper fight?
Or that time you lied about where you'd been?
It's a once in a lifetime chance to learn the truth. But if you had to be completely honest with the one you love, would you still play?
For Esme and Tom, the game is about to begin. And once they start, there's no going back . . .
You'd probably pick when you first met, right?
And the instant you knew for sure it was love?
Maybe even the time you watched the sunrise after your first night together?
But what about the car journey on the holiday where everything started to go wrong?
Or your first proper fight?
Or that time you lied about where you'd been?
It's a once in a lifetime chance to learn the truth. But if you had to be completely honest with the one you love, would you still play?
For Esme and Tom, the game is about to begin. And once they start, there's no going back . . .
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2018
44 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
February 28, 2019
When I first started Our Life in a Day, it was good, holding my interest as I continued to read, but I just wasn’t sure where it was heading. As I kept reading, I started to predict the direction the story was taking - sometimes I was right and sometimes I was wrong - but it didn’t really matter, I was hooked!
In 2007, Tom and Esme meet at a party. Tom is interested in Esme, despite warnings from his best friend not to pursue her, being told she is too good for him. Of course, he goes for her anyway. Now as their 10th anniversary arrives, Esme has created a game where Tom must identify the significant moments of their relationship from the last decade. Some are happy and fun, others (many actually) are not. These moments are listed in loose progression though not always in chronological order. This choice of order, however, did not make things hard to follow. The story had me invested early on, eager to see what would happen next with Tom and Esme in the course of their relationship. Why would this next moment be significant for them? I had to know!
While I can see how this book could be classified as romance, I didn’t feel like it was. I’m generally not a big fan of the romance genre. It felt more like general fiction and while it focused on Tom and Esme’s relationship, I loved the realistic elements throughout the story. Sometimes their relationship was good, other times it was really tense. Both Tom and Esme had flaws and were far from perfect. There were times when I was judging both of them for what I perceived as odd choices in behavior yet I enjoyed all of it.
Our Life in a Day is a refreshing read about the realistic nature of people and relationships. It is not your standard boy meets girl story, which I greatly appreciated.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing for providing an advance copy of Our Life in a Day in exchange for an honest review.
In 2007, Tom and Esme meet at a party. Tom is interested in Esme, despite warnings from his best friend not to pursue her, being told she is too good for him. Of course, he goes for her anyway. Now as their 10th anniversary arrives, Esme has created a game where Tom must identify the significant moments of their relationship from the last decade. Some are happy and fun, others (many actually) are not. These moments are listed in loose progression though not always in chronological order. This choice of order, however, did not make things hard to follow. The story had me invested early on, eager to see what would happen next with Tom and Esme in the course of their relationship. Why would this next moment be significant for them? I had to know!
While I can see how this book could be classified as romance, I didn’t feel like it was. I’m generally not a big fan of the romance genre. It felt more like general fiction and while it focused on Tom and Esme’s relationship, I loved the realistic elements throughout the story. Sometimes their relationship was good, other times it was really tense. Both Tom and Esme had flaws and were far from perfect. There were times when I was judging both of them for what I perceived as odd choices in behavior yet I enjoyed all of it.
Our Life in a Day is a refreshing read about the realistic nature of people and relationships. It is not your standard boy meets girl story, which I greatly appreciated.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing for providing an advance copy of Our Life in a Day in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2021
An addictive read from start to finish. It could easily be read in one sitting. It takes you on a ten year love story of Esme and Tom through many battles as a couple. It is a question throughout if they will make it past the ten years? He may not have been always completely truthful but I much preferred Tom. I felt for him and his mental health issues. If I was Esma I think I would have thought he did not tell me because he was struggling not other reasons. Esme did have a hard time of it too and she was not all bad I just did not like her as much.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
February 28, 2025
Supposed to be a cute romance, the premise was intriguing. Ten year love story, a look into every impactful moment of those ten years in 24 hours. One memory for each hour of the day. Unlikeable characters, I really did not enjoy the way they approached the boyfriends drinking habits. DNF 60% in.
July 29, 2019
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 304
Publisher - Orion
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Our Life in a Day is a breathtaking, ten-year love story told in twenty-four individual hours - for fans of One Day by David Nicholls, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and The Note by Zoe Folbigg.
The rules are simple. Choose the most significant moments from your relationship - one for each hour in the day.
You'd probably pick when you first met, right?
And the instant you knew for sure it was love?
Maybe even the time you watched the sunrise after your first night together?
But what about the car journey on the holiday where everything started to go wrong?
Or your first proper fight?
Or that time you lied about where you'd been?
It's a once in a lifetime chance to learn the truth. But if you had to be completely honest with the one you love, would you still play?
For Esme and Tom, the game is about to begin. And once they start, there's no going back . . .
My Review
This one has sat on the review pile for a wee bit and I am glad I didn't leave it longer than I already had. I think because folk had been saying it was like "One Day" by David Nicholls (I wasn't a fan) I wasn't rushing to read it. Guys it is so far from "One Day" I really disliked that book but I thought this was really well done and doesn't read like a debut at all. Esme and Tom have been together for 10 years and to celebrate Esme has created a game in which Tom has to put together memories of their time. One story from a specific hour of any given day in their time together to make up 24 hours, each marked that hourly time. It can't all be good, it must be real, relevant to the hour time stamp and real to their relationship. The result is honest, brutal, emotive and allows the reader to delve into Esme and Tom's relationship warts and all.
