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Life Before Us
'Full of hope and love' Emer McLysaght
'Warm ... insightful' Rachael English
NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING AUTHOR
George is happy. Mostly. He loves his teaching job and his daughter Suzi, though he wishes he saw her a little more. All the same, it feels like time for a change - getting over Suzi's mum is definitely long overdue. So George sets up an online dating profile ... and waits to see what will happen.
Alice was happy. Until she found out her boyfriend was lying to her. So she returns to her hometown determined that this fresh start will work out. All she has to do is say yes to things - yes to a spare room at her aunt's, yes to writing for the local paper, maybe even yes to falling in love again.
As Alice and George try to make everyday changes, their lives begin to overlap more and more. And maybe the day they finally meet will be the day everything changes forever ...
'Warm ... insightful' Rachael English
NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING AUTHOR
George is happy. Mostly. He loves his teaching job and his daughter Suzi, though he wishes he saw her a little more. All the same, it feels like time for a change - getting over Suzi's mum is definitely long overdue. So George sets up an online dating profile ... and waits to see what will happen.
Alice was happy. Until she found out her boyfriend was lying to her. So she returns to her hometown determined that this fresh start will work out. All she has to do is say yes to things - yes to a spare room at her aunt's, yes to writing for the local paper, maybe even yes to falling in love again.
As Alice and George try to make everyday changes, their lives begin to overlap more and more. And maybe the day they finally meet will be the day everything changes forever ...
356 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2023
293 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Roisin Meaney
44 books385 followersBorn on 3rd September.
A published author of twenty books for adults and three for children, Roisin worked as an advertising copywriter for a number of years, and brings a vast amount of experience to the editing team. Her first novel, The Daisy Picker, won a Write a Bestseller competition. Her third novel, The Last Week of May reached number one on the Irish bestseller list and her fourth, The People Next Door reached number two. Her books have been translated into several languages, and two, Semi-Sweet and Life Drawing for Beginners, have been published in the US. She is currently working on her next book, which is scheduled for publication in autumn 2023. She is also plotting another children's book - shhhhh.
A published author of twenty books for adults and three for children, Roisin worked as an advertising copywriter for a number of years, and brings a vast amount of experience to the editing team. Her first novel, The Daisy Picker, won a Write a Bestseller competition. Her third novel, The Last Week of May reached number one on the Irish bestseller list and her fourth, The People Next Door reached number two. Her books have been translated into several languages, and two, Semi-Sweet and Life Drawing for Beginners, have been published in the US. She is currently working on her next book, which is scheduled for publication in autumn 2023. She is also plotting another children's book - shhhhh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 15, 2022
In a Nutshell: A really sweet story that is predictable in some ways and yet novel in many others. Memorable characters, a great underlying moral, perfect ending. Not a romance; please don’t pick it up if you are looking for a typical boy-meets-girl story.
Story Synopsis:
When you read the blurb, you will come to the same conclusion I did: George and Alice are meant to be together. You aren’t exactly wrong. They are MEANT to be together. But take a quick look at the title. Go on! What do you see? “Life Before US”. Realise what that means? This is not the story of George and Alice. This is the story of George, and the story of Alice, BEFORE they become US. The cover might give you vibes of romance but understand clearly that this is contemporary drama, not romance.
Where the book worked for me:
😍 Just because George and Alice don’t meet for most of the story doesn’t mean that there’s no romance in the book. Au contraire! There are plenty of romantic connections (all clean, no steam - yay!) and each relationship falls in a distinct category of love. There are also plenty of friendships and family connections and even pet parenting. I loved the diversity of the relationships in this narrative.
😍 The author is the admin of the “Random Acts of Kindness Limerick” page on FB. This concept of ‘random acts of kindness’ is strongly present throughout the story. This creates such a feel-good vibe while reading.
😍 Can we please have a standing ovation for the realistic appearance and personality of the leading characters? George is shy, almost a pushover. He’s a happy teacher, not an investment banker or rich businessman. He is not handsome but average-looking. Alice is shorter than average, and wears glasses. It feels so refreshing to have such regular characters in a story, a welcome escape from all the hot bods that litter this genre.
😍 Many novels of this genre tend to have impactful female characters and one good leading male character. The other males are usually jerks. While there are a couple of jerks in this book too, there are many well-rounded male characters as well.
😍 The book makes great use of the small town aspect with there being multiple connections between many of the characters. Of course, Alice and George keep missing each other despite this proximity, but the author handles this quite convincingly.
😍 Just five days back, I had completed another book where a man and a woman keep missing each other and don’t meet until the end. This should have created a strong sense of déjà vu and boredom. But not once did I feel that the two plots were similar and this book still enraptured me from start to almost the end. That’s a massive plus in favour of the story as well as the storytelling.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
😑 There are too many characters to keep track of. Things become easier after a while, but it is still a struggle at times to remember who was who.
😑 Suzi is supposed to be twelve but her thinking is more like that of a 9-10 year old. She was adorable but I think her age and her behaviour didn’t blend well.
😑 There’s no clarification on why Suzi called George ‘George’ and not ‘Dad’, though she calls Claire ‘Mum’.
😑 Until the 80% mark, the book was a strong 4.5 stars for me. I don't know how I feel about the last 20%. It all rings true, it's fairly realistic, but it feels like the writing is trying too hard to fit in some twists before the foreseen finale. The ending is lovely but I am not very happy with some of the events in this final section.
