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Love, Almost: A new romance fiction book for 2021 that will make you laugh and cry - perfect for Jojo Moyes fans
Chloe and Jack are soulmates. But life has other plans…
Chloe is deliriously in love for the very first time. But when Jack, her boyfriend of five months, is killed in a tragic accident, she is left reeling. Their relationship was amazing – but it never really had the chance to get started.
Grieving but determined, Chloe decides to live life for the both of them and makes her way through the list of things they’d planned to do together – this time on her own.
A heartwarming read about falling in love and coping with loss.
Chloe is deliriously in love for the very first time. But when Jack, her boyfriend of five months, is killed in a tragic accident, she is left reeling. Their relationship was amazing – but it never really had the chance to get started.
Grieving but determined, Chloe decides to live life for the both of them and makes her way through the list of things they’d planned to do together – this time on her own.
A heartwarming read about falling in love and coping with loss.
400 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2021
45 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Hayley Doyle
6 books30 followersHayley Doyle was born in Liverpool, and graduated with a BA (hon) in Acting from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts.
She pursued a career in acting, making her West End debut playing Ali in Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London. During this time, Hayley wrote her first novel 'Lazy Days and Lullabies'.
After graduating from Brunel University with a Masters in Creative Writing, 'The Day She Met Shirley Temple' was chosen as the winner of the Curtis Brown Award 2010 for a Brunel MA Student.
Hayley currently lives in Dubai where she runs her own children's theatre and creative writing company, Hayley's Comet, and can be heard as a presenter on Dubai Eye radio.
She pursued a career in acting, making her West End debut playing Ali in Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London. During this time, Hayley wrote her first novel 'Lazy Days and Lullabies'.
After graduating from Brunel University with a Masters in Creative Writing, 'The Day She Met Shirley Temple' was chosen as the winner of the Curtis Brown Award 2010 for a Brunel MA Student.
Hayley currently lives in Dubai where she runs her own children's theatre and creative writing company, Hayley's Comet, and can be heard as a presenter on Dubai Eye radio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
November 22, 2020
Could a book can be so sad but also so promising, inspiring at the same time ? Ye, it can. Just like this one!
Grieving after losing someone who really matters to you is a tremendous, ugly process it never leaves you in your whole life! Sometimes it lessens. But at the most vulnerable times of your life, a smallest thing makes you remember that person and in the meantime you feel like the small glass pieces stabbing you deeply. You never stop bleeding. You never stop caring or crying. But in some ways you learn how to handle it without making a scene in front the crowd or dragging your soul to the darkest place you never want to visit!
In this book Chloe spent only five months with Jack before losing him forever. Nobody in her life including her family, friends and of course Jack’s own family couldn’t empathize with her grieving process. They thought she didn’t know him enough to suffer from losing him.
But falling for a person is subjective experience. You can fall at the first sight, first look, first touch, first smile, first talk! Or it takes too much time which prevents you to differentiate between the time you fell in and the time you completely fell out.
Chloe doesn’t only grieve for a man she lost after 5 months of relationship, she grieves for the chance of lifetime long relationship they can build, the holidays they can spend together, dreams they can achieve and realize hand in hand. She longed for their common future that is taken away from them.
Chloe is a teacher, decisive about her life choices. She believed in Jack was the one. Her guts , her heart agreed with her mind. After losing him, she realizes it’s time to find her true self.
So this is a moving on with your life and facing your grief bravely story. It’s sad, emotional, moving, thought provoking but it’s truly well written, motivational.
Overall: I’m giving four learning to love yourself, tear jerking, heart wrenching stars!
It’s not a romance but with its P.S. I love and Forever Interrupted vibes, it’s a great women’s fiction novel!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for sharing this review copy with me in exchange my honest review.
Grieving after losing someone who really matters to you is a tremendous, ugly process it never leaves you in your whole life! Sometimes it lessens. But at the most vulnerable times of your life, a smallest thing makes you remember that person and in the meantime you feel like the small glass pieces stabbing you deeply. You never stop bleeding. You never stop caring or crying. But in some ways you learn how to handle it without making a scene in front the crowd or dragging your soul to the darkest place you never want to visit!
In this book Chloe spent only five months with Jack before losing him forever. Nobody in her life including her family, friends and of course Jack’s own family couldn’t empathize with her grieving process. They thought she didn’t know him enough to suffer from losing him.
But falling for a person is subjective experience. You can fall at the first sight, first look, first touch, first smile, first talk! Or it takes too much time which prevents you to differentiate between the time you fell in and the time you completely fell out.
Chloe doesn’t only grieve for a man she lost after 5 months of relationship, she grieves for the chance of lifetime long relationship they can build, the holidays they can spend together, dreams they can achieve and realize hand in hand. She longed for their common future that is taken away from them.
Chloe is a teacher, decisive about her life choices. She believed in Jack was the one. Her guts , her heart agreed with her mind. After losing him, she realizes it’s time to find her true self.
So this is a moving on with your life and facing your grief bravely story. It’s sad, emotional, moving, thought provoking but it’s truly well written, motivational.
Overall: I’m giving four learning to love yourself, tear jerking, heart wrenching stars!
It’s not a romance but with its P.S. I love and Forever Interrupted vibes, it’s a great women’s fiction novel!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for sharing this review copy with me in exchange my honest review.
January 10, 2021
Love, Almost is emotional and heartbreaking. The reader quickly is brought into Chloe and Jack’s happy romance to have it shattered by tragedy. Chloe is grieving and contemplating their relationship throughout the book. Chloe has to move on from the future she wanted while wondering if that future was ever going to happen even if Jack was still alive. Chloe turns to her family and friends. Some are trying to be supportive without knowing what to do while others think the relationship wasn’t serious so she should get over it. I liked how both sides were shown. Chloe is thirty six, so her family wants her to get married and have kids. Chloe is left wondering what she wants.
Thank you Avon Books UK, Harper Collins UK Audio and NetGalley for Love, Almost.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
Thank you Avon Books UK, Harper Collins UK Audio and NetGalley for Love, Almost.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
November 12, 2022
New novel by this wonderful new voice in English literature just proved that the new star is born (who had the bad luck that both novels are published under pandemia so no book tours and book signings). This novel has A class scene in church that will stay with me for years to come... The scene you are living while reading the book... Powerful novel... Serious, humorous... And what fascinates me with both novels from Hayley Doyle... they don't have predictable happy ever after endings... :) Author to watch!
January 3, 2021
Imagine grieving after someone who really matters to you passes away, Now imagine how it is after you've only just realised you've fallen in love and the feeling is beyond belief and imagine you've only being dating five months and then he dies..
What a loss and we know the loss will never leave you in your whole life!
