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From Now On
A heartbreaking tragedy.
Charlie left his hometown behind years ago and hasn’t looked back since. These days, with a successful career and a beautiful soon-to-be fiancée, he couldn’t be happier. But when he receives some unexpected news, his life is forever changed.
A life-changing choice.
Suddenly things are falling apart, and now Charlie has to care for his family. How is he supposed to look after a heartbroken little brother and a sullen teenage sister who want nothing to do with him? He’s completely at a loss and knows he can’t do it alone – not without the help of his oldest friend, Pippa.
The chance to start afresh.
As Charlie steps back into his old life, he soon realises it’s only his family who needs fixing, there’s also his relationship with Pippa too. But returning home is a painful reminder of all that he lost and tried so hard to forget. And if Charlie is to fight for what he wants, first he must face up to his own past and decide whether he is ready to let go…
From Amelia Henley, comes a brand-new emotional and uplifting novel about family, love and the hard choices we face to protect the ones we love the most.
Charlie left his hometown behind years ago and hasn’t looked back since. These days, with a successful career and a beautiful soon-to-be fiancée, he couldn’t be happier. But when he receives some unexpected news, his life is forever changed.
A life-changing choice.
Suddenly things are falling apart, and now Charlie has to care for his family. How is he supposed to look after a heartbroken little brother and a sullen teenage sister who want nothing to do with him? He’s completely at a loss and knows he can’t do it alone – not without the help of his oldest friend, Pippa.
The chance to start afresh.
As Charlie steps back into his old life, he soon realises it’s only his family who needs fixing, there’s also his relationship with Pippa too. But returning home is a painful reminder of all that he lost and tried so hard to forget. And if Charlie is to fight for what he wants, first he must face up to his own past and decide whether he is ready to let go…
From Amelia Henley, comes a brand-new emotional and uplifting novel about family, love and the hard choices we face to protect the ones we love the most.
- GenresFictionContemporary
400 pages, Paperback
Published January 10, 2023
6 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 27, 2022
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year after reading and loving Henley's other two books the past few months.
Henley's books are gripping right from the start while pulling at my heart like a Colleen Hoover book and this one was no exception.
I loved the family and friends in the book. It was heart breaking and so well done. The characters all developed so well throughout and having each of the siblings' POV added so much to the story. I loved that some chapters were just a quickly blurb because the different POV added so much.
This one took some unexpected turns toward the end but it worked so so well!
Thank you to Netgalley & HQ for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Henley's books are gripping right from the start while pulling at my heart like a Colleen Hoover book and this one was no exception.
I loved the family and friends in the book. It was heart breaking and so well done. The characters all developed so well throughout and having each of the siblings' POV added so much to the story. I loved that some chapters were just a quickly blurb because the different POV added so much.
This one took some unexpected turns toward the end but it worked so so well!
Thank you to Netgalley & HQ for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
September 4, 2022
When Charlie is babysitting his younger brother and sister his parents are killed in a terrible accident.
A slow moving story about family and choices.
I couldn’t connect with a lot of the characters and found the younger generation irritating.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A slow moving story about family and choices.
I couldn’t connect with a lot of the characters and found the younger generation irritating.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2022
Oh my, I am a soggy mess having just finished this brilliant, emotional novel. My husband has watched as I dry tears and blow my nose countless times. I am fortunate to have the time and silence to completely immerse myself into this beautifully heart-breaking and yet emotionally rewarding story. (We are away with no WiFi and no TV so it is perfect reading territory)
At the start of the book I found the time jump quite challenging, as I hadn’t yet invested in the characters or the situation. However, once I reached the start of the story I was transported. Charlie, the main character, deliberately comes across as a confused and emotionally stunted man and as the story progresses, your understanding changes your perspective.
Your heart breaks for Duke and Nina, and the situations they find themselves in, whilst facing their own personal struggles of being different from their peers.
Pippa, the next-door neighbour and childhood friend of Charlie, and Billie the dog, are also integral characters, empathetically integral to the family dynamics.
This story picked me up and whisked me along, helplessly caught up in the plot. The depths of individual grief they are all facing, the secrets they carry and the new fledgling relationship they are trying to develop, create a maelstrom of emotion. My heart broke as they tried to navigate their way through the chaos created. I could feel their loneliness and confusion, not knowing which way to turn.
The plot is filled with timely twists, missed opportunities and decisions to be made. Amelia Henley is so skilled in absorbing the reader into the characters, emotions and plot of the story, I truly felt I knew them all! The main theme of the book is totally and utterly rewarding.
An astounding and richly emotional read!
At the start of the book I found the time jump quite challenging, as I hadn’t yet invested in the characters or the situation. However, once I reached the start of the story I was transported. Charlie, the main character, deliberately comes across as a confused and emotionally stunted man and as the story progresses, your understanding changes your perspective.
Your heart breaks for Duke and Nina, and the situations they find themselves in, whilst facing their own personal struggles of being different from their peers.
Pippa, the next-door neighbour and childhood friend of Charlie, and Billie the dog, are also integral characters, empathetically integral to the family dynamics.
This story picked me up and whisked me along, helplessly caught up in the plot. The depths of individual grief they are all facing, the secrets they carry and the new fledgling relationship they are trying to develop, create a maelstrom of emotion. My heart broke as they tried to navigate their way through the chaos created. I could feel their loneliness and confusion, not knowing which way to turn.
The plot is filled with timely twists, missed opportunities and decisions to be made. Amelia Henley is so skilled in absorbing the reader into the characters, emotions and plot of the story, I truly felt I knew them all! The main theme of the book is totally and utterly rewarding.
An astounding and richly emotional read!
October 1, 2022
Goodness me, what a story! I found myself drawn to the tale and it was so hard to have to put it down and get on with everyday life.
