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The Woman Who Lost Her Love: a heartwarming and uplifting new release
“UPLIFTING, LIFE-AFFIRMING, REDEMPTIVE.”
When Diane’s husband mysteriously abandons her en route to Australia, an altogether different trip of a lifetime begins.
Alone in a foreign land, prickly Diane is forced out of the comfort zone she’s spent a lifetime curating. So far away from home, her past should be easy to escape, right?
Maybe, if she hadn't met Tom...
Is this Diane’s chance for a new beginning? Or will uncovered truths cause her collapse?
A heartbreaking but uplifting story of a woman on an emotional journey of rediscovery. Perfect for fans of Sarah Haywood, Gail Honeyman and Rosie Walsh.
When Diane’s husband mysteriously abandons her en route to Australia, an altogether different trip of a lifetime begins.
Alone in a foreign land, prickly Diane is forced out of the comfort zone she’s spent a lifetime curating. So far away from home, her past should be easy to escape, right?
Maybe, if she hadn't met Tom...
Is this Diane’s chance for a new beginning? Or will uncovered truths cause her collapse?
A heartbreaking but uplifting story of a woman on an emotional journey of rediscovery. Perfect for fans of Sarah Haywood, Gail Honeyman and Rosie Walsh.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2020
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Jo Lobato
4 books6 followersJo Lobato is an author of uplifting women’s fiction. She has a Masters in Creative Writing, and writes a blog on creativity and the writing process.
If she's not bashing a keyboard, you’ll find her attempting to herd her two energetic sons. She also loves to read and take herself to the theatre. Preferably alone. (She says her alter-ego may well be an introverted loner. Less Sasha Fierce, more Sasha Flop.)
Favourite authors include Nora Ephron, Maria Semple, David Nicholls, Sally Rooney, Deborah Levy, Elizabeth Strout, Anna Hope and Meg Wolitzer.
Say hi to Jo in the socials:
http://instagram.com/JoLobato
http://facebook.com/JoLobatoAuthor
http://twitter.com/JoLoDisco
Keep up to date with Jo on her website:
https://www.jolobato.co.uk
If she's not bashing a keyboard, you’ll find her attempting to herd her two energetic sons. She also loves to read and take herself to the theatre. Preferably alone. (She says her alter-ego may well be an introverted loner. Less Sasha Fierce, more Sasha Flop.)
Favourite authors include Nora Ephron, Maria Semple, David Nicholls, Sally Rooney, Deborah Levy, Elizabeth Strout, Anna Hope and Meg Wolitzer.
Say hi to Jo in the socials:
http://instagram.com/JoLobato
http://facebook.com/JoLobatoAuthor
http://twitter.com/JoLoDisco
Keep up to date with Jo on her website:
https://www.jolobato.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 1, 2020
This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. At first I found it frustrating, awkward, insular - just like the main character Diane. As a reader she doesn't let you in, she doesn't answer your questions. She is evasive and cold. But as she finds her feet, freed from the shackles of a life spent with a man trying to keep her contained, you see a different side to her. You see her perspective shifting and widening, her creativity awakening. The imagery is vivid and provocative. It transported me. I felt what Diane felt, in a way that at times took my breath away.
There is so much to relate to in the struggles of this book, so much to love in the richness of its characters, and so much colour in the anguish, the pain and the joy that they experience. I was sad to finish it.
There is so much to relate to in the struggles of this book, so much to love in the richness of its characters, and so much colour in the anguish, the pain and the joy that they experience. I was sad to finish it.
June 24, 2020
When I started this book I thought I knew what kind of book it was and where it was going. The book is well written and easy to read with a central character rendered likable by her humourous inner voice.But as I read I found it more and more compelling,with the growing sense of an unresolved mystery. Beautiful images are dropped lightly into the narrative through the gaze of the main character,filtered by her love of art. Without giving the end away,suffice to say this was a highly enjoyable and satisfying read.
September 10, 2020
Book Review for The Woman Who Lost Her Love by @jolobato
Thank you so much to the wonderfully kind Jo for my #giftedcopy of her magnificent book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The woman who lost her love is the story of Diane, a woman grieving for a life she used to know and can never get back. When she finds herself abandoned on a flight to Australia, she is forced into a friendship with a woman who changes her life forever. Between them they go on a journey to find who they truly are, be honest about who they were, and Diane finally deals with her loss of a love unfixable, by becoming who she always was"
This was a warming, comforting, lovely read. I loved the pace, the way each character now matter how important to the storyline, was given time to tell their story. I went into this book expecting a traditional love story with a mix of divorce, but the love lost was in an unimaginable way, and the love found was not in romance but friendship.