Overall though, my complaints are teeny and my feelings are highly positive. This is meant to be a sweet and happy book, and it works for this purpose aptly. It doesn’t go deep, but sometimes, simple stories are the most impactful. My first Roisin Meaney book, and now I am wondering why I haven’t ever read her before!
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Hachette Books Ireland and NetGalley for the DRC of “Life Before Us”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story Synopsis:
After Alice discovers that her steady boyfriend of the last few months is married, she is heartbroken. When her aunt Kate offers her a fresh start back in her hometown, Alice grabs at the opportunity. But with no job, no place to live, and no life companion, Alice knows that she needs to get her life back on track soon.
George has been single ever since his wife Claire left him eleven years ago with their newborn. Content with his now eleven-year-old daughter Suzi and with his job as a teacher at the local school, George is accustomed to his routine. But with Claire now engaged, is it time to move on and try to find someone new?
The story comes to us in the alternating third person limited perspectives of Alice and George.
When you read the blurb, you will come to the same conclusion I did: George and Alice are meant to be together. You aren’t exactly wrong. They are MEANT to be together. But take a quick look at the title. Go on! What do you see? “Life Before US”. Realise what that means? This is not the story of George and Alice. This is the story of George, and the story of Alice, BEFORE they become US. The cover might give you vibes of romance but understand clearly that this is contemporary drama, not romance.
Where the book worked for me:
😍 Just because George and Alice don’t meet for most of the story doesn’t mean that there’s no romance in the book. Au contraire! There are plenty of romantic connections (all clean, no steam - yay!) and each relationship falls in a distinct category of love. There are also plenty of friendships and family connections and even pet parenting. I loved the diversity of the relationships in this narrative.
😍 The author is the admin of the “Random Acts of Kindness Limerick” page on FB. This concept of ‘random acts of kindness’ is strongly present throughout the story. This creates such a feel-good vibe while reading.
😍 Can we please have a standing ovation for the realistic appearance and personality of the leading characters? George is shy, almost a pushover. He’s a happy teacher, not an investment banker or rich businessman. He is not handsome but average-looking. Alice is shorter than average, and wears glasses. It feels so refreshing to have such regular characters in a story, a welcome escape from all the hot bods that litter this genre.
😍 Many novels of this genre tend to have impactful female characters and one good leading male character. The other males are usually jerks. While there are a couple of jerks in this book too, there are many well-rounded male characters as well.
😍 The book makes great use of the small town aspect with there being multiple connections between many of the characters. Of course, Alice and George keep missing each other despite this proximity, but the author handles this quite convincingly.
😍 Just five days back, I had completed another book where a man and a woman keep missing each other and don’t meet until the end. This should have created a strong sense of déjà vu and boredom. But not once did I feel that the two plots were similar and this book still enraptured me from start to almost the end. That’s a massive plus in favour of the story as well as the storytelling.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
😑 There are too many characters to keep track of. Things become easier after a while, but it is still a struggle at times to remember who was who.
😑 Suzi is supposed to be twelve but her thinking is more like that of a 9-10 year old. She was adorable but I think her age and her behaviour didn’t blend well.
😑 There’s no clarification on why Suzi called George ‘George’ and not ‘Dad’, though she calls Claire ‘Mum’.
😑 Until the 80% mark, the book was a strong 4.5 stars for me. I don't know how I feel about the last 20%. It all rings true, it's fairly realistic, but it feels like the writing is trying too hard to fit in some twists before the foreseen finale. The ending is lovely but I am not very happy with some of the events in this final section.
Overall though, my complaints are teeny and my feelings are highly positive. This is meant to be a sweet and happy book, and it works for this purpose aptly. It doesn’t go deep, but sometimes, simple stories are the most impactful. My first Roisin Meaney book, and now I am wondering why I haven’t ever read her before!
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Hachette Books Ireland and NetGalley for the DRC of “Life Before Us”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
July 19, 2022
Do you ever read a book by a favorite author and wonder what is going on? Cause I did that at least a dozen times while reading Meaney’s latest. I found her after Maeve Binchy died. A friend recommended her to me because she’s an author that is pretty similar to Binchy, but also has her own way of writing. There have been some misses here and there, but this one was flat out not great from beginning to end. The romance between the two leads (George and Alice) doesn’t even pop up until almost the 90 percent mark. Instead this book really just follows the ups and downs (mostly) the two of them are dealing with while living right next to each other, but somehow through chance (whatever) never laying eyes on each other.
“Life Before Us” follows George and Alice. George is a teacher dealing with co-parenting his daughter Suzi with an ex he still has feelings for. When his mother remarries and leaves them the family home, he decides to take in a lodger which leads to new things for George and Suzi. Alice is happily dating a guard, and thinking that they will get married soon. But when she gets an unexpected call, she realizes their relationship is a lie. She decides to leave Dublin for her former home and goes to work for her aunt, as well as do a column in the local paper about “everything good”. Alice starts dating again, but thinks that something is missing, and when she realizes that she’s going to need to get a “real” job, she worries that she’s going to be forced to make a decision she does not want to.
I changed the synopsis a lot from what it shows on Goodreads because I am realizing that the versions of the book don’t align. One talks about three facts that are important to know about George and Alice. The other one talks about missed meetings and breaks down some things further. No, I don’t know why the two synopsis don’t match.
The two leads are just boring. I wish it was not true, but they are. My God George goes on and on about his ex who broke up with him about 11 years ago. And then he has some kind of Eureka moment near the 80 percent match about her. I just didn’t ever really see what his mother or he was seeing. But whatever. I was sadly more interested in George’s lodger, Jack’s story then George.