The main character is 33 year old Charlie and we don’t know what has gone on for most of the book, but we know his childhood was hard and he’s still struggling emotionally.
His sister Nina and brother Duke don’t really know their older brother very well and they both have issues of their own to deal with.
Pippa lives next door and has been a constant in Nina and Duke’s life. She was also Charlie’s best friend when they were kids.
I loved all the characters, they’d were well written and believable. I felt for Nina and her teenage angst and hormones. Duke comes across as such a lovely little lad and I had a soft spot for him.
It is a difficult story to read and I found it to be quite emotional. It is a tale of love, grief, friendship and secrets. This is definitely one I won’t forget in a hurry.
My thanks to HQ and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
The main character is 33 year old Charlie and we don’t know what has gone on for most of the book, but we know his childhood was hard and he’s still struggling emotionally.
His sister Nina and brother Duke don’t really know their older brother very well and they both have issues of their own to deal with.
Pippa lives next door and has been a constant in Nina and Duke’s life. She was also Charlie’s best friend when they were kids.
I loved all the characters, they’d were well written and believable. I felt for Nina and her teenage angst and hormones. Duke comes across as such a lovely little lad and I had a soft spot for him.
It is a difficult story to read and I found it to be quite emotional. It is a tale of love, grief, friendship and secrets. This is definitely one I won’t forget in a hurry.
My thanks to HQ and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 31, 2023
5 stars
I'm gutted to finish this book and even more gutted that I can only give it 5 stars, as all the stars in the world wouldn't be enough. This book was a massive WOW!!! So emotional. I loved the dynamics between the characters and the questions left unanswered, despite how much I want those answers.
This book is definitely one that will stay with me and it will take something very special to stop this being the best book I read this year.
I'm gutted to finish this book and even more gutted that I can only give it 5 stars, as all the stars in the world wouldn't be enough. This book was a massive WOW!!! So emotional. I loved the dynamics between the characters and the questions left unanswered, despite how much I want those answers.
This book is definitely one that will stay with me and it will take something very special to stop this being the best book I read this year.
June 8, 2023
Brilliant. Lovely heartwarming story about Charlie and his need to do the right thing for everyone. Loved the characters and I did well up a little at times. Just a nice book to read.
October 3, 2022
They say that you can't choose your family and, to a large extent, that's absolutely true. But it's also the kind of dilemma facing Charlie Walker when his mother and Stepfather, Ronnie and Bo, are killed in a tragic accident on New Year's Eve. Should Charlie choose to stay and look after his two younger siblings, brother, Duke and sister, Nina, or follow his girlfriend and his career, across the Atlantic to his fresh new start in New York? You would think it would be an easy choice, and that anyone that chose career over family was of dubious character, and yet I do understand the hesitance on Charlie's part. It's not easy to decide to derail all the plans you were making, to 'do the right thing' by your siblings, especially when you understand that Charlie and his family were not particularly close to begin with. It adds a kind of conflict to the story from a very early point in the book and leaves us wondering if Charlie can ever get back the trust he has almost certainly lost, not just from readers but from his family too.
I like the way in which the author has framed this story. It is not just about a young family who are trying to cope with the grief, but also three people who are still trying to understand who they are. Told from all of the three children's points of view, we start to understand them more and to realise what it is that is driving a small wedge between them. I really felt for young Duke, who is struggling to come to terms with his parents death perhaps more than any of them, particularly as he feels a strange and unfair guilt over what has happened. Nina has other worries, ones that take time to come to the surface and the motivations of which are carefully hidden by the author until just the right moment in time to make the most of the emotional impact. As for Charlie, it is not just the loss of his career that makes him a reluctant carer, he has his own share of guilt and of damage from his past that has meant him pushing away those he loves for far too long. Nothing in the family is quite as straightforward as you might expect it to be, so you need to prepare yourself for a good few surprises along the way.
Amelia Henley does a brilliant job in making us question just what our reaction would be if faced with similar circumstances. I don't know quite how I'd react if I was Charlie. Like him, kids have never been on my agenda, and the thought of taking on the responsibility for their futures would be quite daunting, something the author has reflected perfectly in the back and forth that Charlie does as he wrestles with his conscience. There is an underlying sense that he is not ready to let go, certain things which do, or more relevantly don't happen that suggest despite the distance between Charlie and his family, he's not quite ready to let go. There is clearly a lot of love there, just a lack of understanding on how to portray it to others, something which becomes more understandable with time, and which I could easily relate to. There is a real emotional undercurrent to this book, a question of family, love and duty, and those conflicting responsibilities, which really resonates. The use of music as a backdrop to the families story was a nice touch, one which allowed them to express the various emotions, even if some were driven by the complete absence of a melody.
Another brilliant and affecting narrative which drew me in from the very start. I was moved by the three siblings stories, the way in which the author used them to inform their actions but not overtake the story which was, ultimately, of a broken and bruised family who were trying to put themselves back together. Definitely recommended.
I like the way in which the author has framed this story. It is not just about a young family who are trying to cope with the grief, but also three people who are still trying to understand who they are. Told from all of the three children's points of view, we start to understand them more and to realise what it is that is driving a small wedge between them. I really felt for young Duke, who is struggling to come to terms with his parents death perhaps more than any of them, particularly as he feels a strange and unfair guilt over what has happened. Nina has other worries, ones that take time to come to the surface and the motivations of which are carefully hidden by the author until just the right moment in time to make the most of the emotional impact. As for Charlie, it is not just the loss of his career that makes him a reluctant carer, he has his own share of guilt and of damage from his past that has meant him pushing away those he loves for far too long. Nothing in the family is quite as straightforward as you might expect it to be, so you need to prepare yourself for a good few surprises along the way.
