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The Day My Husband Left
The picture holds all the answers. But can she piece together the clues?
At the moment he knows he is dying, Johnny Eagle takes a photograph, which is later discovered by his heartbroken wife, Heidi. Heidi pores over the image and sees a busy street scene and a pavement full of strangers – she has no idea what this last message from her beloved husband could mean.
Heidi has spent her days – and her years – giving cherished old furniture a second chance. But there are some parts of Heidi’s own life she believes are beyond repair. Secrets that Heidi and Johnny kept throughout their long marriage. Things that they were never brave enough to speak about, not even to each other.
All Heidi knows now is that this picture of her husband’s final moments is where she has to start looking for clues, and when she visits the busy street from the photograph, Heidi finally comes face to face with the person she’s been waiting to meet her entire life. But are they ready to meet her?
At the moment he knows he is dying, Johnny Eagle takes a photograph, which is later discovered by his heartbroken wife, Heidi. Heidi pores over the image and sees a busy street scene and a pavement full of strangers – she has no idea what this last message from her beloved husband could mean.
Heidi has spent her days – and her years – giving cherished old furniture a second chance. But there are some parts of Heidi’s own life she believes are beyond repair. Secrets that Heidi and Johnny kept throughout their long marriage. Things that they were never brave enough to speak about, not even to each other.
All Heidi knows now is that this picture of her husband’s final moments is where she has to start looking for clues, and when she visits the busy street from the photograph, Heidi finally comes face to face with the person she’s been waiting to meet her entire life. But are they ready to meet her?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2021
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414 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
December 10, 2020
3.5 rounded up!
So.....I was definitely expecting a DIFFERENT story than the one I got, based on the gorgeous book cover with the broken crockery, the title “The Day My Husband Left” and the blurb...”When he died, he left a mystery but can she find the truth.
The synopsis says that at the moment that Johnny Eagle is dying, he snaps a photograph of a busy street scene, and the photograph is a message, that if deciphered, holds all the answers...
That is....if his wife, Heidi, can piece together the clues.
Was it a photo of a person who kills him?
What is the mystery?
That snippet made me request this!
I WANTED to know!
BUT, if I had continued reading the remainder of book cover...the teeny, tiny print below the author’s name, would’ve given me a clearer picture of the ACTUAL story written on the pages inside.
It reads, “A totally, heartwarming page turner about love, loss and lifelong friendships.”
That teeny, tiny print is the most ACCURATE part of the book cover.
So, DO pick this up if you are looking for an engaging family drama, with likable characters!
I DID enjoy spending time with Eagle family, and learning ALL of their juicy secrets!
But, DON’T pick it up if you are looking for a mystery/suspense story, like I did.
Because that is NOT what you will be getting.
I received a gifted copy from the Publisher and it was a pleasure to provide a candid review!
Available SOON! January 21, 2021
So.....I was definitely expecting a DIFFERENT story than the one I got, based on the gorgeous book cover with the broken crockery, the title “The Day My Husband Left” and the blurb...”When he died, he left a mystery but can she find the truth.
The synopsis says that at the moment that Johnny Eagle is dying, he snaps a photograph of a busy street scene, and the photograph is a message, that if deciphered, holds all the answers...
That is....if his wife, Heidi, can piece together the clues.
Was it a photo of a person who kills him?
What is the mystery?
That snippet made me request this!
I WANTED to know!
BUT, if I had continued reading the remainder of book cover...the teeny, tiny print below the author’s name, would’ve given me a clearer picture of the ACTUAL story written on the pages inside.
It reads, “A totally, heartwarming page turner about love, loss and lifelong friendships.”
That teeny, tiny print is the most ACCURATE part of the book cover.
So, DO pick this up if you are looking for an engaging family drama, with likable characters!
I DID enjoy spending time with Eagle family, and learning ALL of their juicy secrets!
But, DON’T pick it up if you are looking for a mystery/suspense story, like I did.
Because that is NOT what you will be getting.
I received a gifted copy from the Publisher and it was a pleasure to provide a candid review!
Available SOON! January 21, 2021
January 25, 2021
The Day My Husband Left is a simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming read about the impact of family secrets and the importance of good communication, but ultimately, this is a domestic drama exploring hope through the years, attempting to right the wrongs of ones past and of forgiveness: both for yourself and for others. Heidi and Johnny Eagle are a happily married couple whose love has endured through the years from when they were high school sweethearts, and their twenty-five-year marriage has given them two beautiful daughters: Scarlet and Zoe. Now, Heidi in her fifties sadly becomes a widow when fifty-four-year-old Johnny passes away from a heart attack while out trying to drum up business for their furniture remodelling and upholstery company on the main street in Poole. He had previously suffered one a year prior but had managed to survive and recover but this time he wasn't so lucky. Devastated Heidi returns to the hospital he was taken to in order to collect his personal effects and amongst those belongings was his mobile phone with one saved draft - a message he perhaps intended to send before he was incapacitated. It's a photograph of him standing in a particular place in Poole that she recognises as The Blackbird Cafe, so she decides to go and see exactly why he wanted her to see him there as it's clear he had been trying to tell her something given it was tantamount to his last words. And she can't quite believe what she's just seen. Are her eyes deceiving her?
She tells her mother Rosalind what she saw and she is nothing short of furious when Heidi is questioning whether she should make a move; her mother tells her in no uncertain terms to leave the past where it belongs and forget about it. But that isn't likely to happen and with Johnny’s ashes sitting in a glazed green urn pride of place in the Eagles Workshop, Heidi knows this is what he had wanted. Close family friend and employee Max tells her to grab the bull by the horns while she can. Will she take a leap of faith? This is a captivating, twisty and deeply emotional read exploring a situation and generational issue that was widely encountered at the time of Heidi and Johnny’s early, or fledgeling, relationship - when a daughter gets pregnant and is pressured to give the baby up for adoption; it makes for a brilliant but tearjerker plot. I will refrain from saying any more as it's difficult to continue without really spoiling it. From the beginning of the book when his death notice is shown, Miller takes us back to a week before Johnny’s passing immersing you in the day-to-day lives of the Eagles and works her way up to the death and then Heidi’s grief-stricken life afterwards. Max is a wonderful character and the kind of sensible, level-headed friend everyone needs in their life. If you enjoy emotionally resonant stories that move you but also have enough mystery and intrigue to keep you enthralled and twists aplenty to blindside you then this is definitely worth your time. Highly recommended.