Alice….how she gets introduced may not work for all readers. But the stuff she does after made me really tired of her. She tries to justify something that I went ugh. And then she dates someone else she feels eh about, but is a jerk to them in certain parts of the book. I once again felt more interested in her aunt, her cousin in Italy, etc. than her.
The other characters are just there to advance plots. There are some interesting things, but unlike with previous Meaney books I have read, she doesn’t make everyone come alive at all for me while reading. Meaney usually does a great job of shifting back and forth between her characters (main) and secondary. One of the reasons why I loved Maeve Binchy’s books. But this one felt like a chore after a while.
The writing/flow was not good in this one. It just goes on and on.
The setting of the village was confusing. I still don’t get how Alice/George kept missing each other. And I think in the end that George’s ex and daughter live next to him? I don’t know. I gave up trying to figure out locations.
The ending should have made me happy, but I felt like too much was left out for me to care even a little.
I read this for Cannonball Read 14, bingo square:
Heart: Could be about emotions or something expected to elicit big emotions; could be about something you love; could be about heart disease.
This book definitely deals with emotions. George has a lot concerning his daughter and ex. Alice has a lot due to the end of a relationship she thought would lead to a marriage and family. Oh and someone does die of a heart attack in this one, so there’s that too.
“Life Before Us” follows George and Alice. George is a teacher dealing with co-parenting his daughter Suzi with an ex he still has feelings for. When his mother remarries and leaves them the family home, he decides to take in a lodger which leads to new things for George and Suzi. Alice is happily dating a guard, and thinking that they will get married soon. But when she gets an unexpected call, she realizes their relationship is a lie. She decides to leave Dublin for her former home and goes to work for her aunt, as well as do a column in the local paper about “everything good”. Alice starts dating again, but thinks that something is missing, and when she realizes that she’s going to need to get a “real” job, she worries that she’s going to be forced to make a decision she does not want to.
I changed the synopsis a lot from what it shows on Goodreads because I am realizing that the versions of the book don’t align. One talks about three facts that are important to know about George and Alice. The other one talks about missed meetings and breaks down some things further. No, I don’t know why the two synopsis don’t match.
The two leads are just boring. I wish it was not true, but they are. My God George goes on and on about his ex who broke up with him about 11 years ago. And then he has some kind of Eureka moment near the 80 percent match about her. I just didn’t ever really see what his mother or he was seeing. But whatever. I was sadly more interested in George’s lodger, Jack’s story then George.
Alice….how she gets introduced may not work for all readers. But the stuff she does after made me really tired of her. She tries to justify something that I went ugh. And then she dates someone else she feels eh about, but is a jerk to them in certain parts of the book. I once again felt more interested in her aunt, her cousin in Italy, etc. than her.
The other characters are just there to advance plots. There are some interesting things, but unlike with previous Meaney books I have read, she doesn’t make everyone come alive at all for me while reading. Meaney usually does a great job of shifting back and forth between her characters (main) and secondary. One of the reasons why I loved Maeve Binchy’s books. But this one felt like a chore after a while.
The writing/flow was not good in this one. It just goes on and on.
The setting of the village was confusing. I still don’t get how Alice/George kept missing each other. And I think in the end that George’s ex and daughter live next to him? I don’t know. I gave up trying to figure out locations.
The ending should have made me happy, but I felt like too much was left out for me to care even a little.
I read this for Cannonball Read 14, bingo square:
Heart: Could be about emotions or something expected to elicit big emotions; could be about something you love; could be about heart disease.
This book definitely deals with emotions. George has a lot concerning his daughter and ex. Alice has a lot due to the end of a relationship she thought would lead to a marriage and family. Oh and someone does die of a heart attack in this one, so there’s that too.
May 23, 2022
Loved it!!! It's hard not to love Roisin Meaney's books. She is one of my favorite authors. The stories are always heartwarming with wonderful characters and beautifully written. I fall in love each time and feel like I'm part of the story. This book was no different. I loved getting to know each of the characters and see myself becoming friend with all of them. Alice and George had so many interactions with each other but never really met until the end of the book. So happy when George finally stood up to Claire about his time with Suzi. He finally realized they were never going to happen and that always manipulated him into getting her way. Loved Jack. He was the perfect friend for George and great with Suzi. Jack did all the gardening and made dinner and he brought Oscar to live with them after his owner died. Poor Oscar everyone blamed all the kitty treats for making him fat. Alice didn't make the best choices in men. She should have blocked Chris's number from the start. She knew what type of man he was, but I don't think she wanted to believe it. Then there was William. He wasn't a bad guy, but they had no chemistry together. William was just so blah and didn't even support Alice's ideas. I definitely need to visit Tenerife. This book was so magical. I couldn't put the book down, but was so sad when it was over. I wanted to keep reading about George and Alice and all their friends and family.
Definitely recommend the book. It's full of love, family relationships, loss, forgiveness and so much more. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachette Books Ireland through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely recommend the book. It's full of love, family relationships, loss, forgiveness and so much more. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachette Books Ireland through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 9, 2022
Alice and George are perfect for each other. Life and the universe have it that they’ve never met.
Alice was taken in by the ‘too good to be true’ Chris, her supposed boyfriend. When a single phone call shatters that happy and romantic illusion. Turns out Chris is married, the scoundrel. When driving back to her home town or running away from Chris and her problems some might say. She goes to live with her aunt, she needs to make a new life for herself. With no work and no home of her own, should she have stuck it out in Dublin?