We know sometime times grieving gets easier but at the most vulnerable times of your life, the smallest thing makes you remember that person and in the meantime you feel like crawling away and never coming out from under the blanket.
In this book Chloe spent only five months dating Jack before he was killed in a tragic accident, gone forever. Nobody in her life including her mum, Dad and family/friends and of course Jack’s own family couldn’t empathize with her grieving process. They thought she didn’t know him enough to suffer from losing him.
But we all know that each relationship is as unique as our finger prints and some people fall in love very quickly and stay like that forever. This is how our main Northern lass character feels and she stumbles through dates that should have been with him that had been planned together and sees life through different eyes. She takes down each ticket, each reservation they had planned from the magnets on the fridge and goes it alone.
Chloe doesn’t only grieve for him and what she lost after a few short months together, she grieves for the chance of lifetime long relationship they can build, the trips and adventures they should spend together, dreams and hopes for the future.
Chloe is a teacher, certain about her life choices. She believed in Jack, he was the one. Her heart agreed with her mind. After losing him, she realizes it’s time to find out how she will take her life forward.
Its sad and emotional and isn't an uplifting book.
Its about reinventing yourself in a world as a single person again and dealing with grief and letting go day by day.
Its got the same vibes as PS I Love you.. kinda
I'm giving it four stars
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for sharing this review copy with me in exchange my honest review
What a loss and we know the loss will never leave you in your whole life!
We know sometime times grieving gets easier but at the most vulnerable times of your life, the smallest thing makes you remember that person and in the meantime you feel like crawling away and never coming out from under the blanket.
In this book Chloe spent only five months dating Jack before he was killed in a tragic accident, gone forever. Nobody in her life including her mum, Dad and family/friends and of course Jack’s own family couldn’t empathize with her grieving process. They thought she didn’t know him enough to suffer from losing him.
But we all know that each relationship is as unique as our finger prints and some people fall in love very quickly and stay like that forever. This is how our main Northern lass character feels and she stumbles through dates that should have been with him that had been planned together and sees life through different eyes. She takes down each ticket, each reservation they had planned from the magnets on the fridge and goes it alone.
Chloe doesn’t only grieve for him and what she lost after a few short months together, she grieves for the chance of lifetime long relationship they can build, the trips and adventures they should spend together, dreams and hopes for the future.
Chloe is a teacher, certain about her life choices. She believed in Jack, he was the one. Her heart agreed with her mind. After losing him, she realizes it’s time to find out how she will take her life forward.
Its sad and emotional and isn't an uplifting book.
Its about reinventing yourself in a world as a single person again and dealing with grief and letting go day by day.
Its got the same vibes as PS I Love you.. kinda
I'm giving it four stars
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for sharing this review copy with me in exchange my honest review
February 7, 2021
Chloe date Jack for 5 months before he got into an accident that killed him. Jack's family doesn't know that she is his girlfriend. Her family and best friend can't understand why she is grieving like that because she only knows him for a few months. They pissed me off. I mean even if you know someone for a month, you going to feel sad too if that someone die tskkk.
I can't connect to Chloe or feel sad for her because her character annoyed me. Btw the story is pretty slow and I almost dnf this book phewww~
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for Love Almost ARC!
I can't connect to Chloe or feel sad for her because her character annoyed me. Btw the story is pretty slow and I almost dnf this book phewww~
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for Love Almost ARC!
March 23, 2021
Content warning: Grief, loss of a loved one, depression, suicide, overdose.
Whenever I read a book that's themed around the grieving process, I always reflect on how unique the process is for everyone whom experiences it. And to say that this book has a unique perspective on Chloe's grief is an understatement but I feel it was also an important perspective that needed to be portrayed.
Chloe and Jack were together for 5 months before he died. Chloe's family and friends don't empathise with Chloe throughout her grief, stating 'it was only 5 months' 'you hardly knew him'. The relationship that Chloe has with Jack is a very subjective experience that only Chloe will ever be able to understand.
At first, I found this book a bit of a slow burner, not fully understanding where the story was going. But when I got to around 50/60% of the way through, it started to develop such a meaning to me. Who is anyone else to dictate how someone should grieve? Or if they are 'entitled' to grieve? Not only is Chloe grieving the loss of her partner, she is also grieving the loss of being able to accomplish so many things that she wanted to do with the man she loves.
I really empathised with Chloe. I loved how her character developed throughout the book and how we followed her through the difficult times after Jack's death. As much as I wish there was just that little bit more context at the end to see where Chloe's journey goes with a certain someone, I think it ended on a lovely note.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and Hayley Doyle for the ARC of this in exchange for an honest review!
Whenever I read a book that's themed around the grieving process, I always reflect on how unique the process is for everyone whom experiences it. And to say that this book has a unique perspective on Chloe's grief is an understatement but I feel it was also an important perspective that needed to be portrayed.
Chloe and Jack were together for 5 months before he died. Chloe's family and friends don't empathise with Chloe throughout her grief, stating 'it was only 5 months' 'you hardly knew him'. The relationship that Chloe has with Jack is a very subjective experience that only Chloe will ever be able to understand.
At first, I found this book a bit of a slow burner, not fully understanding where the story was going. But when I got to around 50/60% of the way through, it started to develop such a meaning to me. Who is anyone else to dictate how someone should grieve? Or if they are 'entitled' to grieve? Not only is Chloe grieving the loss of her partner, she is also grieving the loss of being able to accomplish so many things that she wanted to do with the man she loves.
I really empathised with Chloe. I loved how her character developed throughout the book and how we followed her through the difficult times after Jack's death. As much as I wish there was just that little bit more context at the end to see where Chloe's journey goes with a certain someone, I think it ended on a lovely note.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and Hayley Doyle for the ARC of this in exchange for an honest review!
February 10, 2021
I got this eARC from Netgalley in exhange for a honesy review
It was sometime sweet and sad, a bit bitter and confusing i think. The confusing part because it felt like it jumped all around and it did not make sense that she was here and there and sometimes i felt just lost, it was sort of hard to follow Chloe and make sense of what she did and why. I liked how the ending was handled, and that she managed to let go and move on.
It was sometime sweet and sad, a bit bitter and confusing i think. The confusing part because it felt like it jumped all around and it did not make sense that she was here and there and sometimes i felt just lost, it was sort of hard to follow Chloe and make sense of what she did and why. I liked how the ending was handled, and that she managed to let go and move on.
October 16, 2020
ARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book. THIS BOOK. I don’t think I have the words to describe how emotional and impactful this book is, but I’m writing a review so I’m going to try 😅
Chloe Roscoe and Jack Carmichael have been together for 5 months when Jack is unexpectedly involved in an accident and passes away. How do you move on from the person that was the beginning of the rest of your life? The book follows Chloe as she learns to navigate a life on her own that was intended to be shared.