It is pretty unique the way the author has created this. Timeline jumps can be difficult to pull off let alone jumping months/hours on the clock. There isn't a part of the story you get lost, the timeline is marked clearly at the start of the chapters. We meet at their anniversary and with Tom constructing the game we travel back and forth, to their meeting and the start of their relationship. They carve out ground rules very quickly and set the tone for their unique relationship. We know early on that Tom isn't telling everything to Esme and something has happened to him recently. As the book goes on and more hints are dropped by his family we get a bit more insight into who Tom is, what he has survived and his daily battle and how it affects him.
Male mental health is at the heart of this story, meshed in with his relationship with Esme, warts and all. They are chalk and cheese and Tom has pinned a lot of his hope for going forward on Esme, unknown to her as he tries to battle his illness, inner demons, protect her and keep the battle a secret from her. We see his inner turmoil and get a glimpse of what it is like for someone living with this and trying every day to stay on top.
If you have ever had depression or loved someone with it I think this book will pack a very emotive punch. If it is something you have never encountered it gives you an intimate look and bit of insight into what a battle like that is like and a small idea of why they do what they do. The way the book has been written is pretty smart, engaging and snapshots in and out of a ten year period. Like an onion it reveals another layer as you delve in and perhaps bringing a tear as you go. I think this book will evoke different emotions from readers depending on your life experiences but I challenge anyone to read it and not feel anything. 4.5/5 for me, I very much look forward to seeing what will come next from this author and will be keeping an eye out for their next offering!
Pages - 304
Publisher - Orion
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Our Life in a Day is a breathtaking, ten-year love story told in twenty-four individual hours - for fans of One Day by David Nicholls, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and The Note by Zoe Folbigg.
The rules are simple. Choose the most significant moments from your relationship - one for each hour in the day.
You'd probably pick when you first met, right?
And the instant you knew for sure it was love?
Maybe even the time you watched the sunrise after your first night together?
But what about the car journey on the holiday where everything started to go wrong?
Or your first proper fight?
Or that time you lied about where you'd been?
It's a once in a lifetime chance to learn the truth. But if you had to be completely honest with the one you love, would you still play?
For Esme and Tom, the game is about to begin. And once they start, there's no going back . . .
My Review
This one has sat on the review pile for a wee bit and I am glad I didn't leave it longer than I already had. I think because folk had been saying it was like "One Day" by David Nicholls (I wasn't a fan) I wasn't rushing to read it. Guys it is so far from "One Day" I really disliked that book but I thought this was really well done and doesn't read like a debut at all. Esme and Tom have been together for 10 years and to celebrate Esme has created a game in which Tom has to put together memories of their time. One story from a specific hour of any given day in their time together to make up 24 hours, each marked that hourly time. It can't all be good, it must be real, relevant to the hour time stamp and real to their relationship. The result is honest, brutal, emotive and allows the reader to delve into Esme and Tom's relationship warts and all.
It is pretty unique the way the author has created this. Timeline jumps can be difficult to pull off let alone jumping months/hours on the clock. There isn't a part of the story you get lost, the timeline is marked clearly at the start of the chapters. We meet at their anniversary and with Tom constructing the game we travel back and forth, to their meeting and the start of their relationship. They carve out ground rules very quickly and set the tone for their unique relationship. We know early on that Tom isn't telling everything to Esme and something has happened to him recently. As the book goes on and more hints are dropped by his family we get a bit more insight into who Tom is, what he has survived and his daily battle and how it affects him.
Male mental health is at the heart of this story, meshed in with his relationship with Esme, warts and all. They are chalk and cheese and Tom has pinned a lot of his hope for going forward on Esme, unknown to her as he tries to battle his illness, inner demons, protect her and keep the battle a secret from her. We see his inner turmoil and get a glimpse of what it is like for someone living with this and trying every day to stay on top.
If you have ever had depression or loved someone with it I think this book will pack a very emotive punch. If it is something you have never encountered it gives you an intimate look and bit of insight into what a battle like that is like and a small idea of why they do what they do. The way the book has been written is pretty smart, engaging and snapshots in and out of a ten year period. Like an onion it reveals another layer as you delve in and perhaps bringing a tear as you go. I think this book will evoke different emotions from readers depending on your life experiences but I challenge anyone to read it and not feel anything. 4.5/5 for me, I very much look forward to seeing what will come next from this author and will be keeping an eye out for their next offering!
April 24, 2019
To be honest I’m struggling to know what to say about this stunning book! It’s just so beautifully written with such raw emotions that it’s one that will stay with me for sometime. And shockingly it’s a debut novel! Also, I have to applaud Jamie Fewery for writing about men’s mental health issues within a book that spotlights the relationship of one couple in a unique and meaningful way.
It may sound like a sweet and innocent game that Esme has devised for their anniversary meal but it’s going to be a long and tough virtual day for their relationship. Tom has a post-it note for every day of the day but he needs to write on it a moment that actually happened in reality in that hour. So there isn’t a chronological order to those 24 hours of their relationship but I thought this was a brilliant way of seeing those moments that defined the key points for them during the last ten years.
I found it strange how completely and utterly involved I became in this book from very early on. Both Esme and Tom were delicately drawn characters who felt so realistic with both having flaws and strengths to define them as a couple. This meant that I wanted their relationship to work through those lows and learn from their mistakes as they dissected the key moments of their time together, examining them with a brutal honesty.
By the end I think I was a little in love with Tom myself. But I wouldn’t class this as a romance. It reminded me of One Day by David Nicholls (which is one of my most favourite books ever) mainly due to that ever present worry and fear that something big is about to happen but you just don’t know what-you just hope it’s something good big and not bad big!!