Highly recommend for something different from an author who deserves credit not always recieved when not on the popular bookshelves. Bookstagram is full of hidden gems and i love finding them.
Thank you so much to the wonderfully kind Jo for my #giftedcopy of her magnificent book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The woman who lost her love is the story of Diane, a woman grieving for a life she used to know and can never get back. When she finds herself abandoned on a flight to Australia, she is forced into a friendship with a woman who changes her life forever. Between them they go on a journey to find who they truly are, be honest about who they were, and Diane finally deals with her loss of a love unfixable, by becoming who she always was"
This was a warming, comforting, lovely read. I loved the pace, the way each character now matter how important to the storyline, was given time to tell their story. I went into this book expecting a traditional love story with a mix of divorce, but the love lost was in an unimaginable way, and the love found was not in romance but friendship.
Highly recommend for something different from an author who deserves credit not always recieved when not on the popular bookshelves. Bookstagram is full of hidden gems and i love finding them.
July 3, 2020
The story begins on a ‘plane with the main character, Diane, being abandoned by her husband, consequently she continues the huge trip to Australia alone - It becomes her own emotional journey of self discovery and making new friends, whilst her inner voice shares her thoughts, anxieties and humour. For the reader it is a journey of compelling intrigue and mystery with well-written moments of sadness, joy and inspiration. Diane (Dee) is a likeable character and she grew on me more and more as her tale unfolded and she overcame her insecurities. I thoroughly enjoyed this page-turner of a book and was sorry when I finished it.
June 29, 2021
Brilliant! Diane heads out on holiday to Australia with her husband, David. Except, David is the type to choose Diane's clothes (the horror!), and he has something to say about her hairdo. Then... as the blurb says, David abandons Diane on the plane. With no husband and no luggage (imagine), Diane has no choice but to continue a journey. Don't worry, the women in Diane's life back in England (book club friends and sister) are in her head telling her what to do and how to behave. Then there is her daughter, Bertie, who Diane continually emails and imagines what she would think of her Australian adventures. Diane's transformation is truly uplifting, and as the plot unfolds, you'll need something to wipe your tears away with.
June 25, 2020
'Eat, Pray, Love' meets 'The Man Who Didn't Call' in this brilliant book.
It's an astute reflection on familial relationships; home, identity and what you may have lost along the way.
I found myself growing to really love the protagonist, Diane, as she gradually learns to love herself. There are some wonderful and often hilarious observations as we see the world through her eyes, with a host of characters in Byron Bay that I would happily read spin offs about!
An emotional but uplifting read which I devoured quickly. Can't wait to read more from this author!
It's an astute reflection on familial relationships; home, identity and what you may have lost along the way.
I found myself growing to really love the protagonist, Diane, as she gradually learns to love herself. There are some wonderful and often hilarious observations as we see the world through her eyes, with a host of characters in Byron Bay that I would happily read spin offs about!
An emotional but uplifting read which I devoured quickly. Can't wait to read more from this author!
June 29, 2020
I love the way Jo Lobato has written this book. The way she weaves Diane’s back story into the narrative with snippets about artists that have laid dormant in her mind.
The story begins with this stuffy and judgemental middle class woman on a plane and I wondered what on Earth I was reading for, but I quickly got caught up in the main protagonist’s (Diane) inner monologue and wanted to know more.
Diane’s accidental adventure to rediscovery after her husband buggers off, meeting Miriam (a gorgeous character full of life and love), and heading to the Gold Coast had me captivated. Byron Bay is described so beautifully, and the energy is captured well. Each character she meets brings their own magic to the story and I’d happily read about each one of their lives too (maybe an Exhibition book?).
As well as the artist references, I really loved the emails dotted through the novel, and the surprising twists and turns of the story are superb.
I read at bedtime and devoured in 3 nights. The 3rd night I read the final 52% because I just needed to know who Tom was and what would happen at the wedding!
Jo Lobato has written this in a way that I’d imagine many women think. That constant chatter in our heads, retracing paths and thoughts, interruptions, tangents...and the zoning out of conversations to follow a separate train of thought - all very relatable!
If you’re planning a weekend off the kids/cooking/work etc or maybe even a holiday, and want a feel good book to escape into, I would highly recommend. Maybe bring a couple of tissues!