She tells her mother Rosalind what she saw and she is nothing short of furious when Heidi is questioning whether she should make a move; her mother tells her in no uncertain terms to leave the past where it belongs and forget about it. But that isn't likely to happen and with Johnny’s ashes sitting in a glazed green urn pride of place in the Eagles Workshop, Heidi knows this is what he had wanted. Close family friend and employee Max tells her to grab the bull by the horns while she can. Will she take a leap of faith? This is a captivating, twisty and deeply emotional read exploring a situation and generational issue that was widely encountered at the time of Heidi and Johnny’s early, or fledgeling, relationship - when a daughter gets pregnant and is pressured to give the baby up for adoption; it makes for a brilliant but tearjerker plot. I will refrain from saying any more as it's difficult to continue without really spoiling it. From the beginning of the book when his death notice is shown, Miller takes us back to a week before Johnny’s passing immersing you in the day-to-day lives of the Eagles and works her way up to the death and then Heidi’s grief-stricken life afterwards. Max is a wonderful character and the kind of sensible, level-headed friend everyone needs in their life. If you enjoy emotionally resonant stories that move you but also have enough mystery and intrigue to keep you enthralled and twists aplenty to blindside you then this is definitely worth your time. Highly recommended.
December 20, 2020
4.5★s
The Day My Husband Left is the second stand-alone novel by British author, Amy Miller. Even after Johnny Eagle’s first heart attack, life for him and Heidi was good: they had two smart, beautiful daughters (Scarlet and Zoe) and a successful upholstery business. When the second one took him from them, in the main street of Poole, they were devastated.
Life had to go on, but Heidi felt distracted, at sea. Zoe had to point out that Scarlet was having relationship problems; and Heidi was having trouble focussing on upholstery projects, although their good friend Max was a great help. Johnny’s last, unsent text had her puzzled: a photo of the main street, right before he died. She recognised the shops, the Blackbird Café…
Johnny’s ashes, in a glazed green pot, sat on a shelf in the workshop, and Heidi talked to them often, but they didn’t offer an explanation. Finally, a visit to the spot, and a chance sighting: could it be? Should she pursue this? Her mother, Rosalind was inexplicably vehement: the matter was done, and she was furious with Johnny for resurrecting the one thing they had kept unspoken in their marriage. It could cause untold harm.
Max was more pragmatic; he believed in grabbing the chance while you can. And he had a theory about Rosalind’s reaction: “‘Perhaps it’s a generational thing or because it reminds her of a difficult time in both your lives,’ Max said. ‘Of course you need to tread carefully, but in my opinion, life is too short to be ruled by your head. (It) might be the most wonderful thing you ever do.’” But the explanation, when revealed, added yet another complication to Heidi’s life.
Heidi told her daughters: “I think your dad planned it this way. He gave us something to deal with, something major, to keep us distracted from our grief. It wasn’t enough to leave me with the business to run!” And from there, a cascade of revelations followed, turning all their lives upside down.
Miller’s portrayal of grief is insightful: “Heidi slipped the phone into her pocket and sat stiffly back in the Chesterfield, putting her hands over her lips. She had to physically hold in her grief, because if she started to cry, she thought she’d never stop” and “She felt suddenly silently furious with Johnny. Him dying meant she was left to bring their daughters up alone. Make the right decisions. Point them in the right direction. Be a father and a mother. What if she got it all wrong? Suddenly she felt the choking weight of Johnny’s absence bear down on her chest” are examples of this.
Heidi is a wonderful protagonist, loving and generous, and the essence of her chosen profession extends into her life philosophy: “Her father Alan taught her everything he knew about upholstery, and working with her hands and seeing the results of hard physical work felt good. Furniture was tactile and practical and beautiful. Over time, her ambitions changed. She wanted to rescue things. Give furniture a new life. She wanted to make tired, sad things beautiful again.”
Miller gives her characters wise words and perceptive comments: “Heidi was struck by a thought about wounds: bandages covered cuts and bruises, signalling to others to offer sympathy. But what about the invisible wounds people carried in their hearts? There were no bandages for those, yet the scars ran deep and lasted a lifetime. If there were physical bandages for emotional hurts, perhaps people would be kinder to one another.”
“‘The more love there is floating around, the better, in my opinion,’ Walter said. ‘You can never have too much of the stuff. I’m close to the end of my life now and I wish I’d loved more loudly, more expansively, just more. Because before you know it, you’ve run out of opportunities’” and “Things don’t always work out how you want them to. People often aren’t who you want them to be” illustrate this. A delightful, funny, heart-warming read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Bookouture.
The Day My Husband Left is the second stand-alone novel by British author, Amy Miller. Even after Johnny Eagle’s first heart attack, life for him and Heidi was good: they had two smart, beautiful daughters (Scarlet and Zoe) and a successful upholstery business. When the second one took him from them, in the main street of Poole, they were devastated.
Life had to go on, but Heidi felt distracted, at sea. Zoe had to point out that Scarlet was having relationship problems; and Heidi was having trouble focussing on upholstery projects, although their good friend Max was a great help. Johnny’s last, unsent text had her puzzled: a photo of the main street, right before he died. She recognised the shops, the Blackbird Café…
Johnny’s ashes, in a glazed green pot, sat on a shelf in the workshop, and Heidi talked to them often, but they didn’t offer an explanation. Finally, a visit to the spot, and a chance sighting: could it be? Should she pursue this? Her mother, Rosalind was inexplicably vehement: the matter was done, and she was furious with Johnny for resurrecting the one thing they had kept unspoken in their marriage. It could cause untold harm.