I have never read a book that made me cry so much. The way that Chloe experienced her grief was so relatable to me. I know that grief is not the same for everyone; people experience it differently, and it is never neat or linear or convenient. But I’ve read a few books where characters lose a loved one, and never have I read one that was so honest and scary and heart wrenching but ultimately hopeful.
I’ve seen this quote already in other reviews but thought I’d share it as well: “So, word of warning for anybody who- like me- has fallen into the habit of taking photos of a rainbow salad; two glasses of wine by candlelight: feet on a beach: don’t. Take photos of people. You will never, ever, ever care about your toes painted neon pink on the sand, ever. But you’ll wish you had more photos of the person you loved. “
I can’t properly articulate how much I loved this book, so all I can say is that I loved it and I encourage everyone to read this when it is released.
This book. THIS BOOK. I don’t think I have the words to describe how emotional and impactful this book is, but I’m writing a review so I’m going to try 😅
Chloe Roscoe and Jack Carmichael have been together for 5 months when Jack is unexpectedly involved in an accident and passes away. How do you move on from the person that was the beginning of the rest of your life? The book follows Chloe as she learns to navigate a life on her own that was intended to be shared.
I have never read a book that made me cry so much. The way that Chloe experienced her grief was so relatable to me. I know that grief is not the same for everyone; people experience it differently, and it is never neat or linear or convenient. But I’ve read a few books where characters lose a loved one, and never have I read one that was so honest and scary and heart wrenching but ultimately hopeful.
I’ve seen this quote already in other reviews but thought I’d share it as well: “So, word of warning for anybody who- like me- has fallen into the habit of taking photos of a rainbow salad; two glasses of wine by candlelight: feet on a beach: don’t. Take photos of people. You will never, ever, ever care about your toes painted neon pink on the sand, ever. But you’ll wish you had more photos of the person you loved. “
I can’t properly articulate how much I loved this book, so all I can say is that I loved it and I encourage everyone to read this when it is released.
February 6, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc for review. This in no way influences my opinion.
Chloe and Jack have been together for five months, when he suddenly dies in an accident and leaves Chloe bereft. We follow Chloe as she tries to come to terms with what has happened and move on.
So, I really didn't like this book. I have seen reviews saying it's moving and poignant, and that is what I was expecting going into it. That's definitely not what I got. The characters are just awful - there is maybe one or two that aren't complete idiots! A lot of the time I was sat wondering why Chloe is friends with these people or why she doesn't stand up for herself when people are being awful to her. For example, when talking to Chloe about Jack's death, her mum says to her "I bet things with Jack weren't even that serious and you're just being dramatic!" - whose mother would say that to their child after they have just lost their partner, whether they had been together 5 months or 5 years?
I appreciate what the author was trying to do in this story- following Chloe through all of her 'firsts' since losing Jack and seeing how she dealt with it and how difficult that was for her, but sadly it wasn't done very well.
Chloe and Jack have been together for five months, when he suddenly dies in an accident and leaves Chloe bereft. We follow Chloe as she tries to come to terms with what has happened and move on.
So, I really didn't like this book. I have seen reviews saying it's moving and poignant, and that is what I was expecting going into it. That's definitely not what I got. The characters are just awful - there is maybe one or two that aren't complete idiots! A lot of the time I was sat wondering why Chloe is friends with these people or why she doesn't stand up for herself when people are being awful to her. For example, when talking to Chloe about Jack's death, her mum says to her "I bet things with Jack weren't even that serious and you're just being dramatic!" - whose mother would say that to their child after they have just lost their partner, whether they had been together 5 months or 5 years?
I appreciate what the author was trying to do in this story- following Chloe through all of her 'firsts' since losing Jack and seeing how she dealt with it and how difficult that was for her, but sadly it wasn't done very well.
February 17, 2021
Thanks to #Netgalley for making this book available to me.
This book was really hard for me to read. I don't have an issue reading books about loss and depression, it just I thought this book was a romance or even chick-lit, it was more women's fiction and not really what I expected. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed it.
This story is that of Chloe and Jack. While most of what we know of Jack is from Chloe's memory of him, I do think he plays a major role in how she views life. Chloe and Jack dated for a little over six months and they have just recently moved in together when Jack was killed in a motor accident while he was crossing the road. They have just eaten that morning, just woken up in the same bed that morning, when he dead. She was in his apartment when his parents came in and told her about his death. His parents did not know he was dating anyone and she was basically a ghost to them and to Jack's friends.
Jack, who was a fixture in her life has suddenly gone and since almost no-one knew about them, she was not seen as important to him. Even her friend told her to forget about him and move on with her life. When Chloe went to Jack funeral, her pain became invisible because she was faceless and unknown, no solace was provided to her because her loss wasn't recognized.
She had to go back to the apartment she shared with Jack feeling like she didn't know him. She was sad and she broke down (I would too, were I in her shoes). They had made plans to travel the world and do things that make them both happy. She decided to do all those things, going on a journey to find herself and her happiness.
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.
This book was really hard for me to read. I don't have an issue reading books about loss and depression, it just I thought this book was a romance or even chick-lit, it was more women's fiction and not really what I expected. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed it.
This story is that of Chloe and Jack. While most of what we know of Jack is from Chloe's memory of him, I do think he plays a major role in how she views life. Chloe and Jack dated for a little over six months and they have just recently moved in together when Jack was killed in a motor accident while he was crossing the road. They have just eaten that morning, just woken up in the same bed that morning, when he dead. She was in his apartment when his parents came in and told her about his death. His parents did not know he was dating anyone and she was basically a ghost to them and to Jack's friends.
Jack, who was a fixture in her life has suddenly gone and since almost no-one knew about them, she was not seen as important to him. Even her friend told her to forget about him and move on with her life. When Chloe went to Jack funeral, her pain became invisible because she was faceless and unknown, no solace was provided to her because her loss wasn't recognized.
She had to go back to the apartment she shared with Jack feeling like she didn't know him. She was sad and she broke down (I would too, were I in her shoes). They had made plans to travel the world and do things that make them both happy. She decided to do all those things, going on a journey to find herself and her happiness.
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.
April 10, 2021
3,5 🌟
This was a touching and honest story. We follow Chloe, who is grieving the loss of her partner, Jack. She’s left wondering what the future would’ve held for them.
Everyone griefs in different ways, and I found it to be very special to look at the way Chloe does. It really broke my heart at times.
I didn’t really have to cry while reading this book, but I was touched by it.
Hayley Doyle has done an amazing job portraying the grief of Chloe and everyone who was close to Jack.