By the time I came to the end of Our Life In a Day I was absolutely sobbing. I wasn’t affected so much by the culmination of the the storyline but by the fact that I now had to say goodbye to Esme and Tom, that that was it and I would never know what they were doing nowadays and if they were okay! It’s not often characters become so real to me that I miss them when I close the the last page but this couples relationship really did speak to me with a must trusted sincerity from the author and I really didn’t want to let them go.
Our Life In a Day was a sensitively written joy to read and I adored every single page. Please write another book as soon as possible Jamie Fewery!
It may sound like a sweet and innocent game that Esme has devised for their anniversary meal but it’s going to be a long and tough virtual day for their relationship. Tom has a post-it note for every day of the day but he needs to write on it a moment that actually happened in reality in that hour. So there isn’t a chronological order to those 24 hours of their relationship but I thought this was a brilliant way of seeing those moments that defined the key points for them during the last ten years.
I found it strange how completely and utterly involved I became in this book from very early on. Both Esme and Tom were delicately drawn characters who felt so realistic with both having flaws and strengths to define them as a couple. This meant that I wanted their relationship to work through those lows and learn from their mistakes as they dissected the key moments of their time together, examining them with a brutal honesty.
By the end I think I was a little in love with Tom myself. But I wouldn’t class this as a romance. It reminded me of One Day by David Nicholls (which is one of my most favourite books ever) mainly due to that ever present worry and fear that something big is about to happen but you just don’t know what-you just hope it’s something good big and not bad big!!
By the time I came to the end of Our Life In a Day I was absolutely sobbing. I wasn’t affected so much by the culmination of the the storyline but by the fact that I now had to say goodbye to Esme and Tom, that that was it and I would never know what they were doing nowadays and if they were okay! It’s not often characters become so real to me that I miss them when I close the the last page but this couples relationship really did speak to me with a must trusted sincerity from the author and I really didn’t want to let them go.
Our Life In a Day was a sensitively written joy to read and I adored every single page. Please write another book as soon as possible Jamie Fewery!
June 10, 2021
3.5/5
i cried - a lot
i cried - a lot
February 21, 2019
This is the story of Tom & Esme told by looking back at their 24 most significan moments. "Not the best moments, she had been careful to write in her rules. The most significant." And that is exactly what you get here. It's not a book full of the two getting all lovey-dovey. Instead it presents us with a way more realistic view on relationships than most other chick-lit books. Because we all know how easily an argument can start, or that not all days during a 10-year-relationship can be rosy. This is a book about real people with real problems and a real relationship.
Although the book has a 3rd person narrator, the reader feels closer to Tom. We learn more details about him, also things Esme does not know, while at the same time we get to know Esme only through the eyes of Tom. I have to admit that I found Esme not always likable. She comes across quite bossy, especially at the beginning. She sets the rules for the relationship, and it seems as if Tom doesn't have a say in it. But he could have simply said no to her and moved on. And she is only being honest & fair by telling him right from the start what is important to her. Still, Esme was not my favorite character in this book.
But I did like them both together. Just like their relationship was depicted in a very authentic way, I found their dialogues pretty realistic. I also liked the serious problems mentioned here. And I very much liked the ending. It's different, it's brave, and it's definitely fitting.
Although the book has a 3rd person narrator, the reader feels closer to Tom. We learn more details about him, also things Esme does not know, while at the same time we get to know Esme only through the eyes of Tom. I have to admit that I found Esme not always likable. She comes across quite bossy, especially at the beginning. She sets the rules for the relationship, and it seems as if Tom doesn't have a say in it. But he could have simply said no to her and moved on. And she is only being honest & fair by telling him right from the start what is important to her. Still, Esme was not my favorite character in this book.
But I did like them both together. Just like their relationship was depicted in a very authentic way, I found their dialogues pretty realistic. I also liked the serious problems mentioned here. And I very much liked the ending. It's different, it's brave, and it's definitely fitting.
March 16, 2019
Thank you Orion Books for a copy of Our Life In A Day by Jamie Fewery. Available now.
Our Life In A Day opens on Tom and Esme’s tenth anniversary. She gives him 24 post it notes, each with an hour on them. Tom is supposed to write down a significant (though not necessarily happy) moment from their ten year history. Ie: they met at a party at 2am so that goes on the 2am post it note and so forth.
I really liked the concept though I know I could never fill out 24 post it notes for my own relationship!! It was a clever way to showcase a full ten years of two people’s lives without it being overwhelming or an epic novel. It was not as lighthearted as I expected though as Tom has severe anxiety and depression and is a recovering alcoholic. How those diseases affect his relationships and how he handled them, I thought was the real truth of this book. It was done in such a truthful way.
#OurL
Our Life In A Day opens on Tom and Esme’s tenth anniversary. She gives him 24 post it notes, each with an hour on them. Tom is supposed to write down a significant (though not necessarily happy) moment from their ten year history. Ie: they met at a party at 2am so that goes on the 2am post it note and so forth.
I really liked the concept though I know I could never fill out 24 post it notes for my own relationship!! It was a clever way to showcase a full ten years of two people’s lives without it being overwhelming or an epic novel. It was not as lighthearted as I expected though as Tom has severe anxiety and depression and is a recovering alcoholic. How those diseases affect his relationships and how he handled them, I thought was the real truth of this book. It was done in such a truthful way.
#OurL
January 2, 2019
I think what I enjoyed most about this book is it’s honesty. Tom and Esme’s life is far from perfect, and the game Esme has devised for their 10 year anniversary gives an insight into the ups and downs over the years.
The book is told from Tom’s pov, and in the beginning he seems quite a weak character. However, the more we delve into his past the more we learn about why he is the way he is. I think the book highlights mental health issues, in men especially, really well.
Reading this book you will very quickly become invested in their relationship, and have your own opinions on how they should have dealt with a number of issues.