The story begins with this stuffy and judgemental middle class woman on a plane and I wondered what on Earth I was reading for, but I quickly got caught up in the main protagonist’s (Diane) inner monologue and wanted to know more.
Diane’s accidental adventure to rediscovery after her husband buggers off, meeting Miriam (a gorgeous character full of life and love), and heading to the Gold Coast had me captivated. Byron Bay is described so beautifully, and the energy is captured well. Each character she meets brings their own magic to the story and I’d happily read about each one of their lives too (maybe an Exhibition book?).
As well as the artist references, I really loved the emails dotted through the novel, and the surprising twists and turns of the story are superb.
I read at bedtime and devoured in 3 nights. The 3rd night I read the final 52% because I just needed to know who Tom was and what would happen at the wedding!
Jo Lobato has written this in a way that I’d imagine many women think. That constant chatter in our heads, retracing paths and thoughts, interruptions, tangents...and the zoning out of conversations to follow a separate train of thought - all very relatable!
If you’re planning a weekend off the kids/cooking/work etc or maybe even a holiday, and want a feel good book to escape into, I would highly recommend. Maybe bring a couple of tissues!
August 17, 2020
What happens when the love of your life, and your husband of so many years, just ups and leaves?
And not only leaves – he abandons you on a flight to a foreign country.
Well – you have two choices: You do an about turn, return, and try and sort things out; or you decide what-the-heck, let me get on with it.
It’s easier to resort to the former – especially, if you’re unsure and not confident of yourself and whether you would manage all alone in a foreign land.
Dee embarked on the latter, with help from Miriam, a person she randomly meets on the flight; who is the total opposite of Dee and quite the adventurous type.
The beginning seemed a bit disconnected to me and a little confusing as well, and was hard to get into. But it picked up eventually. I enjoyed the bonding between Dee and Miriam, and didn’t quite like how David treated Dee, at the beginning, which led her to be in self-doubt and denial.
You can probably guess how the story shapes up as it progresses.
It’s Dee’s story: of her self-reflection, re-discovering and accepting herself.
Heart-warming, at times heart-breaking, but interspersed with some fun and joyous moments as well.
Enjoy the ride!
4/5 for me
And not only leaves – he abandons you on a flight to a foreign country.
Well – you have two choices: You do an about turn, return, and try and sort things out; or you decide what-the-heck, let me get on with it.
It’s easier to resort to the former – especially, if you’re unsure and not confident of yourself and whether you would manage all alone in a foreign land.
Dee embarked on the latter, with help from Miriam, a person she randomly meets on the flight; who is the total opposite of Dee and quite the adventurous type.
The beginning seemed a bit disconnected to me and a little confusing as well, and was hard to get into. But it picked up eventually. I enjoyed the bonding between Dee and Miriam, and didn’t quite like how David treated Dee, at the beginning, which led her to be in self-doubt and denial.
You can probably guess how the story shapes up as it progresses.
It’s Dee’s story: of her self-reflection, re-discovering and accepting herself.
Heart-warming, at times heart-breaking, but interspersed with some fun and joyous moments as well.
Enjoy the ride!
4/5 for me
September 26, 2020
A main character who begins almost as a closed book, but whose therapeutic journey (vacation therapy, literally) eventually brings me close to tears.
Dee is so ordinary and yet so unusual. Does she remind me of anyone? Yes, two people. One who is actually that stuffy and much worse when on vacation - in that even Miriam couldn't persuade her to try anything adventurous! And another who suffered years of emotional and physical abuse from her husband. So in that sense, Dee at first seemed to me like a victim of her controlling husband and her own self-imposed limitations.
But then I came to understand her grief and the ways in which she'd built her life around this love that she'd lost.
This was not a predictable story but it turned out to be much more touching and relatable and real than I anticipated.
It's a light, easy read but it's about a very real and fairly common type of circumstance: life events can derail us and lead to choices we later regret. We can get stuck psychologically. This is a story, in short, of a woman whose Inner Child ran her life, till she made the therapeutic space to pick up where her inner child got stuck and begin to live her life again.
Dee is so ordinary and yet so unusual. Does she remind me of anyone? Yes, two people. One who is actually that stuffy and much worse when on vacation - in that even Miriam couldn't persuade her to try anything adventurous! And another who suffered years of emotional and physical abuse from her husband. So in that sense, Dee at first seemed to me like a victim of her controlling husband and her own self-imposed limitations.
But then I came to understand her grief and the ways in which she'd built her life around this love that she'd lost.