Amelia Henley does a brilliant job in making us question just what our reaction would be if faced with similar circumstances. I don't know quite how I'd react if I was Charlie. Like him, kids have never been on my agenda, and the thought of taking on the responsibility for their futures would be quite daunting, something the author has reflected perfectly in the back and forth that Charlie does as he wrestles with his conscience. There is an underlying sense that he is not ready to let go, certain things which do, or more relevantly don't happen that suggest despite the distance between Charlie and his family, he's not quite ready to let go. There is clearly a lot of love there, just a lack of understanding on how to portray it to others, something which becomes more understandable with time, and which I could easily relate to. There is a real emotional undercurrent to this book, a question of family, love and duty, and those conflicting responsibilities, which really resonates. The use of music as a backdrop to the families story was a nice touch, one which allowed them to express the various emotions, even if some were driven by the complete absence of a melody.
Another brilliant and affecting narrative which drew me in from the very start. I was moved by the three siblings stories, the way in which the author used them to inform their actions but not overtake the story which was, ultimately, of a broken and bruised family who were trying to put themselves back together. Definitely recommended.
September 29, 2022
Charlie’s life is about to change.
Oh my goodness. Amelia Henley has done it again with From Now On. My heart and soul have been wrenched apart by this book and repaired so beautifully. It’s a bit like turning the reader into a kind if Kintsugi version of themselves as a result of reading Charlie’s narrative. As might be expected with the author’s other writing persona of Louise Jensen, From Now On has end of chapter hooks that lead the reader forward with elements that feel unexpected and hugely entertaining.
However, whilst there are a few major events that drive the story, much of From Now On is a beautiful, tender and realistic exploration of the nature of family and of love in all its forms so that the story feels relevant, relatable and all the more affecting. Charlie’s sense of guilt and responsibility, his fear of rejection and his stumbling attempts to be a better man make him so lifelike. At times I wanted to rage against him, at other times I wanted to hold him tightly. What he goes through – what all the characters experience – illustrates just how we are affected by our past lives, how we often make the wrong choices or believe the wrong things about ourselves, but that there is always the potential for change if only we grasp the opportunities that occur – from now on. Amelia Henley offers humane insight and sensitive understanding in her writing that feels cathartic and beautiful to read.
The relatively small cast of characters feels intimate and affords the reader the opportunity to get to know each person fully. Nina and Duke are brilliantly drawn. All too often in books I find youngsters cliched or stereotypical, but here the two children are rounded, complex and authentic so that From Now On has a realism as well as an entertainment value. Duke’s school experience in particular will resonate with many readers.
I loved the iterative image of music that runs through the book too. Songs are referenced that can be looked up and listened to, giving a life to From Now On outside the confines of its pages, but also, there are discordant moments, harmonious experiences and the sense that all the right notes are there for Charlie et al as long as they can attune themselves to the honesty of their feelings. I thought this was such clever writing.
Indeed, I thought the realistic themes of From Now On were its absolute strength. They are mature, and so imbued with credible and affecting exploration, that the book feels a means to reconnect with your own identity as well as with the characters in the story. Grief, choices and all manner of relationships are the impulses behind the narrative, making From Now On hugely emotional to read.
From Now On is difficult to categorise. It has romantic elements, it has family, it has danger so that it doesn’t fit neatly into any reader’s expectations. I thought it was wonderful and recommend it completely.
Oh my goodness. Amelia Henley has done it again with From Now On. My heart and soul have been wrenched apart by this book and repaired so beautifully. It’s a bit like turning the reader into a kind if Kintsugi version of themselves as a result of reading Charlie’s narrative. As might be expected with the author’s other writing persona of Louise Jensen, From Now On has end of chapter hooks that lead the reader forward with elements that feel unexpected and hugely entertaining.
However, whilst there are a few major events that drive the story, much of From Now On is a beautiful, tender and realistic exploration of the nature of family and of love in all its forms so that the story feels relevant, relatable and all the more affecting. Charlie’s sense of guilt and responsibility, his fear of rejection and his stumbling attempts to be a better man make him so lifelike. At times I wanted to rage against him, at other times I wanted to hold him tightly. What he goes through – what all the characters experience – illustrates just how we are affected by our past lives, how we often make the wrong choices or believe the wrong things about ourselves, but that there is always the potential for change if only we grasp the opportunities that occur – from now on. Amelia Henley offers humane insight and sensitive understanding in her writing that feels cathartic and beautiful to read.
The relatively small cast of characters feels intimate and affords the reader the opportunity to get to know each person fully. Nina and Duke are brilliantly drawn. All too often in books I find youngsters cliched or stereotypical, but here the two children are rounded, complex and authentic so that From Now On has a realism as well as an entertainment value. Duke’s school experience in particular will resonate with many readers.
I loved the iterative image of music that runs through the book too. Songs are referenced that can be looked up and listened to, giving a life to From Now On outside the confines of its pages, but also, there are discordant moments, harmonious experiences and the sense that all the right notes are there for Charlie et al as long as they can attune themselves to the honesty of their feelings. I thought this was such clever writing.
Indeed, I thought the realistic themes of From Now On were its absolute strength. They are mature, and so imbued with credible and affecting exploration, that the book feels a means to reconnect with your own identity as well as with the characters in the story. Grief, choices and all manner of relationships are the impulses behind the narrative, making From Now On hugely emotional to read.
From Now On is difficult to categorise. It has romantic elements, it has family, it has danger so that it doesn’t fit neatly into any reader’s expectations. I thought it was wonderful and recommend it completely.
September 28, 2022
Heartbreaking, Heartwarming and Heart-mending ♥️
Having loved Amelia’s other books, there was no doubt in my mind as to whether I’d enjoy this one. Amelia has a way of writing stories that touch my heart and make me feel so many different emotions! She writes beautifully and creates wonderful characters that always live on in my mind.