An engrossing and brilliantly written story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.
The book is told from Tom’s pov, and in the beginning he seems quite a weak character. However, the more we delve into his past the more we learn about why he is the way he is. I think the book highlights mental health issues, in men especially, really well.
Reading this book you will very quickly become invested in their relationship, and have your own opinions on how they should have dealt with a number of issues.
An engrossing and brilliantly written story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.
January 18, 2019
Our Life in a Day was a unique, refreshing love story. I may be in the minority, but I’m not the type of reader who needs the happily ever after in fiction. I am always drawn to books that have the ability to pull the good, the bad, and the ugly from real life and provide a realistic, honest view of a relationship.
I was invested in Tom and Esme’s relationship right from the very beginning of the book. I wanted to discover the pivotal moments of their relationship, not just the good times, but the obstacles and blips. Their relationship did have its share of happy, loving times, but it also had its share of secrets, pain, and shame. Tom and Esme weren’t a perfect couple. They were, however, perfectly normal in their portrayal – they were flawed. The author didn’t take the characters on the smooth path, he made them take the bumpy journey, and I, for one, was happy to go right along with them for the ride.
Fewery did a great job of creating the characters. Tom and Esme had their quirks, but were likable. There may have been a few times where I wanted to shake some sense into Tom, yell at him to come clean with Esme, but that only built up my fervor to continue reading the book. A book that doesn’t elicit a reaction from its reader is just gathering dust on a bedside table or shelf somewhere. No worries…or dust here.
Our Life in a Day was a compelling read. It was filled with plenty of emotion and heart. I will be on the lookout for more books by Jamie Fewery.
I was invested in Tom and Esme’s relationship right from the very beginning of the book. I wanted to discover the pivotal moments of their relationship, not just the good times, but the obstacles and blips. Their relationship did have its share of happy, loving times, but it also had its share of secrets, pain, and shame. Tom and Esme weren’t a perfect couple. They were, however, perfectly normal in their portrayal – they were flawed. The author didn’t take the characters on the smooth path, he made them take the bumpy journey, and I, for one, was happy to go right along with them for the ride.
Fewery did a great job of creating the characters. Tom and Esme had their quirks, but were likable. There may have been a few times where I wanted to shake some sense into Tom, yell at him to come clean with Esme, but that only built up my fervor to continue reading the book. A book that doesn’t elicit a reaction from its reader is just gathering dust on a bedside table or shelf somewhere. No worries…or dust here.
Our Life in a Day was a compelling read. It was filled with plenty of emotion and heart. I will be on the lookout for more books by Jamie Fewery.
April 18, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.
OUR LIFE IN A DAY by Jamie Fewery is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about a relationship in all of its wonder and despair, and this story left me with tears running down my face.
Esme and Tom have been together for ten years and on their anniversary Esme comes up with a game where they write down their most important memories of their relationship for every hour in one day - 24 memories that sum them up. But like all games sometimes things do not always go the way you planned and as we learn more and more about Esme and Tom, we will ask the question: is love always enough?
Compelling, emotional, and downright unputdownable, OUR LIFE IN A DAY by Jamie Fewery shows us Esme and Tom's relationship in all of its grit and glory through a collection of memories that really cut to the core of human relationships - the pure joy of love as well as the pain. Subjects such as depression, alcoholism, and grief are expertly and sensitively handled and the characters of Esme and Tom really feel more like friends by the end, even when you disagree with some of their actions. The author has an excellent way with words and it didn't take long for me to become deeply invested in his characters and their lives.
OUR LIFE IN A DAY by Jamie Fewery is a stunning story about life in all of its complicated and messy glory and is a must-read for fiction fans around the globe.
OUR LIFE IN A DAY by Jamie Fewery is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about a relationship in all of its wonder and despair, and this story left me with tears running down my face.
Esme and Tom have been together for ten years and on their anniversary Esme comes up with a game where they write down their most important memories of their relationship for every hour in one day - 24 memories that sum them up. But like all games sometimes things do not always go the way you planned and as we learn more and more about Esme and Tom, we will ask the question: is love always enough?
Compelling, emotional, and downright unputdownable, OUR LIFE IN A DAY by Jamie Fewery shows us Esme and Tom's relationship in all of its grit and glory through a collection of memories that really cut to the core of human relationships - the pure joy of love as well as the pain. Subjects such as depression, alcoholism, and grief are expertly and sensitively handled and the characters of Esme and Tom really feel more like friends by the end, even when you disagree with some of their actions. The author has an excellent way with words and it didn't take long for me to become deeply invested in his characters and their lives.
OUR LIFE IN A DAY by Jamie Fewery is a stunning story about life in all of its complicated and messy glory and is a must-read for fiction fans around the globe.
April 23, 2019
On the face of it, I’ll admit that this didn’t look like book I’d enjoy – the unusual structure driven by the game and the pile of post-it notes, the hours selected for their significance to Tom and Esme’s relationship, the focus on alcohol and male mental health. And have I ever mentioned how I just didn’t get on with David Nicholls’ One Day? I couldn’t help thinking that I’d probably feel the same about this book, as I picked it up with a sigh, prepared to try to find some positives to include in a review.
But that was until I put it down at the end, a few hours later – with a feeling of loss, like saying goodbye the closest of friends, people who’s lives I’d been part of, having experienced every possible emotion, and more than a little tearful. This book is simply wonderful – an emotional experience I’m unlikely to forget, and an absolute triumph in every way.
The writing is superb – the characters are real people, living their lives, feeling their moments of joy and anguish – and it was something rather special, and immensely uplifting, to be allowed to share those moments. And the structure really works, in a way I never imagined it would – almost a series of linked shorter stories, snapshots from life, slowly revealing a tangled web of secrets – and it’s even more impressive from a debut novelist who entirely owns the story he tells.