This was not a predictable story but it turned out to be much more touching and relatable and real than I anticipated.
It's a light, easy read but it's about a very real and fairly common type of circumstance: life events can derail us and lead to choices we later regret. We can get stuck psychologically. This is a story, in short, of a woman whose Inner Child ran her life, till she made the therapeutic space to pick up where her inner child got stuck and begin to live her life again.
July 6, 2020
This book has the quality all novelists must aspire to - that 'hook' that makes you keep turning those pages! A woman embarks on a journey across the world to Australia with her husband for a family wedding and is suddenly thrown into a situation so unexpected and so alien to her current way of life that we are alight with anticipation to find out why this has happened and how she copes with it. And we are not disappointed. The cleverness of Jo’s writing with its punchy, witty narrative is that we are addicted. The Art references are a particularly wonderful descriptive tool.
The journey the woman set out upon has become a journey of self growth, aided and abetted by well-drawn believable characters with whom she forms deep and honest friendships. Jo’s first novel is both exciting and heart-rending.
The journey the woman set out upon has become a journey of self growth, aided and abetted by well-drawn believable characters with whom she forms deep and honest friendships. Jo’s first novel is both exciting and heart-rending.
July 8, 2020
'Heartwarming and uplifting' - well it certainly was! Loved, loved this book. During this pandemic, time has not been something on my hands and my love of reading has felt the pinch. The Woman Who Lost Her Love made me remember that you don't need time to read a book, time just becomes available! I found snippets of time I never knew I had but I just had to carry on, I needed to know, I was entrenched in Diane's story. And now, the inevitable regret that the book is finished, Diane is no longer a part of my life.
Jo Lobato needs to crack on writing and quickly-I, We, need to read more of this brilliant author's work.
Jo Lobato needs to crack on writing and quickly-I, We, need to read more of this brilliant author's work.
August 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, it's well written and the characters are really relatable to.
I was intrigued how the story was unfolding and made me want to keep reading to find out what happens.
I particularly like the friendship between Dee and Miriam. I find the relationship between Dee and her husband David hard to digest, so many people aren't honest with there partners and it seems thus way with Dee. I appreciate that David is honest with Dee however, it's the way he speaks to her that I really don't like.
David is not a very likeable character but that's what's good about this writing because you feel nagatively or positively about someone just because of the way they're described in writing, this is what I find fascinating.
I was intrigued how the story was unfolding and made me want to keep reading to find out what happens.
I particularly like the friendship between Dee and Miriam. I find the relationship between Dee and her husband David hard to digest, so many people aren't honest with there partners and it seems thus way with Dee. I appreciate that David is honest with Dee however, it's the way he speaks to her that I really don't like.
David is not a very likeable character but that's what's good about this writing because you feel nagatively or positively about someone just because of the way they're described in writing, this is what I find fascinating.
August 12, 2020
Fantastic book. The beginning was somewhat confusing to me and was hard to get into. At first I thought I would not like the book. But then it got so good that I could not put it down. The book tells a story of heartbreak but it is not the heartbreak you would think. I was able to guess what had happened to Dee but it did take me awhile. She was in so much denial from different things. But going to a new place on her own showed her how to be happy again. The deleted scene was also a great so make sure to download it once you are finished. In my opinion the deleted scene should have been int he actual book. I would recommend this book to anyone who reads women fiction.
June 19, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. The characters draw you in and you can’t wait to turn the page to see how the story unfolds. The main character is complex and you want to discover the mystery behind her .
Prepare for tissues and smiles . It is well written with many insightful observations. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author
Prepare for tissues and smiles . It is well written with many insightful observations. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author
June 20, 2020
Could not stop reading this book, didn't put it down!
Such a compelling story, a real roller coaster of emotion as we follow the character's growth in confidence and independence - a true tale of rediscovery. The author takes you on a complete journey, delving straight in from the start, a genuine page turner. Can't wait to get hooked by more from this author.
Such a compelling story, a real roller coaster of emotion as we follow the character's growth in confidence and independence - a true tale of rediscovery. The author takes you on a complete journey, delving straight in from the start, a genuine page turner. Can't wait to get hooked by more from this author.
June 20, 2020
Loved this book! The “I’ll just see what happens next...” factor is huge and led me to finishing it in only two days and feeling gutted it was over. Always the hallmark of a good read. Be warned however this book will make you want to stop what you’re doing immediately and jump on a plane in search of the characters! Awesome
June 21, 2020
Fabulous!! I read this book in 24 hours and couldn’t put it down! A story which really draws you in, always trying to figure out what secrets were being kept and how this would all come together at the end. A wonderful story about strength, courage and learning to be true to yourself. Would totally recommend!!