Charlie has a great job, a girlfriend who he can see himself spending the rest of his life with and the opportunity to progress his career in New York. After a tragedy occurs on New Year’s Eve, Charlie’s life changes forever and he finds himself having to choose between his dream job and girlfriend or his family.
The story is multi-narrated by Charlie, his younger brother Duke and his younger sister Nina. It is great to read from each of their perspectives as the three of them adjust to a new way of living. Charlie makes some bad choices, but he’s a good man and wants what’s best for everyone. Nina is a troubled teenager and I so desperately wanted to tell her everything would be okay. Duke is a little sweetheart, I felt he came across as a bit younger than he actually was, but this made him very endearing, I just wanted to give him a hug! There is also a lovely character called Pippa who is beautiful and kind, she fits in perfectly with the story. There is one character I didn’t like, probably because of what they did, but unfortunately, I can’t say who and why as it would give away a spoiler 😬
Whilst I would class this book as a family drama, there is also a bit of romance too! The family drama part of the book was hard to read at times, not in a bad way at all, just that it was so sad and really thought-provoking, which can take its toll emotionally. Amelia knows what she’s doing though and balances it out perfectly with a bit of romance and happier times for the family. This was almost the first Amelia book that I didn’t cry at, but then there was one particular bit near the end that set me off! So that’s a hat trick 🤣
As always I love the way Amelia leaves little cliffhangers at the end of some of the chapters. This is a great way of holding the reader’s attention and making them want to read on. I also really loved the ending, I felt it was just perfect ☺️
It’s really refreshing to take a step away from reading thrillers and read a story like this that has a heart. I feel like Amelia is the female version of Nicholas Sparks, which is a huge compliment as I love his books!
Thank you so much to Amelia Henley for sending me a copy of this book and to HQ and NetGalley for my digital copy.
Having loved Amelia’s other books, there was no doubt in my mind as to whether I’d enjoy this one. Amelia has a way of writing stories that touch my heart and make me feel so many different emotions! She writes beautifully and creates wonderful characters that always live on in my mind.
Charlie has a great job, a girlfriend who he can see himself spending the rest of his life with and the opportunity to progress his career in New York. After a tragedy occurs on New Year’s Eve, Charlie’s life changes forever and he finds himself having to choose between his dream job and girlfriend or his family.
The story is multi-narrated by Charlie, his younger brother Duke and his younger sister Nina. It is great to read from each of their perspectives as the three of them adjust to a new way of living. Charlie makes some bad choices, but he’s a good man and wants what’s best for everyone. Nina is a troubled teenager and I so desperately wanted to tell her everything would be okay. Duke is a little sweetheart, I felt he came across as a bit younger than he actually was, but this made him very endearing, I just wanted to give him a hug! There is also a lovely character called Pippa who is beautiful and kind, she fits in perfectly with the story. There is one character I didn’t like, probably because of what they did, but unfortunately, I can’t say who and why as it would give away a spoiler 😬
Whilst I would class this book as a family drama, there is also a bit of romance too! The family drama part of the book was hard to read at times, not in a bad way at all, just that it was so sad and really thought-provoking, which can take its toll emotionally. Amelia knows what she’s doing though and balances it out perfectly with a bit of romance and happier times for the family. This was almost the first Amelia book that I didn’t cry at, but then there was one particular bit near the end that set me off! So that’s a hat trick 🤣
As always I love the way Amelia leaves little cliffhangers at the end of some of the chapters. This is a great way of holding the reader’s attention and making them want to read on. I also really loved the ending, I felt it was just perfect ☺️
It’s really refreshing to take a step away from reading thrillers and read a story like this that has a heart. I feel like Amelia is the female version of Nicholas Sparks, which is a huge compliment as I love his books!
Thank you so much to Amelia Henley for sending me a copy of this book and to HQ and NetGalley for my digital copy.
October 4, 2022
From Now On by Amelia Henley is the most beautiful contemporary novel that totally consumed me. I never wanted it to end.
The novel is about love, loss and family. There are many different types of love – friendship, family, partner and more. Each one requires a step towards another, of making ourselves vulnerable to hurt. If we love deeply, we may hurt deeply too – but it is always worth giving love a chance.
The novel is also about loss. It is a loss that tears souls apart. It hurts. Each family member wades through grief and guilt. “He ate the cookie dough. He caused this and deserves to feel terrible forever.” So raw is the pain, that a character decides he must punish himself and withdraws from his passion and gift of musical talent.
Another character drowns in guilt because she was too busy to say a proper goodbye.
When death occurs, we feel guilty when we smile again. “The world is still turning and he wants to shut it out.” We think all of life should pause, but the world carries on.
If the last thing you ever said to a person was ‘I love you’, you chose well. We must not forget to tell our loved ones that we love them.
Events in the past impact today and tomorrow if we do not deal with them correctly. “He still can’t release his grip on bitterness he’s been carrying around for so long it feels like a part of him.” Living in a prison of bitterness weighs a character down. The past is gone. We cannot change it, but we can learn from it and choose how we live today.
Billie the dog is very much a character in her own right. She senses when her human family is upset. Sometimes we pour our feelings into our pets when we do not know what to do with our feelings.
We see the devastating impact of bullying on a young life. If you are being bullied, you must speak out and get help.
The pain of loss cuts so deep that it is only relieved by self-harm. This is sensitively portrayed. Again, if this resonates with you, please tell someone and get help.
All the characters were wonderfully drawn. I loved them all. They felt like dear friends. I wanted to love them better.
From Now On is such a beautiful book.
I received a free copy from the publishers for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The novel is about love, loss and family. There are many different types of love – friendship, family, partner and more. Each one requires a step towards another, of making ourselves vulnerable to hurt. If we love deeply, we may hurt deeply too – but it is always worth giving love a chance.
The novel is also about loss. It is a loss that tears souls apart. It hurts. Each family member wades through grief and guilt. “He ate the cookie dough. He caused this and deserves to feel terrible forever.” So raw is the pain, that a character decides he must punish himself and withdraws from his passion and gift of musical talent.
Another character drowns in guilt because she was too busy to say a proper goodbye.
When death occurs, we feel guilty when we smile again. “The world is still turning and he wants to shut it out.” We think all of life should pause, but the world carries on.
If the last thing you ever said to a person was ‘I love you’, you chose well. We must not forget to tell our loved ones that we love them.
Events in the past impact today and tomorrow if we do not deal with them correctly. “He still can’t release his grip on bitterness he’s been carrying around for so long it feels like a part of him.” Living in a prison of bitterness weighs a character down. The past is gone. We cannot change it, but we can learn from it and choose how we live today.
Billie the dog is very much a character in her own right. She senses when her human family is upset. Sometimes we pour our feelings into our pets when we do not know what to do with our feelings.
We see the devastating impact of bullying on a young life. If you are being bullied, you must speak out and get help.
The pain of loss cuts so deep that it is only relieved by self-harm. This is sensitively portrayed. Again, if this resonates with you, please tell someone and get help.
All the characters were wonderfully drawn. I loved them all. They felt like dear friends. I wanted to love them better.
From Now On is such a beautiful book.
I received a free copy from the publishers for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2022
I was lucky enough to read From Now On whilst on holiday in sunny Cyprus. Wearing sunglasses become a 'must' when reading as I was reduced to tears on more than one occasion!
I've read all of Amelia Henley's novels and I can honestly say that this one is my favourite, it's a wonderful read, packed with characters that the reader cannot help but fall in love with and cheer on throughout the story.
Charlie left home years ago, he's a successful literary agent in London and rarely returns home to visit his parents and younger siblings. He's home for a brief visit for New Year, and has brought his girlfriend Sasha to meet the family. It's clear that Charlie's relationship with his family is strained, there's a big difference in age between him and young Nina and Duke and there are underlying tensions within the family members. Duke seems to adore his older brother, whilst Nina is edgy and appears resentful. Charlie's parents welcome him with open arms though, but he struggles to connect with them.
And then, the family suffer the worst tragedy imaginable and Charlie's life is turned upside down as he is thrust into responsibilities and decisions that are almost too much for him to bear.
Amelia Henley has woven magic into this story, as the reader discovers what happened in Charlie in his early years and how his siblings also view him. Allowing each character to tell their own sides of the story creates such a depth, giving the reader an insight into their lives have been formed.
At the real heart of this novel is an exploration of love, and how that can be a joyous thing, but also create such personal pain. It's a beautifully created story filled with questions that readers will ask of themselves. The choices that Charlie is given, and how he deals with those are so well developed, and whilst the reader may not always agree with how Charlie deals with issues, they cannot help but understand why he does things.
A story of family, of love, of grief and of so much hope. Sensitive and finely balanced. Recommended by me.
I've read all of Amelia Henley's novels and I can honestly say that this one is my favourite, it's a wonderful read, packed with characters that the reader cannot help but fall in love with and cheer on throughout the story.
Charlie left home years ago, he's a successful literary agent in London and rarely returns home to visit his parents and younger siblings. He's home for a brief visit for New Year, and has brought his girlfriend Sasha to meet the family. It's clear that Charlie's relationship with his family is strained, there's a big difference in age between him and young Nina and Duke and there are underlying tensions within the family members. Duke seems to adore his older brother, whilst Nina is edgy and appears resentful. Charlie's parents welcome him with open arms though, but he struggles to connect with them.
And then, the family suffer the worst tragedy imaginable and Charlie's life is turned upside down as he is thrust into responsibilities and decisions that are almost too much for him to bear.
Amelia Henley has woven magic into this story, as the reader discovers what happened in Charlie in his early years and how his siblings also view him. Allowing each character to tell their own sides of the story creates such a depth, giving the reader an insight into their lives have been formed.
At the real heart of this novel is an exploration of love, and how that can be a joyous thing, but also create such personal pain. It's a beautifully created story filled with questions that readers will ask of themselves. The choices that Charlie is given, and how he deals with those are so well developed, and whilst the reader may not always agree with how Charlie deals with issues, they cannot help but understand why he does things.
A story of family, of love, of grief and of so much hope. Sensitive and finely balanced. Recommended by me.
September 29, 2022
The third book from Amelia Henley is something slightly different to her previous two. With a theme on love but not the kind you’d expect with this type of novel it explores love in all its forms.
I don’t often read this genre but there a few select authors who I do read and Amelia Henley is one of these.
I wasn’t sure what to expect as I’m normally a crime and thriller lover so swapping genre is always a risk but this book really drew me into a new storyline which had a few surprises.
I’m pleased I knew this was a family drama as I would have been disappointed had I not known as the focus was much more on the love with a family and not a potential lover. The journey we are taken on is a special one, with a sadness at its heart. The loss of their parents. This once again is something I can really relate to and some scenes were hard to read as it brought up some painful memories but also confirmed the accuracy of those first initial feelings of disbelief after the death of a loved one.
Having seen the author at an online launch I know parts will have been written from personal experiences and this was what made this extra special and a novel which will stay with me.
It had sadness, hope and laughter and also tragedy. A lovely read about families and their transition with new dynamics, which ended well if a little unexpected as I’d thought something else may happen but was wrong.
Fabulous story and looking forward to what is coming next.
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December 11, 2022This is a beautifully written, emotional family drama about love - in all its forms - and loss that will take you on a real rollercoaster of emotions.