Max was more pragmatic; he believed in grabbing the chance while you can. And he had a theory about Rosalind’s reaction: “‘Perhaps it’s a generational thing or because it reminds her of a difficult time in both your lives,’ Max said. ‘Of course you need to tread carefully, but in my opinion, life is too short to be ruled by your head. (It) might be the most wonderful thing you ever do.’” But the explanation, when revealed, added yet another complication to Heidi’s life.
Heidi told her daughters: “I think your dad planned it this way. He gave us something to deal with, something major, to keep us distracted from our grief. It wasn’t enough to leave me with the business to run!” And from there, a cascade of revelations followed, turning all their lives upside down.
Miller’s portrayal of grief is insightful: “Heidi slipped the phone into her pocket and sat stiffly back in the Chesterfield, putting her hands over her lips. She had to physically hold in her grief, because if she started to cry, she thought she’d never stop” and “She felt suddenly silently furious with Johnny. Him dying meant she was left to bring their daughters up alone. Make the right decisions. Point them in the right direction. Be a father and a mother. What if she got it all wrong? Suddenly she felt the choking weight of Johnny’s absence bear down on her chest” are examples of this.
Heidi is a wonderful protagonist, loving and generous, and the essence of her chosen profession extends into her life philosophy: “Her father Alan taught her everything he knew about upholstery, and working with her hands and seeing the results of hard physical work felt good. Furniture was tactile and practical and beautiful. Over time, her ambitions changed. She wanted to rescue things. Give furniture a new life. She wanted to make tired, sad things beautiful again.”
Miller gives her characters wise words and perceptive comments: “Heidi was struck by a thought about wounds: bandages covered cuts and bruises, signalling to others to offer sympathy. But what about the invisible wounds people carried in their hearts? There were no bandages for those, yet the scars ran deep and lasted a lifetime. If there were physical bandages for emotional hurts, perhaps people would be kinder to one another.”
“‘The more love there is floating around, the better, in my opinion,’ Walter said. ‘You can never have too much of the stuff. I’m close to the end of my life now and I wish I’d loved more loudly, more expansively, just more. Because before you know it, you’ve run out of opportunities’” and “Things don’t always work out how you want them to. People often aren’t who you want them to be” illustrate this. A delightful, funny, heart-warming read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Bookouture.
December 3, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for a arc copy for a honest review.
I thought the book The Day My Wife left me I thought it was just okay. It was a heartwarming story I just wish I could of connected more to the characters. I was a 3 star read.
Happy Reading
Lisa
I thought the book The Day My Wife left me I thought it was just okay. It was a heartwarming story I just wish I could of connected more to the characters. I was a 3 star read.
Happy Reading
Lisa
December 31, 2020
A woman struggles with balancing her family's needs when secrets are finally brought in the open.
Heidi's beloved husband, Johnny, has a fatal heart attack while out on a job. He has a draft message on his phone to Heidi - q picture of the street shortly before he breathed his last breath.
Heidi is convinced Johnny was sending her one last message. She struggles to find the meaning - until she finds a man who is the spitting image of her husband.
Heidi needs to decide how much to share with her daughters. When seeking advice from her mother, Rosalind shares her own dark secret.
I felt for Heidi as she tried to save everyone around her - William, her son, dealing with addiction, struggling to be a father. Her daughters' anger and grief. Her own half sister. A lot going on in this book. And it just kind of ended without any resolution. They are all on their way, but it felt as though it was all swept under the rug.
Heidi's beloved husband, Johnny, has a fatal heart attack while out on a job. He has a draft message on his phone to Heidi - q picture of the street shortly before he breathed his last breath.
Heidi is convinced Johnny was sending her one last message. She struggles to find the meaning - until she finds a man who is the spitting image of her husband.
Heidi needs to decide how much to share with her daughters. When seeking advice from her mother, Rosalind shares her own dark secret.
I felt for Heidi as she tried to save everyone around her - William, her son, dealing with addiction, struggling to be a father. Her daughters' anger and grief. Her own half sister. A lot going on in this book. And it just kind of ended without any resolution. They are all on their way, but it felt as though it was all swept under the rug.
February 16, 2021
Bereaved mum Heidi has her work cut out to keep all the members of her family from falling apart.
With more family problems than a couple of episodes of EastEnders and relatives coming out of the woodwork the last thing she needs is the party for her daughter, that nearly destroys her.
Great book for anyone who likes the found family genre.
With more family problems than a couple of episodes of EastEnders and relatives coming out of the woodwork the last thing she needs is the party for her daughter, that nearly destroys her.
Great book for anyone who likes the found family genre.
January 8, 2021
This is very much a story of family dynamics.
My heart went out to Heidi as we first meet her when she loses her husband. It's hard to even think that one day we could be left on our own, to be the head of the family and where as things would be dealt with together, having to deal with stuff on your own.
Heidi has her mum and her two daughters of which it took me a little while to warm to her mother with being quite old fashioned and cold to start with but she really grew on me as the story went on. Her two daughters couldn't be any more different from each other but I so enjoyed their characters. It was getting to know them all where I got so much enjoyment from this book and feeling involved with everything that was going on.
It's difficult to say too much more as I don't want to give too much away. There are events from the past that have a huge impact on the present day. For better or for worse, I enjoyed the journey with Heidi and her family in finding out.
The Day My Husband Left was a story that gave me cause for reflection. It's definitely a reminder how life can be short and to make the most of it as well as realising what is important, which is making the most of time with family and friends. The author had me feeling an array of emotions and by the end, I was quite sad that I wouldn't be spending more time with this family. A lovely heartfelt read.
My heart went out to Heidi as we first meet her when she loses her husband. It's hard to even think that one day we could be left on our own, to be the head of the family and where as things would be dealt with together, having to deal with stuff on your own.
Heidi has her mum and her two daughters of which it took me a little while to warm to her mother with being quite old fashioned and cold to start with but she really grew on me as the story went on. Her two daughters couldn't be any more different from each other but I so enjoyed their characters. It was getting to know them all where I got so much enjoyment from this book and feeling involved with everything that was going on.