George is Dad to Suzi. Although he doesn’t see her half as much as he wants to. She lives mostly with her Mam and the new boyfriend. This stings for George, it wasn’t his decision to break up their relationship. When his mother leaves him in the family home alone, he decides to advertise for a lodger. Is Jack the answer to all of George’s problems? Even the ones George doesn’t know he has!
Told from the alternating perspectives of Alice and George. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and devoured it from cover to cover. I loved the premise however as an impatient reader, I found myself shouting at the characters at times for how close they came to meeting each other. So close, yet so far! (That’s the whole point of the book, I know it’s a flaw of mine! 🤣)
At the start of the book in the media comments, somebody (insert news outlet here) called it a cracking yarn. I have to agree and I loved that analogy. A must read to fully immerse yourself in the world of Alice and George.
I’ve yet to read one of Meaney’s books that I haven’t loved. Life Before Us is no exception. A truly wonderful story that I loved.
Alice was taken in by the ‘too good to be true’ Chris, her supposed boyfriend. When a single phone call shatters that happy and romantic illusion. Turns out Chris is married, the scoundrel. When driving back to her home town or running away from Chris and her problems some might say. She goes to live with her aunt, she needs to make a new life for herself. With no work and no home of her own, should she have stuck it out in Dublin?
George is Dad to Suzi. Although he doesn’t see her half as much as he wants to. She lives mostly with her Mam and the new boyfriend. This stings for George, it wasn’t his decision to break up their relationship. When his mother leaves him in the family home alone, he decides to advertise for a lodger. Is Jack the answer to all of George’s problems? Even the ones George doesn’t know he has!
Told from the alternating perspectives of Alice and George. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and devoured it from cover to cover. I loved the premise however as an impatient reader, I found myself shouting at the characters at times for how close they came to meeting each other. So close, yet so far! (That’s the whole point of the book, I know it’s a flaw of mine! 🤣)
At the start of the book in the media comments, somebody (insert news outlet here) called it a cracking yarn. I have to agree and I loved that analogy. A must read to fully immerse yourself in the world of Alice and George.
I’ve yet to read one of Meaney’s books that I haven’t loved. Life Before Us is no exception. A truly wonderful story that I loved.
September 29, 2022
Life Before Us by Roisin Meaney
Reading this book is like catching up with an old friend. This author always seems to draw you into her stories, it’s like you know these people. This book is about people living ordinary lives in a small town. This story follows the lives of George and Alice, two people who are both looking for a chance to find some happiness.
The premise is simple enough, but the execution of it is lovely. Roisin Meaney is in my opinion a wonderful writer who always delivers a heartwarming story. For me this is a 4.5 ⭐️ Book. Many thanks to #NetGalley for my ARC of this book.
Reading this book is like catching up with an old friend. This author always seems to draw you into her stories, it’s like you know these people. This book is about people living ordinary lives in a small town. This story follows the lives of George and Alice, two people who are both looking for a chance to find some happiness.
The premise is simple enough, but the execution of it is lovely. Roisin Meaney is in my opinion a wonderful writer who always delivers a heartwarming story. For me this is a 4.5 ⭐️ Book. Many thanks to #NetGalley for my ARC of this book.
May 26, 2022
thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an arc
this was a quick & light read and the synopsis had me excited to read it, but something was massively missing for me.
the writing was good but lacking in any emotion and feeling, and it felt like the characters were robots with zero depth to them. in fact, they were all extremely boring.
there was no chemistry and it really missed the fun aspect of a romance - the getting-to-know-you parts, the tension and everything that makes relationships exciting.
there were a lot of info dumps and time spent written on the most random things - eggs and an eye test, for example. it made it very difficult to read and i struggled to continue on when there was nothing engaging or remotely interesting happening.
i skimmed halfway through to see if it would pick up a bit (it didn’t), decided to read the last few chapters and then got annoyed at the ending - there’s nothing that happens for the reader to want to root for that relationship and it feels bland and anticlimactic. and that time jump? who said that was a good idea?
i’d definitely say this is more women’s fiction rather than romance, so if you go into this expecting a cutesy romantic story, you’re bound to be disappointed. that is to say, this wasn’t fundamentally bad, just not a good fit for me.
this was a quick & light read and the synopsis had me excited to read it, but something was massively missing for me.
the writing was good but lacking in any emotion and feeling, and it felt like the characters were robots with zero depth to them. in fact, they were all extremely boring.
there was no chemistry and it really missed the fun aspect of a romance - the getting-to-know-you parts, the tension and everything that makes relationships exciting.
there were a lot of info dumps and time spent written on the most random things - eggs and an eye test, for example. it made it very difficult to read and i struggled to continue on when there was nothing engaging or remotely interesting happening.
i skimmed halfway through to see if it would pick up a bit (it didn’t), decided to read the last few chapters and then got annoyed at the ending - there’s nothing that happens for the reader to want to root for that relationship and it feels bland and anticlimactic. and that time jump? who said that was a good idea?
i’d definitely say this is more women’s fiction rather than romance, so if you go into this expecting a cutesy romantic story, you’re bound to be disappointed. that is to say, this wasn’t fundamentally bad, just not a good fit for me.
August 3, 2024
Sweet but predictable. Fell a bit flat for me. Two stories of lives in the same village gradually overlapping.