July 2, 2020
The Woman Who Lost Her Love, is written with clarity and is refreshing and light to read.
Relatable and interesting female characters had me hooked from the start, while elements of intrigue surrounding the main character kept me turning just one more page before bed ... until it was way past my bedtime!
A thoroughly enjoyable page-turner!
Relatable and interesting female characters had me hooked from the start, while elements of intrigue surrounding the main character kept me turning just one more page before bed ... until it was way past my bedtime!
A thoroughly enjoyable page-turner!
July 3, 2020
This book is an intriguing, excellent holiday read .
Diane is clearly troubled. Jo Lobato cleverly drip feeds clues as to why this might be, which keeps the reader turning the pages .
Jo paints a vivid picture of the other characters in the book making ' The Woman Who Lost Her Love ' both interesting and enjoyable .
Diane is clearly troubled. Jo Lobato cleverly drip feeds clues as to why this might be, which keeps the reader turning the pages .
Jo paints a vivid picture of the other characters in the book making ' The Woman Who Lost Her Love ' both interesting and enjoyable .
July 6, 2020
I started this book one evening and ended up finishing it in one sitting - staying up into the early hours to do so! The plot and characters are ever evolving and left me devouring the chapters (cleverly broken up into days) to uncover more. A funny read that also left me teary. Enjoyable, thought provoking and uplifting. Fabulous!
June 19, 2020
WOW well I read this book in a week! I couldn’t put it down! There is so many words I could use to describe this read here are just a few - uplifting, touching and oh so emotional! Wow did I cry! What a beautiful journey the author takes you on! I just didn’t want it to end!
June 27, 2020
Really enjoyed my early summer nights reading this book as I got drawn into the story like Dee into the waves in Australia! Always when I thought I knew what was going to happen, the story exceeded my expectations and I must admit I got emotinal while reading it.. Higly recommend this book!
June 29, 2020
Jo Lobatos 'The Woman Who Lost Her Love' was gripping from the first chapter. You instantly fall in love with Dee's character knowing there is something far deeper coming. The book is witty, informative and at points heart wrenchingly emotional.
The best book I've read in a long time.
The best book I've read in a long time.
June 22, 2020
Didn't want to put this book down, but be warned, keep the tissues handy! Great characters and a strong storyline, look forward to more from this author.
July 28, 2020
Diane has not only lost her love, she has lost the essence of life. Her scattered thoughts have been on a never-ending merry-go-round of regret and loss for years until…
Diane’s husband, David, abandons her on the trip of a lifetime, their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary in Australia. Not to mention, he has stifled her personality and creativity from the beginning of their lives together. I realized half way through the story, whether intentionally or not, David had actually gifted Diane with what we all desire—Freedom.
As Diane acquires new friendships and falls in love with the small, coastal town of Byron, Australia, her time away turns into a journey of self-reflection, rediscovery, and acceptance.
Lobato’s story was not an easy read for me; either due to the author’s writing style or her main character’s erratic thoughts.
The Woman Who Lost her Love is a heartbreaking story interspersed with joyful moments.
Diane’s husband, David, abandons her on the trip of a lifetime, their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary in Australia. Not to mention, he has stifled her personality and creativity from the beginning of their lives together. I realized half way through the story, whether intentionally or not, David had actually gifted Diane with what we all desire—Freedom.
As Diane acquires new friendships and falls in love with the small, coastal town of Byron, Australia, her time away turns into a journey of self-reflection, rediscovery, and acceptance.
Lobato’s story was not an easy read for me; either due to the author’s writing style or her main character’s erratic thoughts.
The Woman Who Lost her Love is a heartbreaking story interspersed with joyful moments.
July 2, 2020
This was a captivating story, following the physical and emotional journey of a woman who is clearly struggling with her emotions and relationships. It is delightfully set on the coast of Australia, and conjures images of a glorious outdoor lifestyle, peppered with interesting characters, all with their own issues and baggage. I did not guess the 'reveal', and this was very cleverly and sympathetically handled. I thought the book was well written, and enjoyed the interesting references to art and artists.
June 26, 2020
What a great book! I absolutely loved it, reading it in two days. It really drew me in, wanting to know what happened next to the characters and storyline, it was a really good read.
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August 20, 2021great reading.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews