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With or Without You
Have you ever made a life-changing decision and then wondered if you made the right one...? A clever, captivating and bitterweet story of what might have been. Perfect for the fans of Jojo Moyes and Marian Keyes.
When Liv and Nate walked up the aisle, Liv knew she was marrying the one, her soul mate and her best friend.
Six years later, it feels like routine and friendship is all they have left in common. What happened to the fun, the excitement, the lust, the love?
In the closing moments of 1999, Liv and Nate decide to go their separate ways, but at the last minute, Liv wavers. Should she stay or should she go?
Over the next twenty years we follow the parallel stories to discover if Liv's life, heart and future have been better with Nate... Or without him?
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2018
3132 people are currently reading
917 people want to read
About the author
Shari Low
67 books1,427 followers*No1 Best Selling Author*
In January 2001, Shari Low's Low's first novel, What If? was published. Since then, Shari has published over 35 books, and sold three million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia. In 2023, she had three consecutive #1 best sellers - One Day With You, One Moment in Time and One Christmas Eve. Her first release of 2024, One Year After You, also hit the #1 spot.
In late 2020, her first novel, What If?, was updated and re-published, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit her on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at www.sharilow.com
In January 2001, Shari Low's Low's first novel, What If? was published. Since then, Shari has published over 35 books, and sold three million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia. In 2023, she had three consecutive #1 best sellers - One Day With You, One Moment in Time and One Christmas Eve. Her first release of 2024, One Year After You, also hit the #1 spot.
In late 2020, her first novel, What If?, was updated and re-published, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit her on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at www.sharilow.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
February 28, 2019
4☆ A Story based on decisions and how they impact you life.
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU is a story about relationships, choices, decisions and the effects those decisions have.
We follow Liv's Story as she tries to make a life changing decision.
Does she stay with her husband Nate?
Or
Does she leave him and explore a life without him?
Easy decision some might say, but what is really good about this book is you get the story from both scenarios.
It's set in two parts each playing out the what would happen if Liv made those exact choices.
The first part, what would happen if she stayed married to Nate.
The second part, what would happen if she left Nate.
It explores the effects on those around them, their friends and family, the effects it would have on them individually and as a whole.
I really enjoyed the conflicting scenarios, it was nice to play out the story to see where it would take them. Could they survive without each other? Are the meant to be together?
As it happens in real life, it's never easy saying goodbye to anything or anyone especially after sharing a life together for so long.
The plot is entertaining, realistic and relatable.
There was plenty of drama, humour, emotional and touching moments, love, relationships, friendships, dilemmas, ups and downs and a few lil twists to keep you on your toes.
I really liked all of the characters they each added something different to each part if the story, which was great as you got to see different sides to their personalities.
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU Is an Entertaining, heart warming, thought provoking read, the pace flowed along beautifully even with the conflicting scenarios it flowed without confusion.
So if you are looking for a light hearted, warm, thought provoking read, about relationships and choices then you will really enjoy WITH OR WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU is a story about relationships, choices, decisions and the effects those decisions have.
We follow Liv's Story as she tries to make a life changing decision.
Does she stay with her husband Nate?
Or
Does she leave him and explore a life without him?
Easy decision some might say, but what is really good about this book is you get the story from both scenarios.
It's set in two parts each playing out the what would happen if Liv made those exact choices.
The first part, what would happen if she stayed married to Nate.
The second part, what would happen if she left Nate.
It explores the effects on those around them, their friends and family, the effects it would have on them individually and as a whole.
I really enjoyed the conflicting scenarios, it was nice to play out the story to see where it would take them. Could they survive without each other? Are the meant to be together?
As it happens in real life, it's never easy saying goodbye to anything or anyone especially after sharing a life together for so long.
The plot is entertaining, realistic and relatable.
There was plenty of drama, humour, emotional and touching moments, love, relationships, friendships, dilemmas, ups and downs and a few lil twists to keep you on your toes.
I really liked all of the characters they each added something different to each part if the story, which was great as you got to see different sides to their personalities.
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU Is an Entertaining, heart warming, thought provoking read, the pace flowed along beautifully even with the conflicting scenarios it flowed without confusion.
So if you are looking for a light hearted, warm, thought provoking read, about relationships and choices then you will really enjoy WITH OR WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
June 11, 2018
Intriguing, thought-provoking, and creative!
With or Without You is a moving, parallel-universe tale that takes us into the life of Liv, a young woman whose fate will be decided by the choice she makes one New Years Eve, and by dividing the story into two parts highlights the effects either choice has on her own life and those she loves.
The writing is emotive and fluid. The characters are flawed, supportive, and real. And the multi-layered plot is a heartfelt, absorbing story about life, loss, love, family, friendship, compassion, romance, happiness, and destiny.
Overall, With or Without You is a fascinating, pensive read that reminds us that life is complicated, things happen for a reason, and often the choices we make have far-reaching consequences.
Thank you to Aria for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
With or Without You is a moving, parallel-universe tale that takes us into the life of Liv, a young woman whose fate will be decided by the choice she makes one New Years Eve, and by dividing the story into two parts highlights the effects either choice has on her own life and those she loves.
The writing is emotive and fluid. The characters are flawed, supportive, and real. And the multi-layered plot is a heartfelt, absorbing story about life, loss, love, family, friendship, compassion, romance, happiness, and destiny.
Overall, With or Without You is a fascinating, pensive read that reminds us that life is complicated, things happen for a reason, and often the choices we make have far-reaching consequences.
Thank you to Aria for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
November 6, 2024
Well then, I won’t bore anyone to tears with my very own sliding doors moment that occurred around an hour before I got to part two of the book and realised that’s exactly what we were having here! Wow!!
I found the first half of this book sort of flew at me and I was struggling to grasp the timeline a little bit, but it did click and then I was all in. Especially when we got to the second half and I flew through it.