33 year old Charlie is on the cusp of moving to New York with his girlfriend when he returns home to babysit his much younger brother and sister, Nina and Duke, on New Year’s Eve while his mother and stepfather go away for the night. But the following day some shocking news turns all their worlds upside down. Told from the perspective of all three, we see them learn to navigate their grief, whilst at the same time trying to figure out their own place in the world. Charlie must deal with forging a life very different from that he envisaged, whilst at the same time dealing with issues from his past that have led him to push away many of those close to him. Nina is a teenage girl dealing with all the challenges that brings, though it is eventually revealed that some of those are a little different than we might expect; Duke is a young boy who realises he is a little different from his peers and therefore struggles socially – and both secretly harbour a degree of guilt about events which adds to their struggles.
What Henley does exceptionally well is create characters who feel very authentic and who the reader really gets to know – and as a result, their faltering steps to rebuild their fractured family and each find their own way forward become all the more moving and make you long for a happy ending for them all.
33 year old Charlie is on the cusp of moving to New York with his girlfriend when he returns home to babysit his much younger brother and sister, Nina and Duke, on New Year’s Eve while his mother and stepfather go away for the night. But the following day some shocking news turns all their worlds upside down. Told from the perspective of all three, we see them learn to navigate their grief, whilst at the same time trying to figure out their own place in the world. Charlie must deal with forging a life very different from that he envisaged, whilst at the same time dealing with issues from his past that have led him to push away many of those close to him. Nina is a teenage girl dealing with all the challenges that brings, though it is eventually revealed that some of those are a little different than we might expect; Duke is a young boy who realises he is a little different from his peers and therefore struggles socially – and both secretly harbour a degree of guilt about events which adds to their struggles.
What Henley does exceptionally well is create characters who feel very authentic and who the reader really gets to know – and as a result, their faltering steps to rebuild their fractured family and each find their own way forward become all the more moving and make you long for a happy ending for them all.
August 22, 2022
As an Amelia Henley/Louise Jensen fan i knew this was going to be going straight to the top of my to be read pile.
As always Amelia does not disappoint. This is a beautiful read which really shows the beauty of how special family is. This book was full of highs and lows but ultimately it really does focus on how important family is. I was really good and I didnt cry at this one. It did leave me choked up a few times though. I do love Amelias books, she really is good at focusing on the small details that really make you feel the emotion within the book. I definitely felt an emotional connection with the characters and what they were going through and i was rooting for them all because they all deserved a happy ending. I wont say if they did get their happy ending, youll have to read it to find out yourself. Definitely give this one a read, Amelia has yet again done an amazing job of writing a beautiful story that will pull all your heart strings. I recommend reading this one if you loved her other reads
As always Amelia does not disappoint. This is a beautiful read which really shows the beauty of how special family is. This book was full of highs and lows but ultimately it really does focus on how important family is. I was really good and I didnt cry at this one. It did leave me choked up a few times though. I do love Amelias books, she really is good at focusing on the small details that really make you feel the emotion within the book. I definitely felt an emotional connection with the characters and what they were going through and i was rooting for them all because they all deserved a happy ending. I wont say if they did get their happy ending, youll have to read it to find out yourself. Definitely give this one a read, Amelia has yet again done an amazing job of writing a beautiful story that will pull all your heart strings. I recommend reading this one if you loved her other reads
October 4, 2022
Thank you so much to Louise for doing a giveaway during her author live in the Fiction Cafe, I won a proof copy of this book with dedication and all.
I'm really glad I read this book. It is packed full of family drama, emotional scenarios that really bring a tear or 5 to your eye. You will need tissues if you read this book and have every been through any family dramas.
Some of the situations are so relatable to me and I think that made it more emotion provoking for me. I really felt for all the characters at different stages throughout the book.
Can Charlie put the past behind him, that's for me to know and you to find out.
I really like books written as different people in new paragraphs, this flowed really well with interconnecting situations and the way each of them, Charlie, Nina and Duke react or behave in a certain scenario.
My favourite characters were undoubtedly Duke and Billie (the family dog).
What a story! I'm really looking forward to Amelias next book. I love the way she writes of love and romance with a tragedy mixed in.
I'm really glad I read this book. It is packed full of family drama, emotional scenarios that really bring a tear or 5 to your eye. You will need tissues if you read this book and have every been through any family dramas.
Some of the situations are so relatable to me and I think that made it more emotion provoking for me. I really felt for all the characters at different stages throughout the book.
Can Charlie put the past behind him, that's for me to know and you to find out.
I really like books written as different people in new paragraphs, this flowed really well with interconnecting situations and the way each of them, Charlie, Nina and Duke react or behave in a certain scenario.
My favourite characters were undoubtedly Duke and Billie (the family dog).
What a story! I'm really looking forward to Amelias next book. I love the way she writes of love and romance with a tragedy mixed in.
October 12, 2022
Oh. My. Gosh! This book… it literally gave me ALL the emotions. I felt sad, angry, confused, uplifted and happy. It pretty much broke my heart and put it back together again 🥲
I devoured this beautiful book, loved everything about it. Really enjoyed reading from the POV of the older brother Charlie, the grouchy teenager Nina and the lovely little Duke - he really made the book for me.
The book widely focuses on grief, I genuinely felt as though I went along this upsetting journey with them and it truly shows that grief triggers people in SO many different ways. It was written perfectly and definitely gave a true and realistic view to the reader.
I can say my heart now feels super full after finishing the book. It’s just a stunning book 🥲
I was super excited knowing Amelia had a new book as I loved The Art of Loving You (deffo recommend people read this too!) and From Now On didn’t disappoint. So grateful to have been on the blog tour and be able to read the book.
I devoured this beautiful book, loved everything about it. Really enjoyed reading from the POV of the older brother Charlie, the grouchy teenager Nina and the lovely little Duke - he really made the book for me.
The book widely focuses on grief, I genuinely felt as though I went along this upsetting journey with them and it truly shows that grief triggers people in SO many different ways. It was written perfectly and definitely gave a true and realistic view to the reader.
I can say my heart now feels super full after finishing the book. It’s just a stunning book 🥲
I was super excited knowing Amelia had a new book as I loved The Art of Loving You (deffo recommend people read this too!) and From Now On didn’t disappoint. So grateful to have been on the blog tour and be able to read the book.
November 10, 2022
This is the third standalone novel I have read by Amelia and the third I have enjoyed. I love the way she writes with such emotion. It's heartwarming, heartwrenching and so beautifully written. A family drama with a bit of romance just about sums this up.
Charlie takes his girlfriend Sasha to meet his mum and step-dad on New Year's Eve as he is going to look after his siblings while his mum and step-dad go away for the evening. Little does he know that this will be the last time he ever sees them and his whole life is going to be turned upside down. He's going to have to make massive changes and sacrifices, but can he step up and be there when his family need him most?
Charlie has his old childhood friend Pippa next door, who is a wonderful character and probably my favourite, along with the dog!
Written in chapters from the point of view of Charlie and his two siblings, Duke and Nina.
Charlie takes his girlfriend Sasha to meet his mum and step-dad on New Year's Eve as he is going to look after his siblings while his mum and step-dad go away for the evening. Little does he know that this will be the last time he ever sees them and his whole life is going to be turned upside down. He's going to have to make massive changes and sacrifices, but can he step up and be there when his family need him most?
Charlie has his old childhood friend Pippa next door, who is a wonderful character and probably my favourite, along with the dog!
Written in chapters from the point of view of Charlie and his two siblings, Duke and Nina.
October 14, 2022
Thank you to HQ Stories for the opportunity to join the blog tour and for a paperback copy of the book to read and review. I joined the previous blog tour for The Art of Loving You and you can read my review at https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.ho...
This is another beautiful and heartbreaking book from the pen of Amelia Henley (aka Louise Jensen) and I wish I could award it with more than 5 stars.
Life changes suddenly for Charlie, Nina and Duke when a tragedy strikes their blended family on New Years Day. Charlie was due to be moving to New York but now needs to decide whether to stay with his siblings or to rely on his aunt to care for them. Can he also deal with the ghosts of his past that he has tried to ignore?
Nina and Duke are already having to deal with the normal issues of growing up and finding their own pathway and friends, and the tragedy makes this harder for both of them to deal with. As a mum I found this heartbreaking in places.
I’m trying to be vague about the story because I don’t want to give away any spoilers. A few times I thought I knew what was going to happen next and the story was very different. Loved the ending too.
The Johnson family became part of my life for a couple of days and I felt bereft at having to leave them behind when I finished the book. As I mentioned before, there is a tragedy so this story is emotional but we do also feel many other emotions in addition to sadness as Amelia Henley follows the family over the year.
I’m keen to recommend this emotional book and hope you will be tempted to pick up a copy too.
This is another beautiful and heartbreaking book from the pen of Amelia Henley (aka Louise Jensen) and I wish I could award it with more than 5 stars.
Life changes suddenly for Charlie, Nina and Duke when a tragedy strikes their blended family on New Years Day. Charlie was due to be moving to New York but now needs to decide whether to stay with his siblings or to rely on his aunt to care for them. Can he also deal with the ghosts of his past that he has tried to ignore?
Nina and Duke are already having to deal with the normal issues of growing up and finding their own pathway and friends, and the tragedy makes this harder for both of them to deal with. As a mum I found this heartbreaking in places.
I’m trying to be vague about the story because I don’t want to give away any spoilers. A few times I thought I knew what was going to happen next and the story was very different. Loved the ending too.
The Johnson family became part of my life for a couple of days and I felt bereft at having to leave them behind when I finished the book. As I mentioned before, there is a tragedy so this story is emotional but we do also feel many other emotions in addition to sadness as Amelia Henley follows the family over the year.
I’m keen to recommend this emotional book and hope you will be tempted to pick up a copy too.
October 16, 2022
Amelia, has done it again
I fell in love with this family from the outset and loved how she interwove their chapters to tell their story for their own viewpoints
33 year old Charlie is home to babysit his younger siblings for the night while his parents head off to a gig in Cornwall for the New Year, when tragedy strikes and the 3 find themselves orphans. Will Charlie be their for his 2 younger siblings at the time they need him most. Or will he leave as planned?
Torn between doing what he wants and what he feels is the right thing to do, we follow Charlie, 15 year old Nina and 11 year old Duke as they struggle to come to terms with the loss of their parents and the challenges they must overcome.
Beautifully written, highly recommend
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book
I fell in love with this family from the outset and loved how she interwove their chapters to tell their story for their own viewpoints
33 year old Charlie is home to babysit his younger siblings for the night while his parents head off to a gig in Cornwall for the New Year, when tragedy strikes and the 3 find themselves orphans. Will Charlie be their for his 2 younger siblings at the time they need him most. Or will he leave as planned?
Torn between doing what he wants and what he feels is the right thing to do, we follow Charlie, 15 year old Nina and 11 year old Duke as they struggle to come to terms with the loss of their parents and the challenges they must overcome.
Beautifully written, highly recommend
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book
August 24, 2022
Wow wow wow, just finished Amelia Henley's latest book 'From Now On'. It was amazing. A complete emotional rollercoaster of a novel that I could not put down. Charlie has a 5 year plan with his girlfriend, which involves moving to New York, but before he goes he agrees to babysit his siblings on New Year's Eve, so his Mum and Step Dad can go away for the evening. The next day they receive some unexpected news, which turns all Charlie's plans upside down. This novel will break your heart and slowly piece it back together. I cried, I smiled, I got angry and I enjoyed every second with the complicated characters. Definitely a must read and 5 stars from me.