February 21, 2025
So cute, but also realistic! Super satisfying to see how it was all tied together :)
April 2, 2025
Knjige Roisin Meaney v resnici spominjajo na Maeve Binchy. Obe pišeta o tistih navadnih ljudeh, ki imajo čisto povprečna življenja. Prav tako se ne opirata na neke senzacionalistične preobrate. Čeprav je Življenje pred nama romantična knjiga, pa ima drugačno zasnovo. Navajeni smo, da se, raje prej, ko slej, dva, ki sta si namenjena, srečata. Nato sledi marsikaj, odvisno od pisateljev. Glavna akterja se znajdeta v nemogočih položajih, malo sta si všeč, malo nista; malo se sovražita, nato veliko ljubita... No tu, se ne srečata. Zeeeelo zelo dolgo ne. Čeprav živita v istem, majhnem irskem mestu, pa nekako nikoli ne pride do tega, da bi se osebno spoznala. Tako spoznavamo Georgeovo življenje, ločenega očka in njegovo osamljenost, pa tudi željo po uspešni zvezi, ki je ni in ni. Po drugi strani pa Alice iz Dublina prebegne zaradi neuspele zveze, ki pa je ne more pozabiti. Nastani se pri teti. Tako George kot Alice spoznavamo skozi različne dogodke, le njiju skupaj pač ne.
Ena taka prijazna knjiga je to, bi rekla. Pa tudi, da je veliko več ljudi podobni karakterjem, ki nastopajo v tej knjigi, zaradi česar je knjiga še bolj simpatična.
-Mar ni vedno tako? Življenja se nekaj časa prekrivajo, povezave med ljudmi se stkejo in potrgajo, poti se križajo, včasih prepletejo, nato pa se spet razidejo. Mar življenje ne teče tako?-
In takšna je ta knjiga. Topla. Prijazna. Tako kot teče življenje: včasih je z nami bolj prijazno, včasih čisto nič. In akterji te knjige živijo preprosto življenje, z bolj ali manj običajnimi tegobami in zgodba se plete v počasnem ritmu.
Ena taka prijazna knjiga je to, bi rekla. Pa tudi, da je veliko več ljudi podobni karakterjem, ki nastopajo v tej knjigi, zaradi česar je knjiga še bolj simpatična.
-Mar ni vedno tako? Življenja se nekaj časa prekrivajo, povezave med ljudmi se stkejo in potrgajo, poti se križajo, včasih prepletejo, nato pa se spet razidejo. Mar življenje ne teče tako?-
In takšna je ta knjiga. Topla. Prijazna. Tako kot teče življenje: včasih je z nami bolj prijazno, včasih čisto nič. In akterji te knjige živijo preprosto življenje, z bolj ali manj običajnimi tegobami in zgodba se plete v počasnem ritmu.
December 14, 2022
I really did enjoy most of this novel. One thing that bugged me was the writing style. At times you can tell there is a conversation going on with the speech marks. Then, randomly at times there are pages without any speech marks whatsoever. That was the main reason this novel lost a star.
This novel had a cute plot however it was very slowly paced. I don’t know about you but a novel needs to be moving along swiftly for it to really hold my attention.
The main character is not completely lazy, at least she has some sort of job but it’s the fact she does take advantage of her used-to-be-by-marriage Aunt Kate by overstaying her welcome in her little apartment and not even offering a few pennies to her even though it was rent-free for only a few weeks. Everyone knows you should just get back on your feet instead of being a lay-about. Those that are too picky with jobs - use it as the biggest excuse to do nothing. Or not much in Alice’s case.
Normally with this kind of plot two strangers, Alice and George should have eventually met, so let’s say 3/4 of the way through however they only meet in person at the very end which was annoying. I also did not expect some events with George to occur so it was sad as well.
Overall, if a few things where improved this would have been an amazing read. It was an okay read.
Review: https://clife.blog/?p=7035&previe...
This novel had a cute plot however it was very slowly paced. I don’t know about you but a novel needs to be moving along swiftly for it to really hold my attention.
The main character is not completely lazy, at least she has some sort of job but it’s the fact she does take advantage of her used-to-be-by-marriage Aunt Kate by overstaying her welcome in her little apartment and not even offering a few pennies to her even though it was rent-free for only a few weeks. Everyone knows you should just get back on your feet instead of being a lay-about. Those that are too picky with jobs - use it as the biggest excuse to do nothing. Or not much in Alice’s case.
Normally with this kind of plot two strangers, Alice and George should have eventually met, so let’s say 3/4 of the way through however they only meet in person at the very end which was annoying. I also did not expect some events with George to occur so it was sad as well.
Overall, if a few things where improved this would have been an amazing read. It was an okay read.
Review: https://clife.blog/?p=7035&previe...
June 30, 2022
After reading a book by Roisin Meaney, you want to go to the location of the story, knock on the doors of all the lovely people, tell them how much they mean to you and how invested you are in their recovery, success, life, love, trials, etc. It says something about an author when they bring their characters so much to life in a story that they actually feel real to you! I loved this latest from Roisin, where people's flaws and attributes are presented in equal measure. Loved George's love for Suzi, loved his maturity while dealing with his own insecurities. Absolutely ADORED Jack! This is a quiet cracker of a book!
December 28, 2022
Most of Alice’s friends have settled down and George’s mum is putting him under pressure to find the right one. Sounds like a good starting point for both, but will they ever actually meet?
Life Before Us is, as always for a Roisin Meaney book, a perfect comfort read. The excellent writing allows for forgiveness for the sometimes invasive kindness theme and the slightly bland at times nature of the characters in this one, and even though the cruelties of real life felt a little distant here, I loved reading it.