I’m sure we all have shoulda wouoda coulda moments, I know I have a few that I go back to often where I wonder what would’ve been different if I had chosen a different path. I do firmly believe that we a predetermined entry and exit date, and that everybody we meet comes into our life as a lesson or a blessing!
This was right up my street.
Delivered by the fabulous Helen McAlpine.
Next please ❤️
I found the first half of this book sort of flew at me and I was struggling to grasp the timeline a little bit, but it did click and then I was all in. Especially when we got to the second half and I flew through it.
I’m sure we all have shoulda wouoda coulda moments, I know I have a few that I go back to often where I wonder what would’ve been different if I had chosen a different path. I do firmly believe that we a predetermined entry and exit date, and that everybody we meet comes into our life as a lesson or a blessing!
This was right up my street.
Delivered by the fabulous Helen McAlpine.
Next please ❤️
Read
January 13, 2019I haven’t read enough of this to rate it, but it was truly difficult to go on when every character is introduced mid scene with a two paragraph rundown of their character traits and history with the protagonist. Bad bad bad.
I was intrigued by the concept, which, though lifted from Kieslowski’s Blind Chance (or perhaps more likely Sliding Doors), is still interesting enough that it is open to creative uses. However, I quickly found myself repelled by the implausibility of the set up, and the lack of sympathy I felt for the characters. I mean, if you tell me that you spent a whole year with a guy on amazing holidays, having sex and walking beaches hand in hand and you still felt nothing - I’m sorry but how exactly am I to root for you guys here? I don’t. I think you definitely should divorce and move on. What’s the bloody delay?
However, I DNFed very quickly so possibly the author started developing her plot and thinking her characters through in more plausible detail later on. I wasn’t willing to wait.
I was intrigued by the concept, which, though lifted from Kieslowski’s Blind Chance (or perhaps more likely Sliding Doors), is still interesting enough that it is open to creative uses. However, I quickly found myself repelled by the implausibility of the set up, and the lack of sympathy I felt for the characters. I mean, if you tell me that you spent a whole year with a guy on amazing holidays, having sex and walking beaches hand in hand and you still felt nothing - I’m sorry but how exactly am I to root for you guys here? I don’t. I think you definitely should divorce and move on. What’s the bloody delay?
However, I DNFed very quickly so possibly the author started developing her plot and thinking her characters through in more plausible detail later on. I wasn’t willing to wait.
May 20, 2018
Have you ever had to make an important decision? What would have happened if you had decided differently!! This book centres on this theme! As a hesitant decision maker myself I was instantly draw to this book intrigued by the story which unfolded. I loved the film sliding doors and I drew comparison to it and this book instantly.
Liv and Nat have been longtime sweethearts and have been married for years. Their relationship has lost some of its spark and with the millennium approaching they are facing the life changing decision of staying in their safe marriage and working on rekindling their romance or deciding to draw a line under it.
The book is divided into two parts. The first is without Nate and the second is with Nat so essentially it’s the same story told from each perspective. This was an interesting read because it did demonstrate how one decision can change the course of your life.
If only we could all read a book which would enlighten us on how our life changing decision will turn out best!! The book did engage me , pulling at my emotions at times. I recommend you pack this in your suitcase this summer . Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my copy in return for an honest review.
Liv and Nat have been longtime sweethearts and have been married for years. Their relationship has lost some of its spark and with the millennium approaching they are facing the life changing decision of staying in their safe marriage and working on rekindling their romance or deciding to draw a line under it.
The book is divided into two parts. The first is without Nate and the second is with Nat so essentially it’s the same story told from each perspective. This was an interesting read because it did demonstrate how one decision can change the course of your life.
If only we could all read a book which would enlighten us on how our life changing decision will turn out best!! The book did engage me , pulling at my emotions at times. I recommend you pack this in your suitcase this summer . Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my copy in return for an honest review.
September 23, 2019
Imagine if you will, Sliding Doors meets One Day meets Cold Feet.
New Years' Eve 1999, Liv and Nate have decided to separate after six years of marriage because although they love each other, they aren't in love with each other. But at the stroke of midnight Nate says he's changed his mind, can they try again. This novel looks at how their lives, and those of their best friends, develop over 20 years depending on whether Liv agrees or disagrees with Nate's request.
First we see Liv's life without Nate, told through a series of events over the next 20 years, memorable birthdays, weddings, funerals, christenings etc. Then we see Liv's life with Nate and chart the similarities and differences. Are certain things inevitable, will people always end up together, or will one decision have implications for hundreds of people?
I can't really tell much more of the story without answering those questions. Suffice it to say I enjoyed this novel, set in Glasgow, the ups and downs of life over 20 years with a small group of friends. I can't even say which life I preferred!
Got this as a free read through Amazon Prime.
New Years' Eve 1999, Liv and Nate have decided to separate after six years of marriage because although they love each other, they aren't in love with each other. But at the stroke of midnight Nate says he's changed his mind, can they try again. This novel looks at how their lives, and those of their best friends, develop over 20 years depending on whether Liv agrees or disagrees with Nate's request.
First we see Liv's life without Nate, told through a series of events over the next 20 years, memorable birthdays, weddings, funerals, christenings etc. Then we see Liv's life with Nate and chart the similarities and differences. Are certain things inevitable, will people always end up together, or will one decision have implications for hundreds of people?
I can't really tell much more of the story without answering those questions. Suffice it to say I enjoyed this novel, set in Glasgow, the ups and downs of life over 20 years with a small group of friends. I can't even say which life I preferred!
Got this as a free read through Amazon Prime.
June 30, 2022
Contentment vs. Excitement
4,5 Stars
I love those Sliding Doors plots, the musings about "what if...". Normally it is about winning back someone, having a second chance. Shari Low instead ponders the possibility of breaking up a marriage that works but not sparks anymore. Very interesting idea!
Liv and Nate really tried to make their marriage work. They talked about being dissatisfied, and then gave it a whole year to rekindle their love with regular date nights, romantic holidays, arranging little surprises, getting out of the friends zone back to being lovers again...they went the whole nine yards with it. Did it help? Not for Liv. She does not want a marriage that she is only content with - she wants excitement. So with the start of the new Millennium they call it quits in one version; and stay together in the second one.
Shari Low gave her story a lot of thought and develops two absolute credible versions. She explains Liv's (1st person narrator) feelings very well. And her writing style really suited me.
The book is split into 2 parts: the first tells the story of how Liv's and all her friends' lives unfold when she leaves Nate. Afterwards we get to read what would happen if the two stay together after the 31st of December 1999.
I think it would have been a bit more suspenseful if you get to read the two stories more parallel instead of one after the other. And I'm pretty sure Shari Low thought about this, too. But in the end it would have been just way too complicated to keep track in which version you are in now and what exactly happened to whom in which universe. And it is perfectly fine the way it is now.
As I said, we not only follow Liv and Nate, but also all their closest friends. And I totally feel like being a part of their clique after accompanying them for a stretch of 16+ years. The group feels a bit like the clique from 'Beverly Hills, 90210', because they all stay close friends with one another even if a couple breaks up. In TV shows I always think that the reason for that is simply not wanting to introduce a whole new set of characters into the story and casting new people. Here in a book I find it a bit too unrealistic.
After finishing the book you inevitably ask yourself if there is such a thing as destiny and that "what's meant to be will be", no matter what.
Or is everything just a question of being at the right place at the right time; and if you miss one bus you just take another which brings you to a whole different destination?
I for myself would say the latter. Would I have made other (significant) choices in my life, I would live in a whole different country right now.
4,5 StarsI love those Sliding Doors plots, the musings about "what if...". Normally it is about winning back someone, having a second chance. Shari Low instead ponders the possibility of breaking up a marriage that works but not sparks anymore. Very interesting idea!
Liv and Nate really tried to make their marriage work. They talked about being dissatisfied, and then gave it a whole year to rekindle their love with regular date nights, romantic holidays, arranging little surprises, getting out of the friends zone back to being lovers again...they went the whole nine yards with it. Did it help? Not for Liv. She does not want a marriage that she is only content with - she wants excitement. So with the start of the new Millennium they call it quits in one version; and stay together in the second one.
Shari Low gave her story a lot of thought and develops two absolute credible versions. She explains Liv's (1st person narrator) feelings very well. And her writing style really suited me.
The book is split into 2 parts: the first tells the story of how Liv's and all her friends' lives unfold when she leaves Nate. Afterwards we get to read what would happen if the two stay together after the 31st of December 1999.
I think it would have been a bit more suspenseful if you get to read the two stories more parallel instead of one after the other. And I'm pretty sure Shari Low thought about this, too. But in the end it would have been just way too complicated to keep track in which version you are in now and what exactly happened to whom in which universe. And it is perfectly fine the way it is now.
As I said, we not only follow Liv and Nate, but also all their closest friends. And I totally feel like being a part of their clique after accompanying them for a stretch of 16+ years. The group feels a bit like the clique from 'Beverly Hills, 90210', because they all stay close friends with one another even if a couple breaks up. In TV shows I always think that the reason for that is simply not wanting to introduce a whole new set of characters into the story and casting new people. Here in a book I find it a bit too unrealistic.
After finishing the book you inevitably ask yourself if there is such a thing as destiny and that "what's meant to be will be", no matter what.
Or is everything just a question of being at the right place at the right time; and if you miss one bus you just take another which brings you to a whole different destination?
I for myself would say the latter. Would I have made other (significant) choices in my life, I would live in a whole different country right now.
May 24, 2018
3.5 star read.
"With or Without You" is two stories in one. Liv and Nate have been together since university. Five years into marriage they aren't sure that they should stay together.
This book reads like a combination of "Sliding Doors" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral". As with both movies, we have a large cast of characters, friends and couples who are the best of friends to one another; and these characters all make appearances in both story-lines.
This story could have dragged a bit, but the way Shari Low moves it along - each chapter marks an event in their lives (30th birthdays, weddings, births, etc), as we follow what Liv's life is like with or without Nate as her husband (because it's important to note that they are still in one another's lives).
This story isn't going to blow your socks off - but it will leave you feeling good. I do wish that we would have had more alternating points of view - we only get Liv's story - I think it would have been great if one story-line had been told from Liv's perspective (the "without you" story) and the other one was told by Nate (the "with you" story).
Overall - an enjoyable read. A little romance, a little self-reflection, a fun cast of characters that will have you cheering them on. thank you Netgalley and Aria for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
"With or Without You" is two stories in one. Liv and Nate have been together since university. Five years into marriage they aren't sure that they should stay together.
This book reads like a combination of "Sliding Doors" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral". As with both movies, we have a large cast of characters, friends and couples who are the best of friends to one another; and these characters all make appearances in both story-lines.
This story could have dragged a bit, but the way Shari Low moves it along - each chapter marks an event in their lives (30th birthdays, weddings, births, etc), as we follow what Liv's life is like with or without Nate as her husband (because it's important to note that they are still in one another's lives).
This story isn't going to blow your socks off - but it will leave you feeling good. I do wish that we would have had more alternating points of view - we only get Liv's story - I think it would have been great if one story-line had been told from Liv's perspective (the "without you" story) and the other one was told by Nate (the "with you" story).
Overall - an enjoyable read. A little romance, a little self-reflection, a fun cast of characters that will have you cheering them on. thank you Netgalley and Aria for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
April 24, 2018
I read this book in one sitting, mainly intrigued by what will change between Without and With parts, not wanting to forget any details.