“This is what we were. What we will always be. Not love. But almost.”
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for providing me an e-arc. This in no way affected my opinion.
This was a touching and honest story. We follow Chloe, who is grieving the loss of her partner, Jack. She’s left wondering what the future would’ve held for them.
Everyone griefs in different ways, and I found it to be very special to look at the way Chloe does. It really broke my heart at times.
I didn’t really have to cry while reading this book, but I was touched by it.
Hayley Doyle has done an amazing job portraying the grief of Chloe and everyone who was close to Jack.
“This is what we were. What we will always be. Not love. But almost.”
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for providing me an e-arc. This in no way affected my opinion.
March 29, 2021
This is what The Two Lives of Lydia Bird was trying to be, without the weird drug addiction.
An honest, raw, heartfelt depiction of grief. This book touches on the struggle of grieving when everyone expects you to not.
An honest, raw, heartfelt depiction of grief. This book touches on the struggle of grieving when everyone expects you to not.
January 16, 2021
Love Almost by Hayley Doyle is a contemporary romance novel about Chloe and Jack. They have dated for mere five mothers, and have made so many lists and plans to do things together. But life has different plans and Jack meets with an accident. Chloe is left all alone and doesn't know what to do.
I am usually not someone who prefers reading books like these. Dealing with grief and loss, I am not very emotionally expressive towards these things when it comes to books. But I really enjoyed reading this book, somehow. It was totally more than what I had expected and it was so nice to read about Chloe.
Chloe and his family, as well as Jack's family thought she did not know much about Jack to actually be grieving about the same. The book actually starts and gives out a very important message as you what love is and how loving someone is such a subjective experience that it cannot be generalized or as much cannot be compared to a timeframe.
Telling much about this story is only going to give more and more spoilers. So all I am going to say it the book is sad, emotional, thought provoking as well as very touching and emotional at the same time. I liked Chloe, I liked how she moves forward in her life and is strongly dealing with grief.
_________
Thank You to NetGalley and Publisher - Avon Books UK for providing me eARC in exchange for a honest opinion.
I am usually not someone who prefers reading books like these. Dealing with grief and loss, I am not very emotionally expressive towards these things when it comes to books. But I really enjoyed reading this book, somehow. It was totally more than what I had expected and it was so nice to read about Chloe.
Chloe and his family, as well as Jack's family thought she did not know much about Jack to actually be grieving about the same. The book actually starts and gives out a very important message as you what love is and how loving someone is such a subjective experience that it cannot be generalized or as much cannot be compared to a timeframe.
Telling much about this story is only going to give more and more spoilers. So all I am going to say it the book is sad, emotional, thought provoking as well as very touching and emotional at the same time. I liked Chloe, I liked how she moves forward in her life and is strongly dealing with grief.
_________
Thank You to NetGalley and Publisher - Avon Books UK for providing me eARC in exchange for a honest opinion.
November 3, 2020
"I reckon I love you, Chloe Roscoe"
OH. GOD. This line broke me. The significance of these words...
What would you do if the person you're with suddenly passes away while still in the honeymoon phase of your relationship? What would you feel like when you find out his family doesn't know anything about you or that you have been their dead son's secret? How do you stay cool when everybody tells you that your short-lived relationship shouldn't have that much impact in your life? How do you move on when the love you thought was blazing is suddenly in questioned and you can't get your answers because the only one that could give them to you has died? This is Chloe Roscoe's story.
I gotta say, this book started out slow, but I get it — you can't hurry up your grief. This is a very slow process that needs to take it's own time. When one dies, something inside us breaks that nothing can ever fix. This is a tale of grief, family, love and most importantly self-discovery. I love that the story's flow here is so organic. Chloe is such a great character, so strong and hopeful! It breaks my heart to find out what the title means now that I've finished the book. Hayley Doyle has done a wonderful job telling this inspiring story.
This novel is a must-read if you have enjoyed Josie Silver's "The Two Lives of Lydia Bird"
(Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!)
OH. GOD. This line broke me. The significance of these words...
What would you do if the person you're with suddenly passes away while still in the honeymoon phase of your relationship? What would you feel like when you find out his family doesn't know anything about you or that you have been their dead son's secret? How do you stay cool when everybody tells you that your short-lived relationship shouldn't have that much impact in your life? How do you move on when the love you thought was blazing is suddenly in questioned and you can't get your answers because the only one that could give them to you has died? This is Chloe Roscoe's story.
I gotta say, this book started out slow, but I get it — you can't hurry up your grief. This is a very slow process that needs to take it's own time. When one dies, something inside us breaks that nothing can ever fix. This is a tale of grief, family, love and most importantly self-discovery. I love that the story's flow here is so organic. Chloe is such a great character, so strong and hopeful! It breaks my heart to find out what the title means now that I've finished the book. Hayley Doyle has done a wonderful job telling this inspiring story.
This novel is a must-read if you have enjoyed Josie Silver's "The Two Lives of Lydia Bird"
(Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!)
January 29, 2021
“So, word of warning for anybody who- like me- has fallen into the habit of taking photos of a rainbow salad; two glasses of wine by candlelight: feet on a beach: don’t. Take photos of people. You will never, ever, ever care about your toes painted neon pink on the sand, ever. But you’ll wish you had more photos of the person you loved."
When it comes to loss, how do you cope? I'm a sobbing freakin mess. I don't do well with hurt or loss or "forever gone". How do you move on when the person who's gone was just right in front of you hours before?
Chloe and Jack were adorably in love; it brought me back to the first 5 months of my previous relationship, probably the only one that if this had happened to me I would be a WREK. Cause even at 5 months I was sure he was my forever (we were high school sweethearts ended up getting married but divorcing at 30, I still feel like I lost my best friend most days).
The news being broken to her was devastating, considering his parents didn't know who she was or why she was in his home. I can't imagine how much harder that must had been as well.
I tend to stay away from reads like this lately, but in light of Valentine's Day... that was probably still a pretty bad idea.
Despite how sad this topic is, this book is also about hope, moving on and finding your way while dealing with grief and loss. It was definitely an eye opening and thought provoking experience. And I'm glad I picked this one up!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this title!
When it comes to loss, how do you cope? I'm a sobbing freakin mess. I don't do well with hurt or loss or "forever gone". How do you move on when the person who's gone was just right in front of you hours before?
Chloe and Jack were adorably in love; it brought me back to the first 5 months of my previous relationship, probably the only one that if this had happened to me I would be a WREK. Cause even at 5 months I was sure he was my forever (we were high school sweethearts ended up getting married but divorcing at 30, I still feel like I lost my best friend most days).