Life Before Us is, as always for a Roisin Meaney book, a perfect comfort read. The excellent writing allows for forgiveness for the sometimes invasive kindness theme and the slightly bland at times nature of the characters in this one, and even though the cruelties of real life felt a little distant here, I loved reading it.
May 11, 2022
I got a proof copy of Roisin Meaney's Life Before Us, out in June. Full of compassion and intelligence, this sparkles with wit and light. The best kind of comfort reading.
August 7, 2023
Very very cute! I love how descriptive Roisin Meaney is when portraying various characters. I also loved the two perspectives that the story was told through, it was not confusing at all. I wish Alice and George had met sooner so I’m hoping for a sequel!
June 29, 2025
Another cracker from Roisin Meaney. Nothing amazing happens in this story but I found it very engaging and raced through it. Roisin is definitely now one of my favourite authors. so pleased she has written many books and so I have many more to look forward to reading.
September 7, 2024
Another delightful read from Roisin Meaney. This is a lovely easy read and I really enjoyed it.
June 17, 2022
Rating ~ 4.5*
Life Before Us by Roisin Meaney was just published June 9th with Hachette Ireland. It is the 20th book published by this most-loved of writers. There is a generosity and a brightness that shines from Roisin Meaney in person, and through her writing, making her the go-to author of choice for many and with good reason. Roisin Meaney understands people. She understands human nature and what makes us tick. She recognises the array of emotions that we all experience and she brings these to life through her written word.
The premise of Life Before Us is quite simply delightful. Two people, Alice and George, have separate lives yet there are threads crossing back and forth subtly, and slowly, drawing them closer. We have an expectation, based on the premise, of what the eventual outcome will be but it is the tantalising nature of how their relationship is presented that captures our attention.
Alice is now in her thirties. Having left her home town after school for the bright lights of Dublin, she eventually settled into a job as a dentist’s receptionist. For the past ten years she has been renting but a shift in the homeowners circumstances has forced Alice to rethink her accommodation. With many of her friends now married and with children, Alice is all too aware of her own status and this awareness takes a further blow when she discovers that her boyfriend has been playing her for a fool.
A proposal comes her way from her aunt back home and Alice makes a radical decision. She hands in her notice, packs her bag and heads back west to start over again. Alice’s parents live in Italy and have suggested she join them with the possibility of making a more permanent shift to Italy but Alice is not ready to give up on Ireland just yet. With the help of her aunt and some good fortune she is able to manage for a bit, buying herself a little time to figure out what she really wants from life.
George is a primary school teacher with a big heart. Once married, he has a young daughter Suzi who lives with her mother, with George getting weekend access. Now living back in the family home, his mother is about to remarry. George’s father died some years previously and his mother is ready to start a new stage in her life, which means leaving the town she is familiar with, which also means leaving George on his own. George has never lived alone and soon he finds the silence deafening. He is quite an introverted character with no major social circle but he realises that he cannot remain alone in a house that is clearly too big for him so he takes a risk and decides to rent out a room.
Alice makes tentative steps back into the community she grew up in but things have changed since she left. New businesses have popped up and the friends she once knew have moved on. Her aunt’s assistance is only temporary and Alice knows she needs to find something more sustainable. She thought more permanent employment would be easy to find but she soon discovers that she needs to have a rethink. What would Alice really like to do? What would give her fulfilment and also assist her with her everyday living costs? As ideas spill into her head, that invisible thread is working its way in the background laying the groundwork for a little piece of magic that may just change her life forever.
George is depicted wonderfully. A brilliant Dad to Suzi, a caring teacher, a good son but unfortunately unlucky in love. George still carries a torch for his ex-wife, hoping that some day she might look at him again the way she used to. He shuns aside all other possibilities until he is faced with a few life-changing circumstances and his life takes an unexpected turn.
Life Before Us is a story packed full with warmth and charm. A wistful tale about embracing life and being unafraid to take chances, it has an upbeat glow emanating from it that will leave any reader captivated and uplifted after turning that final page. Roisin Meaney writes authentic characters with real lives that make it very easy to vividly imagine the personalities of all the individuals throughout the novel. While this is ultimately a joyful book, there are also moments of deep sadness, as there is in everyone’s life, again adding to the honesty of Roisin Meaney’s writing.
Life Before Us is that book you have been waiting for. You know the one. That book that embraces you in a warm hug and leaves you feeling optimistic, upbeat and at one with the world. Slip away by yourself, with a cuppa in hand, into the careful hands of this captivating storyteller. I promise you’ll love it!
Life Before Us by Roisin Meaney was just published June 9th with Hachette Ireland. It is the 20th book published by this most-loved of writers. There is a generosity and a brightness that shines from Roisin Meaney in person, and through her writing, making her the go-to author of choice for many and with good reason. Roisin Meaney understands people. She understands human nature and what makes us tick. She recognises the array of emotions that we all experience and she brings these to life through her written word.
The premise of Life Before Us is quite simply delightful. Two people, Alice and George, have separate lives yet there are threads crossing back and forth subtly, and slowly, drawing them closer. We have an expectation, based on the premise, of what the eventual outcome will be but it is the tantalising nature of how their relationship is presented that captures our attention.
Alice is now in her thirties. Having left her home town after school for the bright lights of Dublin, she eventually settled into a job as a dentist’s receptionist. For the past ten years she has been renting but a shift in the homeowners circumstances has forced Alice to rethink her accommodation. With many of her friends now married and with children, Alice is all too aware of her own status and this awareness takes a further blow when she discovers that her boyfriend has been playing her for a fool.