I enjoyed the hypothetical game of circumstances and how people live through them in both scenarios kind of ending up making the same life-altering decisions no matter if Liv is or is not married to Nate.
I did feel like the writer was holding back a bit trying to make this believable and/or romanticly safe enough. Somehow I expected more of a comedy vs. tragedy sort of thing, thinking that this will be one account that makes people question what grand changes they would have had they that one time picked the right door, and not the left one. I know my life would've been completely on a different continent right now if I'd stayed with my college boyfriend.
Also, it felt a bit strange that Liv and Nate remain surrounded by the same people - surely people change more when they're not with the same people they used to be.
But overall it was an engaging story.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the hypothetical game of circumstances and how people live through them in both scenarios kind of ending up making the same life-altering decisions no matter if Liv is or is not married to Nate.
I did feel like the writer was holding back a bit trying to make this believable and/or romanticly safe enough. Somehow I expected more of a comedy vs. tragedy sort of thing, thinking that this will be one account that makes people question what grand changes they would have had they that one time picked the right door, and not the left one. I know my life would've been completely on a different continent right now if I'd stayed with my college boyfriend.
Also, it felt a bit strange that Liv and Nate remain surrounded by the same people - surely people change more when they're not with the same people they used to be.
But overall it was an engaging story.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 1, 2018
The story begins on the stroke of midnight as 1999 turns into the year 2000. Liv is making the big decision whether to stay with her husband Nate or not, after they have spent a year trying to make their marriage of seven years work for them. There's nothing bad happened, it's just that life isn't exciting anymore, rather routine and Liv feels that a lifetime partnership should be more than that. The first part of the book looks at what happens if she leaves him and the second if she stays with him.
Looking at what might happen if a different path had been chosen in life is a popular theme in film and literature: think Sliding Doors, The Versions of Us and It's a Wonderful Life. I think we all wonder 'what if?' on occasion, whether it's a big life-changing decision like Liv made or any of the small decisions we make each day. Through both sides of the story, we see the consequences, the ripple effect of Liv's decisions. Good things that happen in one version of the story, don't in the other and vice versa. Every decision we make has so many consequences and no-one can predict what they will be. It's a bit like how in It's A Wonderful Life, lots of men on a ship in WW2 died because Harry Bailey wasn't there to save them, because George Bailey hadn't been there to save Harry from drowning when he was a boy.
One thing about Shari Low's writing is that she has a real talent for making me feel fully engaged with her characters. They feel real and they are people I really care about. I really wanted them all to find their happy endings. The characters seemed like a great group of people and there was a lot of laughter in their lives. Liv's mum, Ida, was a hoot! Liv and Nate were part of a very strong friendship group who stuck together in both versions of the story and were a great support to each other no matter what. Justin in particular was someone who needed lots of support and his friends really stuck by him. Having experienced trying to support someone with the same problem as him, I know just how hard that can be.
We can never know what the right decision is but can only make the right decision for ourselves at that precise time. We also can never know what would have happened if we had chosen differently, we can only speculate, which is probably just as well! As for what the right decision was for Liv and Nate, well I'll leave you to find that out for yourself. What I will say is that as far as I was concerned, everyone ends up in the right place, with the right people, at the right time. With Or Without You is a thought-provoking and very enjoyable read.
Looking at what might happen if a different path had been chosen in life is a popular theme in film and literature: think Sliding Doors, The Versions of Us and It's a Wonderful Life. I think we all wonder 'what if?' on occasion, whether it's a big life-changing decision like Liv made or any of the small decisions we make each day. Through both sides of the story, we see the consequences, the ripple effect of Liv's decisions. Good things that happen in one version of the story, don't in the other and vice versa. Every decision we make has so many consequences and no-one can predict what they will be. It's a bit like how in It's A Wonderful Life, lots of men on a ship in WW2 died because Harry Bailey wasn't there to save them, because George Bailey hadn't been there to save Harry from drowning when he was a boy.
One thing about Shari Low's writing is that she has a real talent for making me feel fully engaged with her characters. They feel real and they are people I really care about. I really wanted them all to find their happy endings. The characters seemed like a great group of people and there was a lot of laughter in their lives. Liv's mum, Ida, was a hoot! Liv and Nate were part of a very strong friendship group who stuck together in both versions of the story and were a great support to each other no matter what. Justin in particular was someone who needed lots of support and his friends really stuck by him. Having experienced trying to support someone with the same problem as him, I know just how hard that can be.
We can never know what the right decision is but can only make the right decision for ourselves at that precise time. We also can never know what would have happened if we had chosen differently, we can only speculate, which is probably just as well! As for what the right decision was for Liv and Nate, well I'll leave you to find that out for yourself. What I will say is that as far as I was concerned, everyone ends up in the right place, with the right people, at the right time. With Or Without You is a thought-provoking and very enjoyable read.
June 1, 2018
From the author of One Day in December (which I also have a copy of) comes With or Without You. Shari Low lets us into the lives of Liv, a palliative care nurse and Nate, her university love and who she is convinced is her soulmate. They get hitched and all is well for 5 years. That is, until the closing minutes of 1999 when they decide they should take separate paths in life.
But, are they really better off without each other? Twenty years follow where life takes its course with milestone events such as 30th birthdays weddings births and more.
Shari Low's latest is a well-paced novel with a wonderful mix of suspense romance heartbreak important events and a dose of fun, too. I was smiling at some of the opening parts particularly. The book is set in Scotland and is atmospheric and realistic.
There's a lot to like about this book and the character development, setting and pacing is good. I did feel though that after 1999, a lot of the book was about Liv's life and told from her point of view. That's good to show that she is strong and does what she can with what she's dealt in life. We see family and friends as well as work are important to her. That's great and I was happy with the portrayal of all this.
However, I would have liked more of Nate's side of the story, as in, how did everything that happened affect him? How did he feel after and what did he do to move on in life? What were his family's or friends' take on what happened?
Despite a simple premise, Shari takes the plot and characters and weaves it into a realistic story and the plot moves along well.
I think the book will appeal to anyone who has had any kind of relationship and, to those who are going through harder times in love, may this book serve as a fun book in which to follow the life of a powerful strong main character. The cover is lovely too.
Recommended if you like this type of story, other books by Shari Low and books by JoJo Moyes and/ or Marian Keyes. Which I do. The title, cover and synopsis made me request this book and I enjoyed Shari Low's easy-to-follow yet gripping writing style.
Thanks to Shari Low and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. Blog tour on 7th June.
But, are they really better off without each other? Twenty years follow where life takes its course with milestone events such as 30th birthdays weddings births and more.
Shari Low's latest is a well-paced novel with a wonderful mix of suspense romance heartbreak important events and a dose of fun, too. I was smiling at some of the opening parts particularly. The book is set in Scotland and is atmospheric and realistic.
There's a lot to like about this book and the character development, setting and pacing is good. I did feel though that after 1999, a lot of the book was about Liv's life and told from her point of view. That's good to show that she is strong and does what she can with what she's dealt in life. We see family and friends as well as work are important to her. That's great and I was happy with the portrayal of all this.
However, I would have liked more of Nate's side of the story, as in, how did everything that happened affect him? How did he feel after and what did he do to move on in life? What were his family's or friends' take on what happened?
Despite a simple premise, Shari takes the plot and characters and weaves it into a realistic story and the plot moves along well.
I think the book will appeal to anyone who has had any kind of relationship and, to those who are going through harder times in love, may this book serve as a fun book in which to follow the life of a powerful strong main character. The cover is lovely too.
Recommended if you like this type of story, other books by Shari Low and books by JoJo Moyes and/ or Marian Keyes. Which I do. The title, cover and synopsis made me request this book and I enjoyed Shari Low's easy-to-follow yet gripping writing style.
Thanks to Shari Low and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. Blog tour on 7th June.
May 7, 2018
This book is essentially two stories in one, or, if you're feeling less generous, the same story told twice in slightly different ways.
It all hinges on a big decision at the start of the millennium. Will Liv stay with boring husband Nate or leave him so they can both have a chance of finding a bigger love?
The first half of the book is 'without' and the second half is 'with'. Interestingly (or not), the small pool of main characters stays the same in each. The ramifications of the decision aren't as big as you might expect and this is where the book was missing something for me. The differences between each book are what are interesting (small realisations, spotting an affair, helping a friend, saving a life, creating life!) and there's not quite enough of it. Liv is often not particularly sympathetic and while main characters don't have to be, I found her frustrating.
Also, I felt the first half was the 'happier' one to me (not a spoiler as you may view things differently), and so I didn't particularly enjoy the book finishing on the 'sadder' version of Liv's life.
I got the feeling the author wanted to say that we all end up where we're supposed to (regardless of which way your big decisions go) - and what you think of that may affect how you feel about the book generally.
An interesting premise, but for me it didn't quite work.
It all hinges on a big decision at the start of the millennium. Will Liv stay with boring husband Nate or leave him so they can both have a chance of finding a bigger love?
The first half of the book is 'without' and the second half is 'with'. Interestingly (or not), the small pool of main characters stays the same in each. The ramifications of the decision aren't as big as you might expect and this is where the book was missing something for me. The differences between each book are what are interesting (small realisations, spotting an affair, helping a friend, saving a life, creating life!) and there's not quite enough of it. Liv is often not particularly sympathetic and while main characters don't have to be, I found her frustrating.
Also, I felt the first half was the 'happier' one to me (not a spoiler as you may view things differently), and so I didn't particularly enjoy the book finishing on the 'sadder' version of Liv's life.
I got the feeling the author wanted to say that we all end up where we're supposed to (regardless of which way your big decisions go) - and what you think of that may affect how you feel about the book generally.
An interesting premise, but for me it didn't quite work.
August 16, 2019
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publishers/author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s the last moments of 1999 and Liv and Nate have decided after several years of marriage to separate. Despite caring for each other, things aren’t working but when Nate at the last minute asks for another chance Liv has to decide - stay or leave? In two alternate timelines, readers see what happens with each decision.
I really love alternate timeline stories and any kind of what if storyline so was excited to read this - particularly after reading Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Maybe in Another Life which follows the same alternate timeline depending on one decision.
This was definitely my least favourite out of the two unfortunately as it felt a little bit simple at times, and also repetitive. I found the main character Liv a bit bland and despite being just a general good person, I really didn’t feel like I got to know more of her personality and therefore couldn’t quite understand the appeal of her to the men who keep falling in love with her. I also found that Liv repeated phrases and descriptions a lot and it grew really irritating! For example, every time Janet appeared, Liv would mention her ‘inner bitch’.
I did appreciate the look at alcoholism and addition in this book through one of Liv and Nate’s friends though i can’t say I actually liked that storyline (especially as I felt like both timelines felt repetitive and there was nothing particularly new about the second one).
One of the things you don’t want to happen with an alternate timeline storyline happened to me with this book which is when I finished the ‘Without’ timeline, I was not interested at all in finishing the second half which was the ‘With’ storyline. I ended up finding the With timeline a bit boring and so many of the same things still happened and there wasn’t that much of a difference with some things. I prefer the ‘being happy with different outcomes’ rather than the ‘fate will always give you only one person.’
I also, for some reason, found it a bit creepy and unrealistic that they had the same kids in the timelines despite them being conceived at different times. Weird.