I don’t think I need to go into any more detail – read it, feel it, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. One very special book.
But that was until I put it down at the end, a few hours later – with a feeling of loss, like saying goodbye the closest of friends, people who’s lives I’d been part of, having experienced every possible emotion, and more than a little tearful. This book is simply wonderful – an emotional experience I’m unlikely to forget, and an absolute triumph in every way.
The writing is superb – the characters are real people, living their lives, feeling their moments of joy and anguish – and it was something rather special, and immensely uplifting, to be allowed to share those moments. And the structure really works, in a way I never imagined it would – almost a series of linked shorter stories, snapshots from life, slowly revealing a tangled web of secrets – and it’s even more impressive from a debut novelist who entirely owns the story he tells.
I don’t think I need to go into any more detail – read it, feel it, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. One very special book.
November 25, 2019
I so enjoyed this book! Our Life In A Day is a charming but heartbreaking read which is made even more so by how realistic the story is.
The story follows Esme and Tom as they talk about their relationship in a very frank and honest way. This is what stood out for me most about this book as too often relationships in books are all very romantic and wonderful, so it was great to read about a real relationship, warts and all. Some of the arguments that the couple have are ones that I’ve had with my husband so it was nice to realise it’s not just us that have them!
I wasn’t too sure about Esme to start with as she seemed quite bossy and had lots of rules that she expected Tom to follow, which my husband would have had some choice words to say about if I’d tried to implement them. I did warm to her though as I learnt more about her and felt quite sorry for her as the story progresses.
My only slight niggle with this book is that the events the couple discuss aren’t in a chronological order which was a little confusing at times. I found I kept having to check the chapter Headings to remind myself where I was in the story.
This is a beautifully written book which made me laugh and cry in equal measures. There were lots of recognisable scenarios which helps the reader to connect to the characters and feel sympathy with them. Its also very well plotted with lots to keep the reader interested and surprisingly gripping as it’s impossible not to get absorbed into the story.
Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Orion for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
The story follows Esme and Tom as they talk about their relationship in a very frank and honest way. This is what stood out for me most about this book as too often relationships in books are all very romantic and wonderful, so it was great to read about a real relationship, warts and all. Some of the arguments that the couple have are ones that I’ve had with my husband so it was nice to realise it’s not just us that have them!
I wasn’t too sure about Esme to start with as she seemed quite bossy and had lots of rules that she expected Tom to follow, which my husband would have had some choice words to say about if I’d tried to implement them. I did warm to her though as I learnt more about her and felt quite sorry for her as the story progresses.
My only slight niggle with this book is that the events the couple discuss aren’t in a chronological order which was a little confusing at times. I found I kept having to check the chapter Headings to remind myself where I was in the story.
This is a beautifully written book which made me laugh and cry in equal measures. There were lots of recognisable scenarios which helps the reader to connect to the characters and feel sympathy with them. Its also very well plotted with lots to keep the reader interested and surprisingly gripping as it’s impossible not to get absorbed into the story.
Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Orion for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
April 24, 2019
Our Life In A Day, is not much about the events but is more about the emotions playing out. It’s about the little things that brings us close and the things that take us afar from our loved ones. This book is an experience itself. You need to introspect and re-live a 10 year long relationship in 24 hours along with Tom and Esme. This book is about the FEELS.
It is all consuming. An emotional cracker. There is so much love, tenderness and heartache in it’s pages. Our Life in a Day’s take on relationship and mental health is honest through and through. It is also very pivotal as we rarely get to read books that explore male mental health. This book explores exactly that and reflects its impact on his relationships.
This book is both beautiful and moving.
The plot is definitely original but the development cracks at times. The ending is very well done and you’ll be gasping for air through tears by the time. Also, the writing is very easy to get into. I finished it in just two sitting.
Trigger Warning: Depression, Alcohol Abuse
It is all consuming. An emotional cracker. There is so much love, tenderness and heartache in it’s pages. Our Life in a Day’s take on relationship and mental health is honest through and through. It is also very pivotal as we rarely get to read books that explore male mental health. This book explores exactly that and reflects its impact on his relationships.
This book is both beautiful and moving.
The plot is definitely original but the development cracks at times. The ending is very well done and you’ll be gasping for air through tears by the time. Also, the writing is very easy to get into. I finished it in just two sitting.
Trigger Warning: Depression, Alcohol Abuse
April 22, 2019
To celebrate their tenth anniversary, Tom and Esme are planning a mini break away but on the eve before they go, Esme presents Tom with a game – a stack of Post-its with a time noted on them and a drawing of a clock.
He has to pick the most significant moments from their relationship for each hour of a day, but over different years. This is how we see their relationship from his perspective from the moment he and Esme first met at a party in 2007.
Tom and Esme’s relationship wasn’t all hearts and flowers, they loved each other and had many happy times but each had their flaws and baggage and their relationship was complicated. Esme came across as being very bossy and wanting things on her terms whilst Tom seemed to be the more submissive one of the partnership and there were times when I wished he would stand up to Esme more.
There was one thing that Esme insisted on and that was total honesty. Tom however wasn’t always honest with her on a number of fronts – for his own reasons he felt that he couldn’t be, and this is where I found the story most powerful as it was a continuing thread as we follow this couple through the ups and downs of their relationship. Something in Tom’s past was hinted at from early on and although I wasn’t surprised when it was revealed, I was willing him to be upfront about it instead of things being left unsaid and causing misunderstandings and hurt.