The news being broken to her was devastating, considering his parents didn't know who she was or why she was in his home. I can't imagine how much harder that must had been as well.
I tend to stay away from reads like this lately, but in light of Valentine's Day... that was probably still a pretty bad idea.
Despite how sad this topic is, this book is also about hope, moving on and finding your way while dealing with grief and loss. It was definitely an eye opening and thought provoking experience. And I'm glad I picked this one up!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this title!
June 1, 2021
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for giving me an ARC of this book.
Chloe and Jack have been together for 5 months before Jack is tragically killed in an accident leaving Chloe with endless memories and a broken heart. As she begins to come to terms with his passing, Chloe realises that Jack’s family and friends truly do not know how much of an important and special role she had in his life due to the limited time they were together. This leaves her lonely and afraid as she struggles to grieve and cope with the question of how do you look to the future when your reason to live is taken away from you?
Over the course of the book Chloe decides to complete the things that Jack and her had planned as a way to remember him and relive the memories they made. Hayley did a wonderful job of showing the raw and organic emotions and experiences that one lives through as they learn to rebuild their life after the loss of a loved one. I have read numerous deaths in books and the impact it has on the loved ones but I found that as Chloe grappled with her new found challenges, there was no shying away from the difficulties and frustrations that she underwent. Overall it was an emotional read, one that shows you the way trauma and love can profoundly change someone in the most unexpected of ways.
Chloe and Jack have been together for 5 months before Jack is tragically killed in an accident leaving Chloe with endless memories and a broken heart. As she begins to come to terms with his passing, Chloe realises that Jack’s family and friends truly do not know how much of an important and special role she had in his life due to the limited time they were together. This leaves her lonely and afraid as she struggles to grieve and cope with the question of how do you look to the future when your reason to live is taken away from you?
Over the course of the book Chloe decides to complete the things that Jack and her had planned as a way to remember him and relive the memories they made. Hayley did a wonderful job of showing the raw and organic emotions and experiences that one lives through as they learn to rebuild their life after the loss of a loved one. I have read numerous deaths in books and the impact it has on the loved ones but I found that as Chloe grappled with her new found challenges, there was no shying away from the difficulties and frustrations that she underwent. Overall it was an emotional read, one that shows you the way trauma and love can profoundly change someone in the most unexpected of ways.
January 4, 2021
Chloe and Jack were together for 5 months before he died. Chloe is left reeling from the loss, and in order to find closure, she sets out to tick off all the plans that she and Jack made when they were together.
I’m a sucker for books that will leave me sobbing, and when I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to give it a try.
Ok so, it didn't make me cry, BUT it was still a pretty touching story. We get to follow Chloe as she grieves a relationship that was just getting started, so not only do we see her grief the loss of her partner, but we also see her grief the future they both lost. Yes, it was sad, but there were still humorous moments and lighter scenes. Read if you liked PS I Love You or Forever Interrupted and books about British characters.
I’m a sucker for books that will leave me sobbing, and when I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to give it a try.
Ok so, it didn't make me cry, BUT it was still a pretty touching story. We get to follow Chloe as she grieves a relationship that was just getting started, so not only do we see her grief the loss of her partner, but we also see her grief the future they both lost. Yes, it was sad, but there were still humorous moments and lighter scenes. Read if you liked PS I Love You or Forever Interrupted and books about British characters.
January 7, 2021
Love, Almost is a beautiful story about love and relationships. Told from a woman’s perspective, it is very intimate and relatable. This is the first book I have read from this author, but I hope to read more from her in the years to come.
Chloe is a 36 year old woman who is head over heels in love with Jack. The romance has been intense since the two met five months ago. Indeed, the couple travelled together to Thailand and now live together. Tragically, Jack is killed in an accident and Chloe’s world is torn apart.
As Chloe soon learns, Jack has not disclosed his relationship with Chloe to the many of the important people in his life. As a result, she is caught in an altered state where she is grieving for her loss, but this loss is not recognized. Even her friends note that she only knew Jack for but a minute. But her grief is intense and she struggles to stay connected to his memory. Remembering the plans the two had for the future, Chloe decides to complete this list and hopes to learn more about Jack and their relationship along the way.
I was a little nervous going into this book given that Jack is killed and I tend to get emotional over such tragedies. For those of you who are also sensitive to books with such events, be rest assured that he passes away very early in the book and before you can attach yourself to his character. The story is about Chloe working through her grief and to reflect further upon their relationship and its meaning.
I really enjoyed this book and felt engaged throughout the book. The character development is very good, and I felt connected to Chloe. I appreciated her journey as she works through her grief. I loved the relationships that Chloe develops with Jack’s family which eventually provides context to Jack and Chloe’s relationship. I found the conclusion of the book satisfying.
I listened to the audiobook version of the story which was narrated by the author who provides a very good performance. Her voice is age appropriate, articulate and pleasant to listen to. I listened to the book at my usual 1.25x speed which provided me with a comfortable listening experience.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Audio for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Chloe is a 36 year old woman who is head over heels in love with Jack. The romance has been intense since the two met five months ago. Indeed, the couple travelled together to Thailand and now live together. Tragically, Jack is killed in an accident and Chloe’s world is torn apart.
As Chloe soon learns, Jack has not disclosed his relationship with Chloe to the many of the important people in his life. As a result, she is caught in an altered state where she is grieving for her loss, but this loss is not recognized. Even her friends note that she only knew Jack for but a minute. But her grief is intense and she struggles to stay connected to his memory. Remembering the plans the two had for the future, Chloe decides to complete this list and hopes to learn more about Jack and their relationship along the way.
I was a little nervous going into this book given that Jack is killed and I tend to get emotional over such tragedies. For those of you who are also sensitive to books with such events, be rest assured that he passes away very early in the book and before you can attach yourself to his character. The story is about Chloe working through her grief and to reflect further upon their relationship and its meaning.
I really enjoyed this book and felt engaged throughout the book. The character development is very good, and I felt connected to Chloe. I appreciated her journey as she works through her grief. I loved the relationships that Chloe develops with Jack’s family which eventually provides context to Jack and Chloe’s relationship. I found the conclusion of the book satisfying.
I listened to the audiobook version of the story which was narrated by the author who provides a very good performance. Her voice is age appropriate, articulate and pleasant to listen to. I listened to the book at my usual 1.25x speed which provided me with a comfortable listening experience.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Audio for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
January 31, 2021
Chloe and Jack have their relationship potential cut short, at the stage of 'I love you' with future plans. But not long enough to have got to know everyone around their partner. When she loses him she decides to carry on a bucket list of things they had planned to do, and tries to get to know his family and friends.
You really feel for her as she comes to terms with coping with grief and accepting that life isn't taking the path she'd imagined.