It’s the last moments of 1999 and Liv and Nate have decided after several years of marriage to separate. Despite caring for each other, things aren’t working but when Nate at the last minute asks for another chance Liv has to decide - stay or leave? In two alternate timelines, readers see what happens with each decision.
I really love alternate timeline stories and any kind of what if storyline so was excited to read this - particularly after reading Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Maybe in Another Life which follows the same alternate timeline depending on one decision.
This was definitely my least favourite out of the two unfortunately as it felt a little bit simple at times, and also repetitive. I found the main character Liv a bit bland and despite being just a general good person, I really didn’t feel like I got to know more of her personality and therefore couldn’t quite understand the appeal of her to the men who keep falling in love with her. I also found that Liv repeated phrases and descriptions a lot and it grew really irritating! For example, every time Janet appeared, Liv would mention her ‘inner bitch’.
I did appreciate the look at alcoholism and addition in this book through one of Liv and Nate’s friends though i can’t say I actually liked that storyline (especially as I felt like both timelines felt repetitive and there was nothing particularly new about the second one).
One of the things you don’t want to happen with an alternate timeline storyline happened to me with this book which is when I finished the ‘Without’ timeline, I was not interested at all in finishing the second half which was the ‘With’ storyline. I ended up finding the With timeline a bit boring and so many of the same things still happened and there wasn’t that much of a difference with some things. I prefer the ‘being happy with different outcomes’ rather than the ‘fate will always give you only one person.’
I also, for some reason, found it a bit creepy and unrealistic that they had the same kids in the timelines despite them being conceived at different times. Weird.
February 3, 2019
Cold Feet meets Sliding Doors. This is one of the best books I've ever read.
It had me hooked from the start with real characters I was rooting for the whole way through. I loved how the novel was split into two parts and everything flowed effortlessly. I really enjoyed Shari Low's writing style too - it was both engaging and heartwarming. A story about the choices we make and how life can alter because of them. Highly recommended.
It had me hooked from the start with real characters I was rooting for the whole way through. I loved how the novel was split into two parts and everything flowed effortlessly. I really enjoyed Shari Low's writing style too - it was both engaging and heartwarming. A story about the choices we make and how life can alter because of them. Highly recommended.
January 15, 2019
If you enjoyed sliding doors then this book is for you. It has lots of little bits in it that are similar in the style.
The main character at times I found a little annoying but other than that it was a very interesting, intriguing and a good read.
The main character at times I found a little annoying but other than that it was a very interesting, intriguing and a good read.
June 23, 2018
I have to say that the synopsis of this book intrigued me somewhat. It was certainly different to books that I have read before. I needn’t have worried because I really did enjoy this book but more about that in a bit.
One of the main characters in this book is called Liv, who is married to Nate. She is a strong, feisty, compassionate and determined young woman. She is a nurse, who works on the palliative care ward. It takes a special kind of someone to work on a ward such as that. I certainly couldn’t do it as I would find it too upsetting. Anyway back to the review I do go. When Liv and Nate got together they were passionate, they loved each other dearly, they had fun and they led an exciting life. However their relationship no longer has that passion or fun. Liv and Nate are living rather boring lives at the moment and their relationship is more like a brother/ sister relationship than how you might expect a married couple to behave. Liv is seriously thinking of leaving Nate and this book shows what happens when she makes two different decisions about the same situation. Each decision leads to two very different outcomes. It is as if Liv is living two parallel lives at the same time- a bit like the film ‘Sliding Doors’.
I became hooked on this book from the moment I read the synopsis. I was intrigued to see how the book developed because I thought that I would end up getting confused (it doesn’t take much to confuse me) about which of Liv’s lives I was reading about. I needn’t have worried because the book was really well written and constructed and the different strands of the story flowed seamlessly. I found reading ‘With Or Without You’ became seriously addictive. The page numbers and the time flew past in a blur and before I knew what was happening I had cleared about a third of the book and a couple of hours had sailed past. I just had to read on and on to see what happened to Liv and to see how two different decisions about the same situation impacted on her life.
I found the characters to be varied and diverse. I just loved the tight friendship circle that both Liv and Nate had around them. There were new friendships, there were old friendships- some of them developed into something more. The first part of the story saw the different characters remain good friends even after their relationships had broken up, which is a mature way to behave. There were certain characters that I wanted to slap with a wet fish and there were other characters that just needed a cold shower!! The different characters were closer to each other than to their blood relatives. It just goes to show that the concept of family doesn’t always have to do with blood connections but it is more often about the people who you choose to surround yourself with. That sounds rather deep for me but it’s the way I like to think about my own friends or relatives.
I really did enjoy reading this book and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I can’t wait to read more from Shari Low. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
One of the main characters in this book is called Liv, who is married to Nate. She is a strong, feisty, compassionate and determined young woman. She is a nurse, who works on the palliative care ward. It takes a special kind of someone to work on a ward such as that. I certainly couldn’t do it as I would find it too upsetting. Anyway back to the review I do go. When Liv and Nate got together they were passionate, they loved each other dearly, they had fun and they led an exciting life. However their relationship no longer has that passion or fun. Liv and Nate are living rather boring lives at the moment and their relationship is more like a brother/ sister relationship than how you might expect a married couple to behave. Liv is seriously thinking of leaving Nate and this book shows what happens when she makes two different decisions about the same situation. Each decision leads to two very different outcomes. It is as if Liv is living two parallel lives at the same time- a bit like the film ‘Sliding Doors’.
I became hooked on this book from the moment I read the synopsis. I was intrigued to see how the book developed because I thought that I would end up getting confused (it doesn’t take much to confuse me) about which of Liv’s lives I was reading about. I needn’t have worried because the book was really well written and constructed and the different strands of the story flowed seamlessly. I found reading ‘With Or Without You’ became seriously addictive. The page numbers and the time flew past in a blur and before I knew what was happening I had cleared about a third of the book and a couple of hours had sailed past. I just had to read on and on to see what happened to Liv and to see how two different decisions about the same situation impacted on her life.