It's difficult to say too much more as I don't want to give too much away. There are events from the past that have a huge impact on the present day. For better or for worse, I enjoyed the journey with Heidi and her family in finding out.
The Day My Husband Left was a story that gave me cause for reflection. It's definitely a reminder how life can be short and to make the most of it as well as realising what is important, which is making the most of time with family and friends. The author had me feeling an array of emotions and by the end, I was quite sad that I wouldn't be spending more time with this family. A lovely heartfelt read.
September 27, 2024
The Day My Husband Left
Author: Amy Miller
Genre: Women's fiction
Heidi's husband Johnny dies suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack. Without having had a chance to say goodbye, she is devastated at the loss of her soulmate of more than 25 years. His phone shows his last clicked photo as one taken just outside the cafe where he collapsed. Was this a fluke click, or was he trying to tell her something before he passed away?
The book is quite catchy at the start and its easy-going flow helps you keep your steady pace. Until about 40%, I could not keep the book down. But then it began getting repetitive. I couldn't connect with a couple of decisions made by the lead character, Heidi. She comes off as insecure and unfocussed, not being able to look at the long run. Considering that the entire story is from her narrative standpoint, all the flaws in the book are mainly Heidi's flaws.
There are many memorable characters in the book, with Zoe, Max, and Tuesday being my favourites. They come off as the most practical and believable of the entire lot. In fact, most of the supporting characters are good. The inconsistencies lie mainly in the portrayal of Heidi and William.
I had picked up this ARC mainly for its attractive cover and catchy title. No complaints about the former, the cover is gorgeous. But the title gives a wrong idea about the book and misrepresents the content of the book. I think readers will end up disappointed with the story if they take the title as literally indicative of the content.
Overall, it's not a bad book, but it could have been better.
My rating: 3.5
I received an advance review copy of the book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Author: Amy Miller
Genre: Women's fiction
Heidi's husband Johnny dies suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack. Without having had a chance to say goodbye, she is devastated at the loss of her soulmate of more than 25 years. His phone shows his last clicked photo as one taken just outside the cafe where he collapsed. Was this a fluke click, or was he trying to tell her something before he passed away?
The book is quite catchy at the start and its easy-going flow helps you keep your steady pace. Until about 40%, I could not keep the book down. But then it began getting repetitive. I couldn't connect with a couple of decisions made by the lead character, Heidi. She comes off as insecure and unfocussed, not being able to look at the long run. Considering that the entire story is from her narrative standpoint, all the flaws in the book are mainly Heidi's flaws.
There are many memorable characters in the book, with Zoe, Max, and Tuesday being my favourites. They come off as the most practical and believable of the entire lot. In fact, most of the supporting characters are good. The inconsistencies lie mainly in the portrayal of Heidi and William.
I had picked up this ARC mainly for its attractive cover and catchy title. No complaints about the former, the cover is gorgeous. But the title gives a wrong idea about the book and misrepresents the content of the book. I think readers will end up disappointed with the story if they take the title as literally indicative of the content.
Overall, it's not a bad book, but it could have been better.
My rating: 3.5
I received an advance review copy of the book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
December 9, 2020
I find the title of this book a bit strange.
The narrator's husband didn't 'leave'. He didn't disappear off to Asia with a backpack to find himself. He didn't shack up with his Pilates instructor. He keeled over and died of a massive heart attack.
Do people say their husband 'left' under such circumstances? I'm unconvinced.
But that's just the title; what about the book?
This isn't my normal genre but I am drawn to the occasional bit of domestic drama when the protagonist is a 'woman of a certain age'. I've had it with Bridget Jonesian singletons and want characters with a bit more experience who aren't just hunting the next transactional fling.
Heidi and her husband had a baby when they were still at school and put him up for adoption. They didn't talk about it with their children who were born after they married quite a while later. This book is about the nature of family and its challenges, about how new family members change the dynamic, and how you have to be careful what you wish for as it might not be what you expect.
There are some lovely characters in this book, especially the supporting cast of friends. The themes I most enjoyed were around upholstery (my mother used to run a small business doing that) and cold-water sea-swimming - fascinating stuff. Did I believe the family dynamics? Not always. Some relationships formed way more easily and with a lot less jeopardy than I would have expected whilst others looked doomed from the very start. And at the end....... well, it all got neatly and tidily tied up in ways that stretched my credibility.
It's an easy read, a good-news plot, a quick diversion from the current world problems about seeing family and friends. It's nice to think about a world without lockdown and social distancing for a few hours.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC.
The narrator's husband didn't 'leave'. He didn't disappear off to Asia with a backpack to find himself. He didn't shack up with his Pilates instructor. He keeled over and died of a massive heart attack.
Do people say their husband 'left' under such circumstances? I'm unconvinced.
But that's just the title; what about the book?
This isn't my normal genre but I am drawn to the occasional bit of domestic drama when the protagonist is a 'woman of a certain age'. I've had it with Bridget Jonesian singletons and want characters with a bit more experience who aren't just hunting the next transactional fling.
Heidi and her husband had a baby when they were still at school and put him up for adoption. They didn't talk about it with their children who were born after they married quite a while later. This book is about the nature of family and its challenges, about how new family members change the dynamic, and how you have to be careful what you wish for as it might not be what you expect.
There are some lovely characters in this book, especially the supporting cast of friends. The themes I most enjoyed were around upholstery (my mother used to run a small business doing that) and cold-water sea-swimming - fascinating stuff. Did I believe the family dynamics? Not always. Some relationships formed way more easily and with a lot less jeopardy than I would have expected whilst others looked doomed from the very start. And at the end....... well, it all got neatly and tidily tied up in ways that stretched my credibility.
It's an easy read, a good-news plot, a quick diversion from the current world problems about seeing family and friends. It's nice to think about a world without lockdown and social distancing for a few hours.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC.