It was Tom’s narrative that I found the most moving. It’s not often you get a male’s perspective on such deeply personal mental health issues and here his character was beautifully written.
Our Life in a Day is a brilliantly written debut with wonderfully developed characters that you can feel for. Even though I felt frustration and even annoyance at times towards both characters, I cared for both of them. It’s a powerful and emotional story and I loved it. And it made me cry.
He has to pick the most significant moments from their relationship for each hour of a day, but over different years. This is how we see their relationship from his perspective from the moment he and Esme first met at a party in 2007.
Tom and Esme’s relationship wasn’t all hearts and flowers, they loved each other and had many happy times but each had their flaws and baggage and their relationship was complicated. Esme came across as being very bossy and wanting things on her terms whilst Tom seemed to be the more submissive one of the partnership and there were times when I wished he would stand up to Esme more.
There was one thing that Esme insisted on and that was total honesty. Tom however wasn’t always honest with her on a number of fronts – for his own reasons he felt that he couldn’t be, and this is where I found the story most powerful as it was a continuing thread as we follow this couple through the ups and downs of their relationship. Something in Tom’s past was hinted at from early on and although I wasn’t surprised when it was revealed, I was willing him to be upfront about it instead of things being left unsaid and causing misunderstandings and hurt.
It was Tom’s narrative that I found the most moving. It’s not often you get a male’s perspective on such deeply personal mental health issues and here his character was beautifully written.
Our Life in a Day is a brilliantly written debut with wonderfully developed characters that you can feel for. Even though I felt frustration and even annoyance at times towards both characters, I cared for both of them. It’s a powerful and emotional story and I loved it. And it made me cry.
April 17, 2019
On their 10th anniversary, Esme has created a game for Tom - for each hour of the day he should choose a significant moment from their relationship, so altogether there should be 24 of them, no matter if they're happy or sad - but they must be important. So Tom, albeit reluctantly, goes back as far as 2007 where they met at the party and together with him we see the best and worst part of their relationship.
The moments Tom has chosen are not listed in a particular chronological order, and maybe it's better, because there was this surprise effect. It was truly interesting and intriguing to follow those moments, wondering why Tom chose them and not different ones.
The book started great, it had me hooked and hold my interest, but then it somehow went downhill and I really wasn't sure where it was heading. In the end I found myself skipping some passages without a feeling that I'm missing on something - maybe it was simply too sad and too depressing for me? I know this is life the author wrote about but on the whole the story felt too disheartening, without hope.
My biggest problem here was Esme, I think. I simply couldn't warm to her and couldn't accept her demanding attitude. It looked like she was deciding about everything, as if Tom had nothing to say. Everything was good as long as it was Esme's decision. Sure, Tom also wasn't perfect, they were both full of flaws, which is great, because who isn't, but Esme was one of a kind, came across as spoiled and egoistical. Esme doesn't suggest, Esme demands, and in comparison Tom seems very weak. And while this book was very character driven, and I couldn't connect with the characters, I had problems with warming to the whole plot, to engage with the story. However, I appreciate the way the author has described and developed his characters. Esme and Tom had their own distinctive voices, their own strengths and weaknesses. There were many moments that I wanted to shake them badly, at Esme being so stubborn and at Tom for keeping the truth from her. But I didn't feel invested in their lives.
What I liked in this book was that it felt so very realistic and down to earth in the way Tom and Esme's relationship was working. Sometimes it was good, sometimes it was tense, just like in real life. The writing style was really good - it was easy to read, flowing seamlessly, with vivid descriptions, bringing feelings and emotions to life. It was a story pulling the good and the bad from real life. It provided us with a realistic, brutally honest, bittersweet view of a relationship. It is not a light read, and I think I expected it to be, but I'd say the opposite, as it deals with heavy subjects. It felt raw, real and genuine, without sugar-coating things, telling how it is.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
April 18, 2019
Tom and Esme have been together for 10 years, for their anniversary Esme decides that they will play a game, the rules are simple, for every hour of the day, they must write down and remember their most significant memories, not the best moments, but the most significant, 1 memory for every hour of the day, for 24 hours.
I’d like to say that this was filled with hearts and flowers and fluffy unicorns, but alas is it a real look on love, not the love portrayed in books and movies.
We go back to the beginning of when they first met and how they became a couple, and travel with them throughout their time together.
I wasn’t too fussed on Esme at the beginning, she was a bit too bossy for my liking, and she also had these rules that Tom was supposed to stick to, and didn’t have much of a say in, I warmed to her later on though.
We also get to see how hard it is to live with someone with a mental illness, and how bloody hard it is to keep a relationship going, I loved that it didn’t shy away from anything, and there are some really raw subjects in the book to deal with.
It is about love, life and even though you know someone inside out, there is still a part of you that is scared of being rejected by the one person that you feel completes you.
It was a pretty short read (288 pgs), but it is packed full of content and I flew through the pages and loved it, it was like looking through a photo album, and getting snapshots of each picture you pick up.
**Thank you to NetGalley, the Author and Orion Publishing Group for a copy of this book**
I’d like to say that this was filled with hearts and flowers and fluffy unicorns, but alas is it a real look on love, not the love portrayed in books and movies.
We go back to the beginning of when they first met and how they became a couple, and travel with them throughout their time together.
I wasn’t too fussed on Esme at the beginning, she was a bit too bossy for my liking, and she also had these rules that Tom was supposed to stick to, and didn’t have much of a say in, I warmed to her later on though.
We also get to see how hard it is to live with someone with a mental illness, and how bloody hard it is to keep a relationship going, I loved that it didn’t shy away from anything, and there are some really raw subjects in the book to deal with.