I found the characters to be varied and diverse. I just loved the tight friendship circle that both Liv and Nate had around them. There were new friendships, there were old friendships- some of them developed into something more. The first part of the story saw the different characters remain good friends even after their relationships had broken up, which is a mature way to behave. There were certain characters that I wanted to slap with a wet fish and there were other characters that just needed a cold shower!! The different characters were closer to each other than to their blood relatives. It just goes to show that the concept of family doesn’t always have to do with blood connections but it is more often about the people who you choose to surround yourself with. That sounds rather deep for me but it’s the way I like to think about my own friends or relatives.
I really did enjoy reading this book and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I can’t wait to read more from Shari Low. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
February 10, 2019
With Or Without You is story of "What If's". A young woman at a crossroads in life begins doubting her choices and takes a leap of faith, does she stay or does she go?
This is the second book by Shari Low that I've read and once again, I really enjoyed the world building and the characters. Liv and Nate are on the cusp of an agreed upon separation when Nate decides he'd like them to keep trying, to give their relatively short marriage a chance. We drop into the story at this point, and Low takes us through their journey of being apart but together.
The story is told from Liv's perspective and she and Nate navigate moving on and remaining friends. They share an incredible groups of friends, coupled and not coupled, and with their own drama. We stay with this group of friends over a twenty something years, and witness all the highs and lows. I'll admit I was a bit frustrated with Liv at times, which validates just how invested I found myself. I just wasn't sure what I had hoped for her but I do love how the story turned out. The story is told in two parts which created an unexpected and interesting twist to the reading experience.
I highly recommend With or Without You. I loved how Low honestly presents the impacts of our choices and what it means to follow ones heart 4.5 Stars!
*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is the second book by Shari Low that I've read and once again, I really enjoyed the world building and the characters. Liv and Nate are on the cusp of an agreed upon separation when Nate decides he'd like them to keep trying, to give their relatively short marriage a chance. We drop into the story at this point, and Low takes us through their journey of being apart but together.
The story is told from Liv's perspective and she and Nate navigate moving on and remaining friends. They share an incredible groups of friends, coupled and not coupled, and with their own drama. We stay with this group of friends over a twenty something years, and witness all the highs and lows. I'll admit I was a bit frustrated with Liv at times, which validates just how invested I found myself. I just wasn't sure what I had hoped for her but I do love how the story turned out. The story is told in two parts which created an unexpected and interesting twist to the reading experience.
I highly recommend With or Without You. I loved how Low honestly presents the impacts of our choices and what it means to follow ones heart 4.5 Stars!
*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
June 2, 2018
If like me you believe in fate and love the film 'Serendipity', you'll enjoy this well-written 'what if' story. Most people in a long-term relationship wonder, whether they are with their soulmate, or if under different circumstances they would be with someone else. This story explores Liv's decision taken at the cusp of the 21st-century, stay with Nate or split up and live their lives apart.
A story of two halves, the outcome of being 'without him' is explored first and then 'with him'. There's friendship, conflict, romance and sadness but the ultimate conclusion is satisfying in both stories. The setting and relationships are believable, and though flawed, the characters endear themselves to the reader, and you want them to find happiness and fulfilment.
The pacing of the story makes it easy to read, and even though the storyline focuses on ordinary, everyday life, it is full of suspense, poignancy, laughter and love and makes this a lovely lighthearted read.
I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
A story of two halves, the outcome of being 'without him' is explored first and then 'with him'. There's friendship, conflict, romance and sadness but the ultimate conclusion is satisfying in both stories. The setting and relationships are believable, and though flawed, the characters endear themselves to the reader, and you want them to find happiness and fulfilment.
The pacing of the story makes it easy to read, and even though the storyline focuses on ordinary, everyday life, it is full of suspense, poignancy, laughter and love and makes this a lovely lighthearted read.
I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 19, 2018
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book had me curious from the beginning and it lived up to all my expectations! The characters are all wonderful and hilarious (I want to be friends with Sasha!) and distinct. I felt like I was one of them while I was reading. It was like I got to live out a life with them and experience all the highs, lows, laughs, and turmoil with them. That's magical.
It was both cool and weird to read the branching lives. Switching from Without to With was an abrupt shift of gears and I felt some grinding in there before we really found our stride. And to be honest, I tuned out a little at the beginning of the "With" portion because I knew a lot of those details. But there were still surprises and twists to be found!
This is a wonderful read. I'd absolutely recommend it to anyone who:
- is a romantic
- has ever pondered the quantum ramifications of our choices
- has ever been faced with a similar choice
The premise of this book had me curious from the beginning and it lived up to all my expectations! The characters are all wonderful and hilarious (I want to be friends with Sasha!) and distinct. I felt like I was one of them while I was reading. It was like I got to live out a life with them and experience all the highs, lows, laughs, and turmoil with them. That's magical.
It was both cool and weird to read the branching lives. Switching from Without to With was an abrupt shift of gears and I felt some grinding in there before we really found our stride. And to be honest, I tuned out a little at the beginning of the "With" portion because I knew a lot of those details. But there were still surprises and twists to be found!
This is a wonderful read. I'd absolutely recommend it to anyone who:
- is a romantic
- has ever pondered the quantum ramifications of our choices
- has ever been faced with a similar choice
September 15, 2018
Made me think, unputdownable
I've had the best day locked in this book. It certainly makes you think, what would have happened if.... I too believe what's meant to be happens in the end. I loved this book and will be looking out for more from this author. The characters were credible, and loveable despite human flaws. The writing engaged me, made me think and made me laugh and cry. It's been a while since I've felt so many emotions in one reading.