December 15, 2020
The Day My Husband Left Me took me a little while to get into but once I did, I found myself enjoying the story between Johnny, Heidi, Zoe, Scarlet, Max and William. Lots of family secrets came out. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
February 21, 2021
Readable, but too many coincidences when long lost relatives keep emerging out of nowhere. I kept turning the pages, but although okay it was a bit of a disappointment.
January 25, 2021
I liked how the blurb gave me a hint of the mystery set in family life. The day her husband left was the worst day of Heidi’s life where she was completely numb. In pain. But his phone had left her a clue. Now it was up to her to decipher it. She did go to that place and saw something which left her shocked. She had to find her way through the secret of her marriage.
I loved reading this story where a family seeped in grief at the loss of the husband and father made the three women slowly come back to the land of the living, especially wife Heidi. Every step of her fight for survival and her need to come out of her sadness made me cheer for her. She was inspiring in her own way. The author cast her in loving colors with different shades of life.
I love family saga with secrets. It may vie with my love for thrillers, but dammit… both have a place in my heart. This was all about love and relationships and the secrets that we all have in our lives, hidden away, never to be remembered. I was captivated by the prose and being the weekend, I needed an interesting but softer read. I shed a few tears when Heidi and her daughters cried. But I laughed with them too.
Sometimes in the prose, Heidi made not so wonderful decisions and felt to be too insecure. That grated on me. Nevertheless, filled with emotions, the story had the three generations of women with Heidi’s mom giving her practical yet often stubborn, narrowed viewpoint.
I loved spending my morning with this family as they opened up their lives and allowed me to peek in. Quite entertaining.
I loved reading this story where a family seeped in grief at the loss of the husband and father made the three women slowly come back to the land of the living, especially wife Heidi. Every step of her fight for survival and her need to come out of her sadness made me cheer for her. She was inspiring in her own way. The author cast her in loving colors with different shades of life.
I love family saga with secrets. It may vie with my love for thrillers, but dammit… both have a place in my heart. This was all about love and relationships and the secrets that we all have in our lives, hidden away, never to be remembered. I was captivated by the prose and being the weekend, I needed an interesting but softer read. I shed a few tears when Heidi and her daughters cried. But I laughed with them too.
Sometimes in the prose, Heidi made not so wonderful decisions and felt to be too insecure. That grated on me. Nevertheless, filled with emotions, the story had the three generations of women with Heidi’s mom giving her practical yet often stubborn, narrowed viewpoint.
I loved spending my morning with this family as they opened up their lives and allowed me to peek in. Quite entertaining.
January 21, 2021
This book has all the required elements for one that is classified as women's fiction. The most important element, always, is SECRETS! That is followed by relationships, angst, conflict, love and almost always, resolution. In this book, the past creeps up on the present and causes all these elements to fall into place.
But, SECRETS!!!!! This has got to be the winner in that department. Everyone is keeping a big secret from everyone else. That can only cause trouble and hurt feelings.
It is really hard to say much about this book without spoilers. Parts of the plot seem over the top to me, as in eye-rolling time. It was just too predictable.
But, then when things don't work out like a fairy tale, it shows the frailty of human character. We are not all programmed to say and do the right thing at the right time. And, in retrospect, the characters all end up as very believable. When I take the time to try to figure out how I would have reacted in some of these situations, it means the author has been successful.
My favourite quote: “I wish I had loved more loudly, more expansively, just more. Because, before you know it, you've run out of opportunities.” ~Walter
I wavered between giving 3 stars or 4 stars. Because this book made me think, it is worthy of the 4 stars. I cannot quite reach 5 stars because of the predictability. It was easy to read and in the end, it was relatable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance reader's copy.
But, SECRETS!!!!! This has got to be the winner in that department. Everyone is keeping a big secret from everyone else. That can only cause trouble and hurt feelings.
It is really hard to say much about this book without spoilers. Parts of the plot seem over the top to me, as in eye-rolling time. It was just too predictable.
But, then when things don't work out like a fairy tale, it shows the frailty of human character. We are not all programmed to say and do the right thing at the right time. And, in retrospect, the characters all end up as very believable. When I take the time to try to figure out how I would have reacted in some of these situations, it means the author has been successful.
My favourite quote: “I wish I had loved more loudly, more expansively, just more. Because, before you know it, you've run out of opportunities.” ~Walter
I wavered between giving 3 stars or 4 stars. Because this book made me think, it is worthy of the 4 stars. I cannot quite reach 5 stars because of the predictability. It was easy to read and in the end, it was relatable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance reader's copy.
January 28, 2021
I have thought a lot about how to start this review.
When I first read the title I thought... Ooh bad man has run off and left his wife, has he walked out? Has he disappeared? What has happened to him!
Then when I read the details I realised it was nothing like I thought it would be and that was good.
The book itself... Wow. I could go on all day about the stories and the lives of the characters and how they intertwine with each other and how fast paced the book is. But the words... Wow and amazing are all I think I need to say! Fantastic story and very different to most books these day. Dealt with difficult subjects but very delicately.
When I first read the title I thought... Ooh bad man has run off and left his wife, has he walked out? Has he disappeared? What has happened to him!
Then when I read the details I realised it was nothing like I thought it would be and that was good.
The book itself... Wow. I could go on all day about the stories and the lives of the characters and how they intertwine with each other and how fast paced the book is. But the words... Wow and amazing are all I think I need to say! Fantastic story and very different to most books these day. Dealt with difficult subjects but very delicately.
December 6, 2020
3.5 Stars
Heidi and Johnny are a 50-something couple with two daughters, an upholstery restoration business and a dark secret neither of them talks about. Johnny suffers his second heart attract a year after his first one and passes away.
The family is grieving, trying hard to cope up with the loss when Heidi finds a picture in Johnny’s phone. Her instincts tell her that she needs to find out about the picture. After much hesitation, she does and finds out something that could change her family forever.
The book starts with Johnny’s death and continues to tell us what and how things change. Will the family bonds survive, or will everything fall apart forever?