I would be keen to read more by Hayley Doyle
You really feel for her as she comes to terms with coping with grief and accepting that life isn't taking the path she'd imagined.
I would be keen to read more by Hayley Doyle
September 29, 2020
"So, word of warning to anybody who - like me - has fallen into the habit of taking photos of a rainbow salad; two wine glasses by candlelight; f***** feet on a f***** beach: don't. Take photos of people. You will never, ever, ever care about your toes painted neon pink on the sand, ever. But you'll wish you had more photos of the person you loved."
As one of the many people who loved Cecelia Ahern's "P.s I Love You", I read the description of "Love, Almost" and thought it sounded right up my street. Chloe is from Liverpool, in her mid thirties and currently a teacher after finally (almost) deciding on a career. She has moved to London to be with her boyfriend of 5 months Jack. They are right in the initial stages of a relationship, the honeymoon period where you just can't get enough of each other and Chloe is starting to fall in love. Then, Jack dies in a tragic accident and Chloe is left grieving a relationship that it appears not many knew much about.
Other than Chloe's annoying friend Beth who says "babes" more than anything else, I really enjoyed this book. We watch Chloe try to move on with her life, with those around her not really getting it. She finds it hard to properly grieve when her friends, family and Jack's family don't appreciate how special the relationship was to Chloe. She has just moved her life to London and now the person she moved there for is gone.
Chloe is portrayed as a slightly erratic character who can't make any proper decisions on anything and that is clear throughout the writing style, a lot of which is Chloe's thoughts about Jack and the situation she finds herself in. It reminds me a lot of when I was a teenager and was dumped by someone who I thought was my everything. Admittedly not the same, but the frantic and sometimes irrational thoughts felt familiar.
Definitely not the romantic book that "P.S I Love You" is, but a book about finding yourself and moving on from a trauma. An easy, pleasant read which I would recommend trying out.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
As one of the many people who loved Cecelia Ahern's "P.s I Love You", I read the description of "Love, Almost" and thought it sounded right up my street. Chloe is from Liverpool, in her mid thirties and currently a teacher after finally (almost) deciding on a career. She has moved to London to be with her boyfriend of 5 months Jack. They are right in the initial stages of a relationship, the honeymoon period where you just can't get enough of each other and Chloe is starting to fall in love. Then, Jack dies in a tragic accident and Chloe is left grieving a relationship that it appears not many knew much about.
Other than Chloe's annoying friend Beth who says "babes" more than anything else, I really enjoyed this book. We watch Chloe try to move on with her life, with those around her not really getting it. She finds it hard to properly grieve when her friends, family and Jack's family don't appreciate how special the relationship was to Chloe. She has just moved her life to London and now the person she moved there for is gone.
Chloe is portrayed as a slightly erratic character who can't make any proper decisions on anything and that is clear throughout the writing style, a lot of which is Chloe's thoughts about Jack and the situation she finds herself in. It reminds me a lot of when I was a teenager and was dumped by someone who I thought was my everything. Admittedly not the same, but the frantic and sometimes irrational thoughts felt familiar.
Definitely not the romantic book that "P.S I Love You" is, but a book about finding yourself and moving on from a trauma. An easy, pleasant read which I would recommend trying out.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Want to read
September 26, 2020I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley.
December 30, 2020
Review to follow!
October 30, 2020
Love, Almost by Hayley Doyle a devastating five-star read. I have just finished another emotional read and then wasn’t sure if I should start this one as I didn’t know if I had any more tears in me, but I am so glad I did. I don’t know if it was that my husband moved from Liverpool to live and marry me after we had only been dating a short couple of months, so I could imagine what he would have felt if he had lost me like Chloe loses her Jack, I could understand the depth of her love in such a short time span, you don’t spend much time together physically but you do emotionally. I had a similar relationship years ago, very intense and passionate and then suddenly gone and you do feel lost, you haven’t known them since school, or all of their life so everyone who has looks at you with incredulity like your grief isn’t as powerful as theirs even though you feel it is. Maybe I identified with Chloe too deeply, but this story consumed me and was just what I needed as I have honestly been in a horrid slump in our second lockdown in Wales, and even though this second one is short, there is no clear end coming and I was having a wobble, watching Chloe through her voyage gave me a sense of peace, how was I feeling so wobbly when I haven’t lost the love of my life, next year will come soon and life will be back to a more normal way, but when you lose someone life does go back, but it’s never truly normal. Maybe it was the northernisms of this story that added an extra layer to me, as I may have been here for years, but I’m still a northern lass at heart. I know that some people wont enjoy this story, but for me it is easily one of the best I have read this year.
October 5, 2020
I met, moved in and married my husband within a year. Maybe this is why this book moved me so much. Chloe met someone and moved in with him in 5 months, someone who she thought was the one. Then he died.
Well written, great characters. I really enjoyed it.
Well written, great characters. I really enjoyed it.
October 14, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC of Love, Almost by Haley Doyle.
The message that this book gives to readers is important these days and because of that this is worth the read.
How Chloe copes with Jack’s death by accomplishing bucket list items that she and Jack had planned in their short time together is inspiring and hopeful. Grieving for someone or even things in your life in different ways was what I took away from Chloe’s adventures. The author’s ability to have the reader go through a wide range of emotions that Chloe was experiencing was well written with a satisfying ending.
The message that this book gives to readers is important these days and because of that this is worth the read.
How Chloe copes with Jack’s death by accomplishing bucket list items that she and Jack had planned in their short time together is inspiring and hopeful. Grieving for someone or even things in your life in different ways was what I took away from Chloe’s adventures. The author’s ability to have the reader go through a wide range of emotions that Chloe was experiencing was well written with a satisfying ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2021
This book is special. It’s the kind of story I know I will think about for a long time.
Chloe and Jack’s time together is over before it really began. This is not your average love story but it’s definitely a story about love. Its unpredictable. Its emotional and it’s about moments we share with those we cherish. It’s also about healing and finding yourself and a future you can be happy with.
I cried a few times in this one. It made me pause and think about mortality, about family and about happiness. There’s a fantastic group of supporting characters that made it a really rich read. I absolutely loved it.
I received an arc of this book.
Chloe and Jack’s time together is over before it really began. This is not your average love story but it’s definitely a story about love. Its unpredictable. Its emotional and it’s about moments we share with those we cherish. It’s also about healing and finding yourself and a future you can be happy with.
I cried a few times in this one. It made me pause and think about mortality, about family and about happiness. There’s a fantastic group of supporting characters that made it a really rich read. I absolutely loved it.
I received an arc of this book.
January 2, 2021
''I RECKON I LOVE YOU, CHLOE ROSCOE.