A proposal comes her way from her aunt back home and Alice makes a radical decision. She hands in her notice, packs her bag and heads back west to start over again. Alice’s parents live in Italy and have suggested she join them with the possibility of making a more permanent shift to Italy but Alice is not ready to give up on Ireland just yet. With the help of her aunt and some good fortune she is able to manage for a bit, buying herself a little time to figure out what she really wants from life.
George is a primary school teacher with a big heart. Once married, he has a young daughter Suzi who lives with her mother, with George getting weekend access. Now living back in the family home, his mother is about to remarry. George’s father died some years previously and his mother is ready to start a new stage in her life, which means leaving the town she is familiar with, which also means leaving George on his own. George has never lived alone and soon he finds the silence deafening. He is quite an introverted character with no major social circle but he realises that he cannot remain alone in a house that is clearly too big for him so he takes a risk and decides to rent out a room.
Alice makes tentative steps back into the community she grew up in but things have changed since she left. New businesses have popped up and the friends she once knew have moved on. Her aunt’s assistance is only temporary and Alice knows she needs to find something more sustainable. She thought more permanent employment would be easy to find but she soon discovers that she needs to have a rethink. What would Alice really like to do? What would give her fulfilment and also assist her with her everyday living costs? As ideas spill into her head, that invisible thread is working its way in the background laying the groundwork for a little piece of magic that may just change her life forever.
George is depicted wonderfully. A brilliant Dad to Suzi, a caring teacher, a good son but unfortunately unlucky in love. George still carries a torch for his ex-wife, hoping that some day she might look at him again the way she used to. He shuns aside all other possibilities until he is faced with a few life-changing circumstances and his life takes an unexpected turn.
Life Before Us is a story packed full with warmth and charm. A wistful tale about embracing life and being unafraid to take chances, it has an upbeat glow emanating from it that will leave any reader captivated and uplifted after turning that final page. Roisin Meaney writes authentic characters with real lives that make it very easy to vividly imagine the personalities of all the individuals throughout the novel. While this is ultimately a joyful book, there are also moments of deep sadness, as there is in everyone’s life, again adding to the honesty of Roisin Meaney’s writing.
Life Before Us is that book you have been waiting for. You know the one. That book that embraces you in a warm hug and leaves you feeling optimistic, upbeat and at one with the world. Slip away by yourself, with a cuppa in hand, into the careful hands of this captivating storyteller. I promise you’ll love it!
May 16, 2022
The story
Alice is a receptionist at Dublin dentist. She lives with a couple who have just announced they are pregnant. When she finds out devastating news about her relationship, she visits her aunt Kate who offers her a home and work if she moves back to her hometown. George is a single dad to Suki, a caring teacher and son. Alice and George’s paths keep intersecting in the small town but they don’t meet until the very end of this story.
My thoughts
I loved this beautiful Irish story. Both Alice and George are ready to find their “person” in life. In the meantime, they are finding their way through life, being kind and caring and spreading joy. I kept rooting for the two of them to meet and not fall for the “not-quite-right” other options that presented themselves throughout the story. Strong characters, gorgeous writing and plot. A winner for me.
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
Alice is a receptionist at Dublin dentist. She lives with a couple who have just announced they are pregnant. When she finds out devastating news about her relationship, she visits her aunt Kate who offers her a home and work if she moves back to her hometown. George is a single dad to Suki, a caring teacher and son. Alice and George’s paths keep intersecting in the small town but they don’t meet until the very end of this story.
My thoughts
I loved this beautiful Irish story. Both Alice and George are ready to find their “person” in life. In the meantime, they are finding their way through life, being kind and caring and spreading joy. I kept rooting for the two of them to meet and not fall for the “not-quite-right” other options that presented themselves throughout the story. Strong characters, gorgeous writing and plot. A winner for me.
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
February 9, 2024
This book was not my style so I'm trying to be objective with my rating but it's just so very slow.
It has that kind of clipped, formal writing style with short sentences that you only seem to see from British/Irish authors. Not my fave but I know it's popular with other readers.
For me personally, this story was just frustratingly slow. Alice makes questionable choices from start to finish and seems so lost. When she finally finds what she wants to do, she just picked literally the first thing suggested to her. I liked George's household of characters though!
The blurb and categorisation as romance is the big problem because this is beyond slow burn, they barely meet let alone actually date. I could see someone looking for a nothing-much-happens read really enjoying this but that's not how it sounds so they won't find it... I would've left out the epilogue and marketed as contemporary fiction and I reckon this would've found the right audience, but as a romance it falls short.
It has that kind of clipped, formal writing style with short sentences that you only seem to see from British/Irish authors. Not my fave but I know it's popular with other readers.
For me personally, this story was just frustratingly slow. Alice makes questionable choices from start to finish and seems so lost. When she finally finds what she wants to do, she just picked literally the first thing suggested to her. I liked George's household of characters though!
The blurb and categorisation as romance is the big problem because this is beyond slow burn, they barely meet let alone actually date. I could see someone looking for a nothing-much-happens read really enjoying this but that's not how it sounds so they won't find it... I would've left out the epilogue and marketed as contemporary fiction and I reckon this would've found the right audience, but as a romance it falls short.