I've had the best day locked in this book. It certainly makes you think, what would have happened if.... I too believe what's meant to be happens in the end. I loved this book and will be looking out for more from this author. The characters were credible, and loveable despite human flaws. The writing engaged me, made me think and made me laugh and cry. It's been a while since I've felt so many emotions in one reading.
January 15, 2019
Felt a bit disappointed with this. Was really looking forward to this book as I often wonder what would have happened if I chose another path in life. A good read all the same but maybe a bit to predictable.
February 24, 2019
Just Brilliant...another new author to me and i really liked her style of writing...The story line was amazing the characters engaging...loved the way the story came in 2 halves...so much to read and take in ...and much to think about after you have finished it.
November 28, 2019
Liv has to make a decision about her marriage but how will she know if it’s the right one? This book tells both stories as we follow Liv through both possible scenarios and see the impact of her choice on her life and that of her husband and friends. An enjoyable read.
May 4, 2018
Really enjoyable read, took me an afternoon to read
September 26, 2020
3.5 stars - 2 contrasting themes to the book which I enjoyed, think I preferred the first half as if Liv and Nate split.
August 14, 2021
my hopes were high😄 but there was everything too much for me and some things were very confusing.
January 28, 2025
I preferred the without him story, so the second half of the book felt like a waste of time. A real sliding doors read, how one change of decision can make a difference.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2018
I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A very comfortable read which was enjoyable. I liked the way that the story was written in two different ways focusing round the main characters Nate and Liv. The two parallel storylines let the story go in two directions. But somehow there was a little something lacking which meant a 4 star review and not 5.
However, the characters were interesting and I really liked the strength of the individual friendships.
This is the fourth book I have read by Shari Low and she is definitely an author I will be following.
A very comfortable read which was enjoyable. I liked the way that the story was written in two different ways focusing round the main characters Nate and Liv. The two parallel storylines let the story go in two directions. But somehow there was a little something lacking which meant a 4 star review and not 5.
However, the characters were interesting and I really liked the strength of the individual friendships.
This is the fourth book I have read by Shari Low and she is definitely an author I will be following.
July 2, 2020
This is a light chickflick kind of book, if you want to spend an afternoon not thinking of anything too serious, but the writing is kind of disappointing.
The rest of the review contains SPOILERS!!!
Pros:
- I thought the premise was interesting
- I liked how the story happens through almost two decades and you get a glimpse of their lives once a year.
Cons:
- where do I start? I don’t understand Liv’s disdain towards Nate and how she seems to take advantage of him. I found it particularly annoying in the second part of the book, when she stayed with him but did not seem to really give the relationship a chance.
- I found the language was way too repetitive, constantly using the same expressions and talking about the same things over and over again.
- Sasha out of this world benevolence towards Justin’s mistress in the second half of the book made no sense. She suddenly adopted a different personality. Also, in the first half she is so apologetic for being in love with Nate 12 yeas after his divorce, and in the second part she just holds his hand and that’s the way Liv’s finds out about their relationship. Again, makes no sense.
- how does Finn exist in both books??
Lastly, I think it was such a shame the author did not explore the premise better, it really had potential. I understand her stance that you will end up with the same people in the end no matter what, but I thought it was a missed opportunity to tell a story where the characters made different decisions, lived different lives and had different outcomes and yet were happy on both scenarios.
The rest of the review contains SPOILERS!!!
Pros:
- I thought the premise was interesting
- I liked how the story happens through almost two decades and you get a glimpse of their lives once a year.
Cons:
- where do I start? I don’t understand Liv’s disdain towards Nate and how she seems to take advantage of him. I found it particularly annoying in the second part of the book, when she stayed with him but did not seem to really give the relationship a chance.
- I found the language was way too repetitive, constantly using the same expressions and talking about the same things over and over again.
- Sasha out of this world benevolence towards Justin’s mistress in the second half of the book made no sense. She suddenly adopted a different personality. Also, in the first half she is so apologetic for being in love with Nate 12 yeas after his divorce, and in the second part she just holds his hand and that’s the way Liv’s finds out about their relationship. Again, makes no sense.
- how does Finn exist in both books??
Lastly, I think it was such a shame the author did not explore the premise better, it really had potential. I understand her stance that you will end up with the same people in the end no matter what, but I thought it was a missed opportunity to tell a story where the characters made different decisions, lived different lives and had different outcomes and yet were happy on both scenarios.
February 5, 2019
If you ever looked back and wondered if a decision you made was the right one then this is the book for you . The story is about a group of friends , specifically two people , Liv and Nate . They have been married six years and their relationship has turned more stale then a fortnight old loaf . Liv’s foot is tapping for excitement , romance and all that good stuff , something that will make her life worth getting up for every day .
The book takes us on two journeys , for the first half we get to see what happens if she leaves her husband , how it will effect herself and those closest to her and in the second half of the book we see what happens if she stayed .
I thought this was a terrific plot , I think most of us have wondered “what if “ , and Shari has given us plenty to think about here . I got really invested in these characters and was rooting for them throughout , seeing the aftermath of decisions that were made was fascinating and I could not get enough of it .
An interesting book .... I loved it !
I received this gorgeous book by the lovely people over at Aria Publishing .
The book takes us on two journeys , for the first half we get to see what happens if she leaves her husband , how it will effect herself and those closest to her and in the second half of the book we see what happens if she stayed .
I thought this was a terrific plot , I think most of us have wondered “what if “ , and Shari has given us plenty to think about here . I got really invested in these characters and was rooting for them throughout , seeing the aftermath of decisions that were made was fascinating and I could not get enough of it .
An interesting book .... I loved it !
I received this gorgeous book by the lovely people over at Aria Publishing .
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