This is what we were. What we will always be. Not love. But almost. ''
Chloe and Jack were in love. Just moved in together. But then he died. Jack hasn't spoken about Chloe to his parents or his friends yet, and nobody knows who Chloe is and how serious they actually were. But Chloe is 36 and after all that time she has found her true love. Only for it to be taken away from her.
I love how the story progressed. It starts off with Chloe learning how to come and deal with missing Jack, but it goes deeper and she widens her search from finding peace to finding herself. She first searches for some kind of a sign of affirmation that their love did exist, that she didn't imagine it, that she wasn't irrelevant to him. She is desperately trying to get that confirmation. So she goes through a lot to find peace and comfort. She goes from shock to feeling desperate, to feeling absolutely lost in life all together, to the point where she almost ruins all her relationships.
It shows us that we sometimes get caught up in grief, totally normal and that we sometimes forget to reach out to others who also have their sadness to deal with. We just go through it at different times, or through different aspects of our lives. People tend to have it together, but appearances are just appearances.
I guess the story also sends a message that you never know what people are going through. Use your words wisely. Show more kindness. And always be honest with your loved ones because you never know how you might help someone learn the truth about who they are.
Characters: Every character introduced was presented in the right way so that we understand their stories. We were given tidbits of their deep struggles and lives so that we understand them and their roles in this story. The relationship between her and her bestie was so raw and honest, it was amazing to witness it. Oh, and Justin! Justin was my cherry on top of a sundae at the end. I was a bit annoyed with her parents, especially in the beginning but it all kind of went away once I got deeper into the story. You start to slowly understand everyone's point of view, and that is what life should be about anyway. Understanding each other, even though we walk different paths in life.
I have to admit the last 10 minutes of reading had my eyes watering. It's definitely not how I imagined it would end, but it ended PERFECTLY.
Who would like it: Anyone who enjoys love stories, but isn't afraid of reading an unconventional one, If you'd like to get more insight into a different kind of a love story, that hasn't even begun properly, and want to learn more about how one deals with loss.
This is what we were. What we will always be. Not love. But almost. ''
Chloe and Jack were in love. Just moved in together. But then he died. Jack hasn't spoken about Chloe to his parents or his friends yet, and nobody knows who Chloe is and how serious they actually were. But Chloe is 36 and after all that time she has found her true love. Only for it to be taken away from her.
I love how the story progressed. It starts off with Chloe learning how to come and deal with missing Jack, but it goes deeper and she widens her search from finding peace to finding herself. She first searches for some kind of a sign of affirmation that their love did exist, that she didn't imagine it, that she wasn't irrelevant to him. She is desperately trying to get that confirmation. So she goes through a lot to find peace and comfort. She goes from shock to feeling desperate, to feeling absolutely lost in life all together, to the point where she almost ruins all her relationships.
It shows us that we sometimes get caught up in grief, totally normal and that we sometimes forget to reach out to others who also have their sadness to deal with. We just go through it at different times, or through different aspects of our lives. People tend to have it together, but appearances are just appearances.
I guess the story also sends a message that you never know what people are going through. Use your words wisely. Show more kindness. And always be honest with your loved ones because you never know how you might help someone learn the truth about who they are.
Characters: Every character introduced was presented in the right way so that we understand their stories. We were given tidbits of their deep struggles and lives so that we understand them and their roles in this story. The relationship between her and her bestie was so raw and honest, it was amazing to witness it. Oh, and Justin! Justin was my cherry on top of a sundae at the end. I was a bit annoyed with her parents, especially in the beginning but it all kind of went away once I got deeper into the story. You start to slowly understand everyone's point of view, and that is what life should be about anyway. Understanding each other, even though we walk different paths in life.
I have to admit the last 10 minutes of reading had my eyes watering. It's definitely not how I imagined it would end, but it ended PERFECTLY.
Who would like it: Anyone who enjoys love stories, but isn't afraid of reading an unconventional one, If you'd like to get more insight into a different kind of a love story, that hasn't even begun properly, and want to learn more about how one deals with loss.
December 29, 2020
Tilly Mint as her Dad calls her, or Chloe Roscoe as most people know her, is a 36 year old teacher, recently moved from Liverpool to London, mourning the sudden loss of her boyfriend Jack. The trouble is Chloe has only known Jack 5 months and this seems to exclude her from any proper status in the grieving stakes.
Via the life depicted on their fridge door, where photos, bills, tickets and invites reside, Chloe slowly, painfully and haphazardly embarks upon a mission to live out the life she was due to enjoy with Jack until the point at which she is ready to let go and move on.
I absolutely adored Hayley Doyle's debut novel Never Saw You Coming, which was warm, touching, quirky, funny and original. How on earth I thought is the author going to be able to replicate or better that? Given that her follow up was written towards the end of a second pregnancy, into the newborn phase of motherhood and during the global pandemic, it is mind-blowing to have succeeded and created another tremendously touching and hilarious tale of learning to live again.
Doyle uses a lightness of touch and a freshness to her novels that embraces the reader and tempts you into another world featuring extremely loveable characters. They are loveable, not because they are perfect but because they all have flaws. This particular book is immensely enjoyable because it looks at grief from different perspectives, that of a father, a girlfriend, the in-laws, the best friend, the brother, the mother and an ex. It is sensitive but not overly sad and speaks more of hope than desperation without being unrealistic. Oh and did I mention that you are guaranteed to laugh a lot along the way?
I didn't want any distractions and didn't need any superfluous 'hooks' to completely engage me in Chloe's journey to learn more about herself, relationships and those around her.
I loved the use of the photo of the man in the shopping trolley, taken in Thailand, and hung as a canvas print on their shared kitchen wall, and the use of the items stuck to the fridge, to work almost like a list for Chloe to complete and tick off one by one, as she moves from wanting to hide to emerging into the world that carries in around her.
I am in awe of Doyle's writing ability to entertain and empathise and literally cannot wait to see what novel 3 is going to be about.
Love, Almost is another favourite read of 2020 for me, from a favourite author, and this is a genuine and honest review written by someone completely unconnected to Hayley Doyle but equally a genuine fan.
Read it, you will love it!
Via the life depicted on their fridge door, where photos, bills, tickets and invites reside, Chloe slowly, painfully and haphazardly embarks upon a mission to live out the life she was due to enjoy with Jack until the point at which she is ready to let go and move on.
I absolutely adored Hayley Doyle's debut novel Never Saw You Coming, which was warm, touching, quirky, funny and original. How on earth I thought is the author going to be able to replicate or better that? Given that her follow up was written towards the end of a second pregnancy, into the newborn phase of motherhood and during the global pandemic, it is mind-blowing to have succeeded and created another tremendously touching and hilarious tale of learning to live again.