May 30, 2022
A sweet story that is a perfect escape. A bit slow to start, the story gains momentum as the characters get fully developed. A story of hope and coming back to life in a manner of speaking. From a derelict garden, a neglected cat, and a couple of people who have been terribly treated in love, to a charming and happy ending. I was enchanted by most of the characters, especially George and Jack. A good story full of promise, kindness, and love. Easy to recommend to most ages as no graphic sex or language. My first of this author, I will look out for more. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this advance copy.
May 13, 2023
This is just a fun easy read. The characters of Alice and George are wonderful. They are kind caring people who have not made a permanent connection with another person. These are not desperate to meet someone since they both have full lives. Alice has returned to her small hometown in Ireland. She lives with her aunt. She fills her life working as a part-time waitress, journalist, and egg deliverer. Meanwhile George is a grade school teacher. He fills his life with his daughter Suzi. These people orbit each other's worlds but don't quite meet. This is such a positive novel. Filled with some lovely people.
June 23, 2022
'Life Before Us' is a truly glorious read that is full of love, laughter and heartbreak. All the characters felt like a real community and it was not long before I had taken them into my hearts and viewed them as friends. Without giving anything away, I adore how Meaney weaves all the different plot threads together, it made for magical reading and I loved getting each different section "right".
This is brimming with emotion both positive and negative but I loved my time reading this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books Ireland for an advance copy.
This is brimming with emotion both positive and negative but I loved my time reading this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books Ireland for an advance copy.
October 9, 2022
I loved how the author told the story of the two main characters' lives separate from each other throughout most of the book. The two main characters and sub-characters were all likable in their own way (the ex-wife and the cheating boyfriend who was married, not so much). There were cute little coincidences cleverly thrown in, of their lives touching but were unknown to them. I really enjoyed this story. What bothered me was the hit-or-miss use of quotation marks. Someone would speak, but there were no quotation marks separating it from the sentence. But not all the time. It threw me off.
October 22, 2022
Alice has left everything being her in Dublin and moved in with her aunt in her home town to find her feet after finding out her boyfriend was married.
George is a quiet single dad whose daughter comes to stay every other weekend, he lives alone in his childhood home now as his mum has just got married so decides to take in a lodger
Both are trying to move on with their lives and without realising it actually come into contact with each other several times but only actually seeing each other in person once or twice until the end of the book
A lovely feel good story
George is a quiet single dad whose daughter comes to stay every other weekend, he lives alone in his childhood home now as his mum has just got married so decides to take in a lodger
Both are trying to move on with their lives and without realising it actually come into contact with each other several times but only actually seeing each other in person once or twice until the end of the book
A lovely feel good story
November 13, 2022
When Alice finds out her boyfriend is a married man, it leaves her thoroughly heartbroken. She heads home to Galway where her auntie Kate has provided refuge.
In Galway, single dad, George, has finally decided to open his heart and look for love.
This is a beautifully written story where the main characters lives are gently woven together through near misses and it's not until the end of the book when they finally meet. This is unlike any book I have read before. It's truly delightful .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In Galway, single dad, George, has finally decided to open his heart and look for love.
This is a beautifully written story where the main characters lives are gently woven together through near misses and it's not until the end of the book when they finally meet. This is unlike any book I have read before. It's truly delightful .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 27, 2024
It really is a story about the lives of George and Alice before they become a couple.
I enjoyed the writing style, it was easy to read. The double pov was nice, as the majority of the story is before they are together. We follow two people who haven't had the best of luck with romance and then they meet. I don't know if I would call it a romance as it's not really until the last 20 pages but it is following their romantic endeavours. I enjoyed the message of kindness and hope as well.
The reading experience was easy and comforting.
I enjoyed the writing style, it was easy to read. The double pov was nice, as the majority of the story is before they are together. We follow two people who haven't had the best of luck with romance and then they meet. I don't know if I would call it a romance as it's not really until the last 20 pages but it is following their romantic endeavours. I enjoyed the message of kindness and hope as well.
The reading experience was easy and comforting.
October 13, 2022
Life Before Us is the second book I’ve read by Roisin Meaney, an Irish author whose writing style feels like a cozy bathrobe and fluffy slippers on a Saturday morning to me. When I was looking for a relaxing read, I picked up her newest book. If you want a page-turner that keeps you up late at night, Meaney may not be the best author for you. But give her a whirl if you want to unwind and lose the drama.
October 30, 2022
The first book I’ve read by this author. A nice and easy read, but felt like there was not much happening throughout the book. I felt like it could have had more of a plot or twist. I found it annoying that two of the main characters Alice and George only finally met each other at the end of the book. I found that George’s mum dying suddenly was a bit of a trigger for me as my mum had also passed away just a couple of months ago. I give this book 3.5 stars.
July 12, 2022
This was a beautiful, quick, hopeful read: a perfect meetcute for summer. I love that I could picture everything taking place in Ireland now that I've been there. This novel was chock full of lovely characters in a warmly-spun net that really bring the expression "it's a small world after all" to life. 💕
September 19, 2022
Oh My Goodness!
Such a warm and wonderful book. If HEA is your wish…you will absolutely be glad you read. I tend to alternate between murder and mayhem and HEA. The book before this was excellent but a little to graphic on the murder. “Life Before Us” was just what I need. Now, I’ll have to search for more of Roisin Meaney’s books! Enjoy! 💕
Such a warm and wonderful book. If HEA is your wish…you will absolutely be glad you read. I tend to alternate between murder and mayhem and HEA. The book before this was excellent but a little to graphic on the murder. “Life Before Us” was just what I need. Now, I’ll have to search for more of Roisin Meaney’s books! Enjoy! 💕
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