The cover picture drew me in, and the premise sounded like a wonderful read. The book started out well, and then, sigh! I just couldn’t connect with it. The characters individually were cool. They had their identities, quirks, vulnerabilities, and strengths. Zoe was an absolute favorite. They did well together too. So what’s the issue?
For me, it was the limited third-person POV that rested on Heidi’s shoulders. She was grieving, trying to handle her present and past while keeping her business afloat. She was supposed to have all of my attention. But she didn’t.
The story had too much 'tell'. The setting was 'showed' to the reader, but the emotions were told. Yes, there were a lot of gut-wrenching scenes and heartbreaking emotions. Yet, none of them reached me. In short, it was like having a transparent screen between me and the overwhelming experiences of the characters. The writing did not break through this barrier and come to me.
Maybe if the viewpoints altered between the main characters, I would have been able to see things from their side and know them for who they are. Despite being a third-person narration, I only see what Heidi sees. And it looked like she couldn’t connect with any of the other characters. Sure, they shared a good bond. It just wasn’t enough for me.
Some of the dialogues were powerful. All of them belonged to other characters. Another issue with the book was that too much happened in succession, and when we come towards the end, it’s more or less sorted out. Again, without Heidi’s involvement. She is probably the weakest character of the book. I understand the reason to show her vulnerable side, she was grieving after all, and she had to be real. People make mistakes. Wrong decisions are a part of our lives. That’s always acceptable. But here, in the book, it didn’t feel real.
However, that’s just me. I know readers who would love and devour the book. I hope they read and enjoy it (especially the ending).
Overall, not everyone is going to love this book, but they will remember some of the characters.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture and am voluntarily sharing my review.
#TheDayMyHusbandLeft #NetGalley
Heidi and Johnny are a 50-something couple with two daughters, an upholstery restoration business and a dark secret neither of them talks about. Johnny suffers his second heart attract a year after his first one and passes away.
The family is grieving, trying hard to cope up with the loss when Heidi finds a picture in Johnny’s phone. Her instincts tell her that she needs to find out about the picture. After much hesitation, she does and finds out something that could change her family forever.
The book starts with Johnny’s death and continues to tell us what and how things change. Will the family bonds survive, or will everything fall apart forever?
The cover picture drew me in, and the premise sounded like a wonderful read. The book started out well, and then, sigh! I just couldn’t connect with it. The characters individually were cool. They had their identities, quirks, vulnerabilities, and strengths. Zoe was an absolute favorite. They did well together too. So what’s the issue?
For me, it was the limited third-person POV that rested on Heidi’s shoulders. She was grieving, trying to handle her present and past while keeping her business afloat. She was supposed to have all of my attention. But she didn’t.
The story had too much 'tell'. The setting was 'showed' to the reader, but the emotions were told. Yes, there were a lot of gut-wrenching scenes and heartbreaking emotions. Yet, none of them reached me. In short, it was like having a transparent screen between me and the overwhelming experiences of the characters. The writing did not break through this barrier and come to me.
Maybe if the viewpoints altered between the main characters, I would have been able to see things from their side and know them for who they are. Despite being a third-person narration, I only see what Heidi sees. And it looked like she couldn’t connect with any of the other characters. Sure, they shared a good bond. It just wasn’t enough for me.
Some of the dialogues were powerful. All of them belonged to other characters. Another issue with the book was that too much happened in succession, and when we come towards the end, it’s more or less sorted out. Again, without Heidi’s involvement. She is probably the weakest character of the book. I understand the reason to show her vulnerable side, she was grieving after all, and she had to be real. People make mistakes. Wrong decisions are a part of our lives. That’s always acceptable. But here, in the book, it didn’t feel real.
However, that’s just me. I know readers who would love and devour the book. I hope they read and enjoy it (especially the ending).
Overall, not everyone is going to love this book, but they will remember some of the characters.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture and am voluntarily sharing my review.
#TheDayMyHusbandLeft #NetGalley
November 29, 2020
Amy Miller, in ‘The Day My Husband Left,’ to be published January 21, 2021, explores the idea that everyone deserves a second chance.
Johnny and Heidi Eagle certainly know about giving second chances. After all, they own Eagles Workshop where they give cherished old furniture another opportunity. They are also familiar with keeping secrets. In fact, they have kept a life-changing secret for 37 years. Will this part of their life be beyond repair or will acknowledging it offer second chances? Heidi comes face to face with an opportunity that tests her ability to forgive and move forward. A photo attachment in an unsent text ignites the conflict in this novel. It appears that the moment Johnny knew he was going to die, he took a photo and was in the process of sending it to his wife. In the days following his death, Heidi looks for clues in the photo. Amid putting the broken pieces of her life together, she discovers what Johnny was trying to tell her. She knows exactly what the photo means. Acting on this new information will change her life forever. Will she be courageous enough to tell someone?
What an amazing read about resilience in the midst of grief! Her writing evokes strong and raw emotions, her characters deal with heavy burdens and grow as a result, and her storyline is unpredictable and moving. It is a difficult book to put down because we need resolution, and our emotions demand it. Miller’s novel about love, loss and lifelong friendships will have you questioning your ability to allow another to experience your forgiveness and take your extended hand up to reconcile and forge forward. Miller’s novel also warns us that in an effort to make things right for ourselves, we sometimes forget how others will be affected by our choices. This emotional and unique look at forgiving oneself and addressing the past will ruminate in your thoughts for days. Max’s words resonated with me today: “How are you this week? Are you swimming or sinking?” This has been a tough year for all of us in so many ways. With change due to the pandemic upsetting our regular routines and celebrations, are we taking the time to self assess and allowing ourselves a time-out to heal? How we deal with it now will influence how we interact and move forward in the days to come. So I ask again: Are you sinking or swimming? Please reach out.