Doyle uses a lightness of touch and a freshness to her novels that embraces the reader and tempts you into another world featuring extremely loveable characters. They are loveable, not because they are perfect but because they all have flaws. This particular book is immensely enjoyable because it looks at grief from different perspectives, that of a father, a girlfriend, the in-laws, the best friend, the brother, the mother and an ex. It is sensitive but not overly sad and speaks more of hope than desperation without being unrealistic. Oh and did I mention that you are guaranteed to laugh a lot along the way?
I didn't want any distractions and didn't need any superfluous 'hooks' to completely engage me in Chloe's journey to learn more about herself, relationships and those around her.
I loved the use of the photo of the man in the shopping trolley, taken in Thailand, and hung as a canvas print on their shared kitchen wall, and the use of the items stuck to the fridge, to work almost like a list for Chloe to complete and tick off one by one, as she moves from wanting to hide to emerging into the world that carries in around her.
I am in awe of Doyle's writing ability to entertain and empathise and literally cannot wait to see what novel 3 is going to be about.
Love, Almost is another favourite read of 2020 for me, from a favourite author, and this is a genuine and honest review written by someone completely unconnected to Hayley Doyle but equally a genuine fan.
Read it, you will love it!
January 6, 2021
"I reckon I love you" - Jack and Chloe meet and journey on a whirlwind romance which seems to be blossoming. After 5 months of dating and as Chloe is just about to move into Jack's flat, Jack is involved in a road accident and is killed. We then accompany Chloe on her journey to process the news and cope with the loss of someone she thought she had a future with, and continue to live her life without him. Should she just forget about him? Should she carry out the plans she made with Jack without him? Can she accept he is gone?
This is an unapologetic and touching story of a person dealing with sudden grief and loss. We witness all the stages of grief that Chloe goes through: denial, numbness, anger, anxiety, sadness, bargaining and acceptance. We also see Chloe face questions of whether she is entitled to grieve given how short her relationship with Jack is, but it's really interesting and compassionate to see Doyle deal with this topic and highlights that there is no judgment to grief/loss. Everyone deals with it in different ways - it is very personal and those feelings are valid. This is also highlighted through interconnected stories via Chloe's close friends and family. I think anyone reading this book who has encountered grief or loss (in whatever shape or form it may be) will find this read relatable, and will connect to Chloe's story. While this is a story tinged with sadness (especially when you realise the meaning behind the title of the book), there are many humorous points dotted throughout the book to lighten the mood!
In the initial chapters, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book as I felt Doyle did not provide the relationship between Jack and Chloe enough foundation to reinforce the bond and connection between them despite the short time they knew each other. However, I see that Doyle slowly reveals the stories between them as well as the individual lives they both had prior to meeting, which fills in the gaps from the early chapters.
Readers of books such as PS I Love You will enjoy this one!
Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books UK for letting me read this advance copy.
This is an unapologetic and touching story of a person dealing with sudden grief and loss. We witness all the stages of grief that Chloe goes through: denial, numbness, anger, anxiety, sadness, bargaining and acceptance. We also see Chloe face questions of whether she is entitled to grieve given how short her relationship with Jack is, but it's really interesting and compassionate to see Doyle deal with this topic and highlights that there is no judgment to grief/loss. Everyone deals with it in different ways - it is very personal and those feelings are valid. This is also highlighted through interconnected stories via Chloe's close friends and family. I think anyone reading this book who has encountered grief or loss (in whatever shape or form it may be) will find this read relatable, and will connect to Chloe's story. While this is a story tinged with sadness (especially when you realise the meaning behind the title of the book), there are many humorous points dotted throughout the book to lighten the mood!
In the initial chapters, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book as I felt Doyle did not provide the relationship between Jack and Chloe enough foundation to reinforce the bond and connection between them despite the short time they knew each other. However, I see that Doyle slowly reveals the stories between them as well as the individual lives they both had prior to meeting, which fills in the gaps from the early chapters.
Readers of books such as PS I Love You will enjoy this one!
Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books UK for letting me read this advance copy.
January 4, 2021
This story follows Chloe Roscoe, a thirty-something, who's been in a relationship with the man of her dreams Jack Carmichael for five short months. The pair travel together, 'reckon' they love one another and have just moved in together when Jack is killed in a tragic accident. Armed with a list of plans the pair had in place, Chloe decides to go ahead with them in honour of Jack. There's a hilarious skiing incident, an Italian meal, and an adventure to find the meaning behind a photograph to keep Chloe distracted from the grief of losing a loved one. There's a certain 'journey of discovery' path that Chloe leads after he has gone where she is given a fresh perspective on her life, her job as a teacher, and the things that bring her joy.
This has a unique theme of grief - Chloe's family, friends and Jack’s don't really empathize with her grieving process, and the phrase 'it was only five months' is tossed around frequently. Her grief and their relationship are subjective to her alone. She's not only grieving the man she loved, but also the missed opportunities that come with being with someone long-term. It's an emotive and moving story, and whilst it is a slow-builder, it's got a warming burn to it. Chloe's friend Beth is a tad annoying, and the use of Liverpool dialect felt a tad strained at times, hence why I'm not rating this higher.
If you're a fan of One Day you might like this, it channels the bittersweet notion of making the most whilst you can, and a look at love and taking a chance too late. A stand-out quote that seems to be equally loved by lots of reviewers is 'So, word of warning for anybody who- like me- has fallen into the habit of taking photos of a rainbow salad; two glasses of wine by candlelight: feet on a beach: don’t. Take photos of people. You will never, ever, ever care about your toes painted neon pink on the sand, ever. But you’ll wish you had more photos of the person you loved.'
*Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for my review copy
This has a unique theme of grief - Chloe's family, friends and Jack’s don't really empathize with her grieving process, and the phrase 'it was only five months' is tossed around frequently. Her grief and their relationship are subjective to her alone. She's not only grieving the man she loved, but also the missed opportunities that come with being with someone long-term. It's an emotive and moving story, and whilst it is a slow-builder, it's got a warming burn to it. Chloe's friend Beth is a tad annoying, and the use of Liverpool dialect felt a tad strained at times, hence why I'm not rating this higher.
If you're a fan of One Day you might like this, it channels the bittersweet notion of making the most whilst you can, and a look at love and taking a chance too late. A stand-out quote that seems to be equally loved by lots of reviewers is 'So, word of warning for anybody who- like me- has fallen into the habit of taking photos of a rainbow salad; two glasses of wine by candlelight: feet on a beach: don’t. Take photos of people. You will never, ever, ever care about your toes painted neon pink on the sand, ever. But you’ll wish you had more photos of the person you loved.'
*Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for my review copy
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