November 7, 2022
"From Now On" is a book I can’t stop thinking about for all the right reasons.
Wise and insightful, and with deft characterization and lyrical writing, it's profoundly moving (tissues required) but still hopeful and achingly real.
A poignant and thoughtful story about what love and family truly mean, it's both heart-breaking but also life affirming.
Fantastic women's fiction I'm happy to recommend.
Thanks to the author and publisher (HQ) for a digital advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Wise and insightful, and with deft characterization and lyrical writing, it's profoundly moving (tissues required) but still hopeful and achingly real.
A poignant and thoughtful story about what love and family truly mean, it's both heart-breaking but also life affirming.
Fantastic women's fiction I'm happy to recommend.
Thanks to the author and publisher (HQ) for a digital advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 13, 2022
A bittersweet story of grief, heartbreak, and despair mixed with self discovery, hope and adversity. Whilst the book itself is terribly upsetting and hard hitting, the character development is so bloody brilliant that you just can’t help leave their side, you almost become entwined with the story going on their journey with them. Beautifully written, shocking and immersive throughout, Amelia Henley has done it again.
May 13, 2023
Charlie has 2 younger half siblings and when his mum and step dad die in a tragic accident he is torn between caring for them and carrying on his plans with his girlfriend.
He decides to step in to look after them but also realises some truths about himself and the girl next door who has always been his best friend and first love.
Good character development and a sweet but sad at times story line
He decides to step in to look after them but also realises some truths about himself and the girl next door who has always been his best friend and first love.
Good character development and a sweet but sad at times story line
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2022
'This book has it all - joyous, heartbreaking, uplifting with a perfect ending - an utterly gorgeous escapist read!'
I was very lucky to have an early review copy of this lovely book from the publishers. I very much enjoyed it, Amelia Henley is a skilled writer - excellent at drawing you in and quickly you are invested in the characters.
I was very lucky to have an early review copy of this lovely book from the publishers. I very much enjoyed it, Amelia Henley is a skilled writer - excellent at drawing you in and quickly you are invested in the characters.
October 29, 2022
Poignant, emotionally charged, heart wrenching and heart warming. A well developed and compelling book, full of emotions and featuring a cast of relatable characters.
There's grief, hope, and how everything can change as life is unpredictable.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
There's grief, hope, and how everything can change as life is unpredictable.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
October 29, 2022
Charlie lives in London and is about to embark on a new life in New York, with his girlfriend Sasha, but before he goes he has returned to his home town to look after his two siblings, Nina and Duke while his mum and stepdad attend a gig in Cornwall on New Years Eve. A tragic accident brings the police to their door on New Years Day and Charlie knows that his life will never be the same again. He is torn, does he continue with his plans to leave with Sasha, or does he do the right thing and stay with the family that needs him now more than ever, if he stays he must confront his past and put things right with his oldest friend Pippa.
From Now On is told from the perspectives of Charlie, Nina and Duke. Charlie had a difficult childhood, the reasons behind this we don't find out until much later in the book, Nina is your typical teenager, full of angst which has been made worse by this terrible tragedy and Duke is a loveable young boy who is very misunderstood by those that don't really know him, for that reason they call him weird, really though he's just different. This book tugged at my emotions right from the start, I was totally invested in all three of the main characters and wanted to envelop them all in one big hug and take their pain away. I really hoped that Charlie would make the right decision to stay with his siblings, make that connection and be there for them when they needed him most. I wanted him to confront his past and make peace with Pippa, and was inwardly shouting every time he couldn't say how he felt. From Now On highlights the true meaning of family love and loyalty, taking it to a whole new level. I've read both of Amelia Henley's previous books and each time I've been an emotional mess, this time was no different. I reached for the tissues a few times during this story but that ending totally choked me. Another beautiful piece of contemporary fiction from this amazing author which will stay with me for a long time to come.
I'd like to thank HQ and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
From Now On is told from the perspectives of Charlie, Nina and Duke. Charlie had a difficult childhood, the reasons behind this we don't find out until much later in the book, Nina is your typical teenager, full of angst which has been made worse by this terrible tragedy and Duke is a loveable young boy who is very misunderstood by those that don't really know him, for that reason they call him weird, really though he's just different. This book tugged at my emotions right from the start, I was totally invested in all three of the main characters and wanted to envelop them all in one big hug and take their pain away. I really hoped that Charlie would make the right decision to stay with his siblings, make that connection and be there for them when they needed him most. I wanted him to confront his past and make peace with Pippa, and was inwardly shouting every time he couldn't say how he felt. From Now On highlights the true meaning of family love and loyalty, taking it to a whole new level. I've read both of Amelia Henley's previous books and each time I've been an emotional mess, this time was no different. I reached for the tissues a few times during this story but that ending totally choked me. Another beautiful piece of contemporary fiction from this amazing author which will stay with me for a long time to come.
I'd like to thank HQ and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
June 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and there were a couple of really big surprises in there. However, some of the coincidences seemed a bit too unlikely for real life and it was all a bit contrived. I felt it was really obvious how it was going to end.
August 19, 2022
There are some parts of this story that had me reaching for the tissues and parts that made me smile. It’s beautifully written but that’s what readers have come to expect from Amelia/ Louise.
November 21, 2022
A beautiful story
I loved all the twists and turns, cleverly disguised so I didn't guess the twists at all.
Look forward to reading more of Amelia's books 📚 😀
I loved all the twists and turns, cleverly disguised so I didn't guess the twists at all.
Look forward to reading more of Amelia's books 📚 😀
March 10, 2023
Tragic and beautiful at the same time.
A saga of generations of trauma and miscommunication with a deep look into the things families talk about or skirt around out of love and fear and hope.
A saga of generations of trauma and miscommunication with a deep look into the things families talk about or skirt around out of love and fear and hope.
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