Thank you to Amy Miller, Bookouture and NetGalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review
Johnny and Heidi Eagle certainly know about giving second chances. After all, they own Eagles Workshop where they give cherished old furniture another opportunity. They are also familiar with keeping secrets. In fact, they have kept a life-changing secret for 37 years. Will this part of their life be beyond repair or will acknowledging it offer second chances? Heidi comes face to face with an opportunity that tests her ability to forgive and move forward. A photo attachment in an unsent text ignites the conflict in this novel. It appears that the moment Johnny knew he was going to die, he took a photo and was in the process of sending it to his wife. In the days following his death, Heidi looks for clues in the photo. Amid putting the broken pieces of her life together, she discovers what Johnny was trying to tell her. She knows exactly what the photo means. Acting on this new information will change her life forever. Will she be courageous enough to tell someone?
What an amazing read about resilience in the midst of grief! Her writing evokes strong and raw emotions, her characters deal with heavy burdens and grow as a result, and her storyline is unpredictable and moving. It is a difficult book to put down because we need resolution, and our emotions demand it. Miller’s novel about love, loss and lifelong friendships will have you questioning your ability to allow another to experience your forgiveness and take your extended hand up to reconcile and forge forward. Miller’s novel also warns us that in an effort to make things right for ourselves, we sometimes forget how others will be affected by our choices. This emotional and unique look at forgiving oneself and addressing the past will ruminate in your thoughts for days. Max’s words resonated with me today: “How are you this week? Are you swimming or sinking?” This has been a tough year for all of us in so many ways. With change due to the pandemic upsetting our regular routines and celebrations, are we taking the time to self assess and allowing ourselves a time-out to heal? How we deal with it now will influence how we interact and move forward in the days to come. So I ask again: Are you sinking or swimming? Please reach out.
Thank you to Amy Miller, Bookouture and NetGalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review
January 22, 2021
Heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure this captures grief and it’s aftershock in a way that is raw and powerful in emotion. You can feel the worry gripping Heidi in its vice after Johnny’s first heart attack all the while knowing what is to come.
Childhood sweethearts they have built a life and family together as well as a business upholstering furniture. The day he goes out alone to meet a potential customer Heidi is overcome by a strange sensation and a feeling of dread.
After his death Heidi is given his belongings at the hospital. His phone contains a photo, of a street she knows well, that he was trying to send her. This photo becomes a catalyst for the past to reveal itself and secrets to be laid bare.
Narrated by Heidi she was easy to warm to and with her chalk and cheese daughters I found her relatable. Max who was brought into the business to help was my favourite character though and a perfect friend to help Heidi. However they share past secrets too. I really want to say more but this book is so difficult to review without accidentally giving a spoiler.
This is a slow burning women’s fiction story of love, loss and secrets with an added air of mystery and beautifully insightful writing.
3.5 stars
Childhood sweethearts they have built a life and family together as well as a business upholstering furniture. The day he goes out alone to meet a potential customer Heidi is overcome by a strange sensation and a feeling of dread.
After his death Heidi is given his belongings at the hospital. His phone contains a photo, of a street she knows well, that he was trying to send her. This photo becomes a catalyst for the past to reveal itself and secrets to be laid bare.
Narrated by Heidi she was easy to warm to and with her chalk and cheese daughters I found her relatable. Max who was brought into the business to help was my favourite character though and a perfect friend to help Heidi. However they share past secrets too. I really want to say more but this book is so difficult to review without accidentally giving a spoiler.
This is a slow burning women’s fiction story of love, loss and secrets with an added air of mystery and beautifully insightful writing.
3.5 stars
January 5, 2021
The Day My Husband Left is the story of a middle aged couple, Heidi and Johnny Eagle. One day, Johnny has a heart attack and dies, leaving his wife, Heidi, reeling from his death. Heidi struggles to cope with life without Johnny, but one day discovers a draft message on his phone along with a photo. Heidi feels like it's Johnny trying to leave her one final message, and so begins the journey for Heidi to uncover the mystery.
While the premise of this book sounded great, the story didn't really match the description of the book. The husband never "left," he died. I seemed to really struggle after I got about 30% into the story. I would find myself trying to talk my inner reader into picking up the story to finish it and find out what happens, and the inner reader in me didn't really want or care to. I had a hard time connecting to the characters and with some of the decisions Heidi made. She didn't come off as someone I would enjoy reading about and I found the story to be extremely predicatable.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinion.
While the premise of this book sounded great, the story didn't really match the description of the book. The husband never "left," he died. I seemed to really struggle after I got about 30% into the story. I would find myself trying to talk my inner reader into picking up the story to finish it and find out what happens, and the inner reader in me didn't really want or care to. I had a hard time connecting to the characters and with some of the decisions Heidi made. She didn't come off as someone I would enjoy reading about and I found the story to be extremely predicatable.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinion.
January 18, 2021
I was drawn to this one as it seemed to fit into my favourite genre – domestic drama/thriller. I also absolutely loved the cover – the bright colours and the broken plate. The broken plate signifying a perfect facade that is in fact damaged or broken in some way.
The narrative focuses on Heidi, and the mysteries, lies and secrets that hide within her family.
I have loved getting to know the characters in this one. They were all flawed in some way, but were also relatable on some level. My favourite character was probably Scarlet – she seemed to be the most brave and although hot headed on times, she understood what she had to do in the best interests of her family.
There were many unexpected twists and turns, typical of some of the best domestic fiction I’ve read. I have loved seeing this family grow & adapt to the new changes and challenges they faced.
This has been a heart felt, dramatic read which I have devoured quickly. I would recommend this book to fans of Amanda Prowse, Sam Vickery and Nicole Trope.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The narrative focuses on Heidi, and the mysteries, lies and secrets that hide within her family.
I have loved getting to know the characters in this one. They were all flawed in some way, but were also relatable on some level. My favourite character was probably Scarlet – she seemed to be the most brave and although hot headed on times, she understood what she had to do in the best interests of her family.
There were many unexpected twists and turns, typical of some of the best domestic fiction I’ve read. I have loved seeing this family grow & adapt to the new changes and challenges they faced.