It is about love, life and even though you know someone inside out, there is still a part of you that is scared of being rejected by the one person that you feel completes you.
It was a pretty short read (288 pgs), but it is packed full of content and I flew through the pages and loved it, it was like looking through a photo album, and getting snapshots of each picture you pick up.
**Thank you to NetGalley, the Author and Orion Publishing Group for a copy of this book**
March 26, 2019
On their 10th anniversary, Esme and Tom create a game where they reflect upon the past 10 years together. For each hour of the day, they’ll choose a significant moment from their relationship—adding up to 24 moments that define them over the last 10 years.
So we go back to the beginning. Back to when Esme and Tom first met. A moment of kismet at a mutual friend’s costume party. We see the very best and the very worst parts of their relationship. Their relationship is a rollercoaster of emotions, but any long-term couple is at some point faced with the same challenges as Esme and Tom.
Our Life in a Day by Jamie Fewery is a quiet story, focusing on snippets of one couple’s life together, boiled down to one day. This story had so much potential—the content was meaningful and I was expecting to be greatly impacted, but it fell flat for me. I didn’t feel as much as I expected. I don’t think either Esme or Tom were particularly likable characters, so that made it hard for me to connect to this character-based story. 3/5 stars.
So we go back to the beginning. Back to when Esme and Tom first met. A moment of kismet at a mutual friend’s costume party. We see the very best and the very worst parts of their relationship. Their relationship is a rollercoaster of emotions, but any long-term couple is at some point faced with the same challenges as Esme and Tom.
Our Life in a Day by Jamie Fewery is a quiet story, focusing on snippets of one couple’s life together, boiled down to one day. This story had so much potential—the content was meaningful and I was expecting to be greatly impacted, but it fell flat for me. I didn’t feel as much as I expected. I don’t think either Esme or Tom were particularly likable characters, so that made it hard for me to connect to this character-based story. 3/5 stars.
April 21, 2019
I had seen a few reviews where other reviewers had said that tears had fallen when reading this. So about 80% in I was feeling quite cocky, I normally cry at everything and nothing was happening yet…….Well! I got to a point in the book and it just started to break me, and it was not until the final chapter that I finally stopped. I could read the epilogue ok, but after I finished reading, my tears started up again.
This story reminds me of all the films that I love to watch because I know I will cry, ones like One day and About Time. Mainly because of the way they jump about in the timeline of relationships. Our life in one day could most definitely be on the big screen, Lily Collins would have to be Esme. (I have such a girl crush on her and she rocks the pixie haircut). The story had all the feels, but what I loved the most it did not focus on just the love and happiness, the excitement of relationships. It did, however, highlight the struggles that people do go through in relationships and also how tough life can be with someone who suffers from mental health issues.
I thought that when the focus had been on depression and anxiety and alcoholism had been handled so well. I can say that talking from experience first and third hand with some of the above. I think it was necessary to have contrast because real life is not all hearts and flowers.
The game that Esme sets Tom is a clever idea, although I have no idea if I could play it, but a block of post-it notes each an hour of the day. 24 post-it notes, all Tom has to do is pick out what stands out to him in their 10 year relationships good and bad and write it down. Revisiting certain parts of their relationship in each chapter allowed us to see the couple at different points, high and low and see why they were significant to Tom.
I thought the ending was perfect, I can not say why because it would ruin it, but it was perfect as it was true to life. Gah! I am just welling up thinking about it!
For a debut novel, all I can say is WOW! You would not expect it, he is like a seasoned writer already. The writing is beautiful, mesmerising and flows so easily from page to page, making you not to want to stop reading. He seems to have worked out a formula to pull the heartstrings and yet make you smile at the same time! I am excited to see what he comes up with next!
April 5, 2019
This is a truly beautiful way to explore a romantic relationship between two people. The 'game' is so cleverly set out in that each chapter represents one hour from their lives together in the past 10 years. In this way we learn and discover more about Tom and Esme as their love flourishes.
It is so heartwarming to share not only their highs, but also their lows. To see how they overcome conflict in their relationship and the lasting effects of bandaging up these cracks. We begin to get to know the couple, and some of their friends on an extremely personal level and from very early on in the book I felt completely invested in them.
The concept and way the book is written means that the story is constantly moving and fast-paced, yet does not feel rushed. As I read on the whole theme of time and reminising a decades worth of memories into a single day just became stronger, and I grew considerably more admirable to the author's creativity for this.
It took a while for the theme of male mental health to break through, but when it did it hit hard. It was so heartbreaking to have a very real and genuine account of how mental health stigma can impact an individual's decision to share their true selves even with those considered closest to them.
The ending was not as I had expected, but certainly tied up a lot of loose ends from the story. I was left thinking about how this book could be interpreted for individuals experiencing something similar. It also left me reflecting on my own relationship and considering our own 24 hours of memories.
I don't tend to read romance based books often, but it was an absolute breath of fresh air, yet broke my heart simultaneously. I just had to give it a five star review on Goodreads, and I was certainly impressed by this debut for Jamie Fewery.
It is so heartwarming to share not only their highs, but also their lows. To see how they overcome conflict in their relationship and the lasting effects of bandaging up these cracks. We begin to get to know the couple, and some of their friends on an extremely personal level and from very early on in the book I felt completely invested in them.
The concept and way the book is written means that the story is constantly moving and fast-paced, yet does not feel rushed. As I read on the whole theme of time and reminising a decades worth of memories into a single day just became stronger, and I grew considerably more admirable to the author's creativity for this.
It took a while for the theme of male mental health to break through, but when it did it hit hard. It was so heartbreaking to have a very real and genuine account of how mental health stigma can impact an individual's decision to share their true selves even with those considered closest to them.