This has been a heart felt, dramatic read which I have devoured quickly. I would recommend this book to fans of Amanda Prowse, Sam Vickery and Nicole Trope.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 2, 2020
This was a sweet, heartwarming story that's perfect in these times of stress. I really enjoyed this story - however, for some reason I didn't feel that connection to the characters- they didn't come alive for me. I am not sure why - the writing was excellent, the story was truly interesting, and the story was unique - not that same book we al have read 100 times. But I didn't get that "magic" I look for in a book. I am probably too harsh of a critic, but I look for that something extra and just didn't find it.
All that being said, I do think most people will enjoy it.
I want to thank the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which (obviously) did not impact my review.
All that being said, I do think most people will enjoy it.
I want to thank the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which (obviously) did not impact my review.
January 5, 2021
I went into reading this book thinking it was going to be a mystery about a husband leaving his wife and family. Was a little surprised to find out why he “left.”
I found this story interesting though I didn’t connect to any of the characters. The plot seemed a bit far fetched with both mother and daughter to be hiding such big secrets.
Heidi strikes me as being a very smart lady but acting quite scatter brained. I liked Max the most.
I can truly say....this story is certainly full of family turmoil and drama.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I found this story interesting though I didn’t connect to any of the characters. The plot seemed a bit far fetched with both mother and daughter to be hiding such big secrets.
Heidi strikes me as being a very smart lady but acting quite scatter brained. I liked Max the most.
I can truly say....this story is certainly full of family turmoil and drama.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 31, 2020
This is a story of a young girl who gave her baby up for adoption because she was too young to raise him. She maintained a relationship with the father and after he died, she found out her had found their son. She starts on a journey to reconnect with him.
I had a very hard time getting into this book because I did not enjoy it. The plot sounded very intriguing but I did not enjoy the writing. I know many people will enjoy it but I couldn’t get into the story.
I had a very hard time getting into this book because I did not enjoy it. The plot sounded very intriguing but I did not enjoy the writing. I know many people will enjoy it but I couldn’t get into the story.
November 29, 2020
I received this book "The Day My Husband Left" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. I thought this book was good but kinda predictable at times. I like the part where there were secrets, although like I said before, some were predictable. Not sure how I felt about the characters, I liked Zoe the best. Overall I enjoyed reading this book.
December 8, 2020
Great book Keeps you interested all the way though. Great family drama that continues to build to a fantastic ending.
All the feels at the end.
Thanks to the Author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release if this book.
All the feels at the end.
Thanks to the Author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release if this book.
January 10, 2021
Loved it!!! Such an emotional book. I LOVED "They Call Me the Cat Lady" so I was excited to read this book. It didn't disappoint. Loved the characters, story and writing style. There were so many secrets. Rosalind, Scarlet and William were hard to like. Each of them had their own problems. I couldn't understand Rosalind's reaction to Heidi wanting to meet William. Of all people she should understand. Scarlet was so judgmental and rude to her mother. Heidi didn't always handle everything properly, but she was still grieving the loss of her husband. She should have told her daughters immediately, when she discovered the two new family members. It might have made things easier. Heidi was definitely in over her head with William. He needed so much more help than she could provide. I thought she might come home one day and everything in her house would be missing. I enjoyed reading about all the characters and getting to know them. Tuesday was a great addition to the family. Three generations keep making the same "mistake." Finally it's not being treated as a horrible secret that needs to be hidden away.
Definitely recommend the book. It's about family relationships, grief, loss, love, forgiveness and so much more. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely recommend the book. It's about family relationships, grief, loss, love, forgiveness and so much more. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 4, 2021
Heidi and a Johnny were childhood sweethearts and twenty five years later are still happily married with two daughters. Heidi finds herself widowed when Johnny has a heart attack. When Heidi collects his personal effects from the hospital she discovers a message on his phone that he was going to send her. It is a photo of him outside a cafe she remembers and wonders why he was sending her a photo of that. Heidi decides to go visit the cafe and is shocked when she sees someone working there that is Johnny’s double. This photo is the start of many secrets being revealed by Heidi and Johnny. This is a lovely, touching story about finding courage to face up to the past, experiencing grief, loss and family ties. An emotional read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 29, 2021
I had a very difficult time reading this book. Not because it was bad – not by any stretch of the imagination. But because it hit me on two different levels. One, I read it at a time when my family was apart from each other due to a job change and move. I could therefore relate to Heidi’s feeling of missing her other half (although I knew I would be back with mine in a couple of months). The other level is a bit of a spoiler alert, so I won’t put it here, but it was personal, and gave me a different perspective than other people might have. It was well-written and spoke to me. I would recommend it. For a detailed review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.
June 3, 2021
Heidi has spent her days – and her years – giving cherished old furniture a second chance. But there are some parts of Heidi’s own life she believes are beyond repair. Secrets that Heidi and Johnny kept throughout their long marriage. Things that they were never brave enough to speak about, not even to each other. Now her husband is dead and he left a picture on his phone that is a mystery. Why was he on that street, why use your last breath to take a photo. A story that ties the past and the present. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 27, 2021
New author Alert - The Day My Husband Left by Amy Miller had me gripped the whole way through.
I didn't want to put it down! it was beautifully written and very heartwarming story about the love between a husband and wife and the way that it lasts even though one of them is gone. I loved this book and looking forward to read more from Amy in the future.
.
I highly recommend this book! Excellent read
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest opinions
I didn't want to put it down! it was beautifully written and very heartwarming story about the love between a husband and wife and the way that it lasts even though one of them is gone. I loved this book and looking forward to read more from Amy in the future.
.
I highly recommend this book! Excellent read
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest opinions
April 18, 2021
Emotional roller coaster!!
This is a beautifully written emotionally charged story which is about 2nd chances. This story is about loss, grieving, family, love, and moving forward in life by accepting the past and reconciling with the future. I was intrigued throughout this riveting and addictive page turner and I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a beautifully written emotionally charged story which is about 2nd chances. This story is about loss, grieving, family, love, and moving forward in life by accepting the past and reconciling with the future. I was intrigued throughout this riveting and addictive page turner and I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
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