The ending was not as I had expected, but certainly tied up a lot of loose ends from the story. I was left thinking about how this book could be interpreted for individuals experiencing something similar. It also left me reflecting on my own relationship and considering our own 24 hours of memories.
I don't tend to read romance based books often, but it was an absolute breath of fresh air, yet broke my heart simultaneously. I just had to give it a five star review on Goodreads, and I was certainly impressed by this debut for Jamie Fewery.
June 30, 2019
I picked this book because it was compared to "One Day' by David Nicholls, one of my all-time favorite books. However, I don't feel the comparison is accurate. I didn't get the same feeling while reading this book as I did with 'One Day'.
I did enjoy the writing, but I found the format in which it was written was a bit unnecessary and confusing. I also did not like the ending as much although I can see how it can be a realistic ending. I feel the ending was somewhat of a letdown and perhaps not the ending that most readers would enjoy.
I did enjoy the writing, but I found the format in which it was written was a bit unnecessary and confusing. I also did not like the ending as much although I can see how it can be a realistic ending. I feel the ending was somewhat of a letdown and perhaps not the ending that most readers would enjoy.
November 12, 2018
At last a love story that's realistic and deals with all the issues of being in a real relationship. I wasn't to keen on Tom's character at the start as he was definitely not the stronger part of the couple and I felt that he gave into Esme for a quiet life. It wasn't until his back story came to light that I saw him as being equally as committed to their future. It's a clever style of writing and I would like to thank the publishers and netgalley for letting me have the book in advance to review.
June 2, 2020
Well that one didn’t take long at all! I liked this book from the very first chapter. How easy it was to read. I liked the idea of the story and how each chapter related to a time in their relationship.
But... I didn’t really like either of the characters; especially the female. She was described as being lovely and caring and nuturing. But I was getting more of an annoying, bossy, self-important vibe... 🤷🏼♀️
Also, didn’t end the way I would have preferred. Seemed a pointless. But as I didn’t love either character, I wasn’t invested enough to really care.
But... I didn’t really like either of the characters; especially the female. She was described as being lovely and caring and nuturing. But I was getting more of an annoying, bossy, self-important vibe... 🤷🏼♀️
Also, didn’t end the way I would have preferred. Seemed a pointless. But as I didn’t love either character, I wasn’t invested enough to really care.
February 21, 2021
I really wanted to love this book but it just wasn’t for me.
November 19, 2021
I really loathed this book. Such unliveable characters, especially the female of the relationship. Self-cantered people who clearly have no regard for their other halves - who wants to read that?!
July 3, 2024
Interesting concept for a story of a relationship!
January 29, 2025
Cute but nothing super special
September 8, 2025
THE RULES ARE SIMPLE: Choose the most significant moments from your relationship - one for each hour in the day.
The book had an original idea for a romantic story and i was hoping to enjoy getting to know the characters, understanding and empathising with them and experiencing their life in moments. However, I felt the story jumped about so much with different days, dates and times that half the time I had no idea where I was with them, and was waiting for something exciting to happen. This was a great idea for a story but it failed to deliver on any level.
The book had an original idea for a romantic story and i was hoping to enjoy getting to know the characters, understanding and empathising with them and experiencing their life in moments. However, I felt the story jumped about so much with different days, dates and times that half the time I had no idea where I was with them, and was waiting for something exciting to happen. This was a great idea for a story but it failed to deliver on any level.
November 3, 2018
Oh my heart. I absolutely loved this book. It's a story about love, about our mental health and of how we need to be true to each other, but more importantly, true to who we are. It's a thought provoking read that l just simply adored it's a beautiful story.
Esme and Tom are about to celebrate their ten year anniversary together. Tom arrives home from work to find Esme wanting to play a game of remembrance. She has a stack of post it notes, and on each is written one hour of the day. They both have to take it in turns to write down a significant memory in time, all within that time frame. 24 hours in a day, and Tom decides to play. I absolutely loved this idea of reminiscing about the past, of all those highly significant moments in time, but of course, not everything is good.
This is an intense read, in that we get to know both Esme and Tom, warts and all. I love this kind of book, in which you delve into the character's soul to find out what makes them tick. By the end of the novel I felt like they were my friends. I loved them both dearly.
Our Life in a Day also doesn't shy away from the realities of a long term relationship and mental health issues, particularly the mental health of men and the fact that they feel the need to hide their feelings and problems that they face. This aspect was written beaufifuly, with great empathy, and insight. It's a book that I feel will help us all to talk more openly about our mental health.
This is a modern day love story that tackles the realities of the modern relationship with wit, tenderness and truth. I loved every page. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.
Esme and Tom are about to celebrate their ten year anniversary together. Tom arrives home from work to find Esme wanting to play a game of remembrance. She has a stack of post it notes, and on each is written one hour of the day. They both have to take it in turns to write down a significant memory in time, all within that time frame. 24 hours in a day, and Tom decides to play. I absolutely loved this idea of reminiscing about the past, of all those highly significant moments in time, but of course, not everything is good.
This is an intense read, in that we get to know both Esme and Tom, warts and all. I love this kind of book, in which you delve into the character's soul to find out what makes them tick. By the end of the novel I felt like they were my friends. I loved them both dearly.
Our Life in a Day also doesn't shy away from the realities of a long term relationship and mental health issues, particularly the mental health of men and the fact that they feel the need to hide their feelings and problems that they face. This aspect was written beaufifuly, with great empathy, and insight. It's a book that I feel will help us all to talk more openly about our mental health.
This is a modern day love story that tackles the realities of the modern relationship with wit, tenderness and truth. I loved every page. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.
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