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Missing You
Fen works in a bookshop and is devoted to her young son, Connor, but she keeps herself to herself. Haunted by guilt and a terrible secret, Fen lives a compromised life, isolated from her family, far from home and too afraid of the past to risk becoming close to anyone. She is constantly looking over her shoulder, knowing that one day the truth will catch up with her. Sean, on the other hand, is enjoying a seemingly perfect life. He has a successful career, lives in his dream home and adores his beautiful wife, Belle, and their six-year-old daughter, Amy. That is until the day Belle announces she has found someone else and wants Sean to move out. Circumstance throws Fen and Sean together. Slowly their quiet friendship turns into something much deeper and the joy they find in one another eventually gives them the confidence to trust and love again. But will the past tear them apart just as they find happiness?
378 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2010
431 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read
About the author
Louise Douglas
29 books846 followersHello and thank you for visiting my profile page. I write contemporary Gothic novels which are usually inspired by places close to where I live in the Mendips, close to Bristol in the UK, or by places I've visited, especially Italy and Sicily. The House by the Sea won the Jackie Collins Romantic Suspense Award in 2021. The Love of My Life, my first book, was longlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award. My second book, Missing You, won the RNA Readers' Choice Award, and my third, The Secrets Between Us was a 2012 Richard and Judy Summer Read.
The next book, The Room in the Attic is due to be published in October 2021 and is a ghost story set in a Victorian asylum-turned-boarding school on Dartmoor.
If you'd like to connect, you'll find me on Facebook Louise Amy Douglas or Twitter: @LouiseDouglas3.
The next book, The Room in the Attic is due to be published in October 2021 and is a ghost story set in a Victorian asylum-turned-boarding school on Dartmoor.
If you'd like to connect, you'll find me on Facebook Louise Amy Douglas or Twitter: @LouiseDouglas3.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
February 8, 2010
I read and adored Louise Douglas' debut novel, The Love Of My Life and so when I saw she had a new book coming out this month, it went straight to the top of my wish list. I wasn't disappointed, as again Douglas delivers a story that will take you on an emotional roller coaster and keep you completely absorbed.
The development of the relationship between Fen and Sean is stunning, but what I really loved reading was the relationship between Sean and his daughter Amy. She is only six when her parents separate and struggles to understand it. Sean also struggles to adapt to the new relationship with his daughter, fighting against the resentment and anger he feels for his wife and his determination to protect his child. I've read countless books on relationship break ups from a woman's perspective, but can't think of many that are from a man's. I think Louise Douglas handled this beautifully and sensitively; the feelings and emotions Sean goes through are so vivid. I admit to feeling that I wanted to protect him myself, maybe even falling a little bit in love with him.
Throughout the book, Fen's secret is a shadow, and I had no idea where this was going. It is hinted at from quite early on, but it's not until the final quarter of the book that it begins to be revealed. By the time it was I was completely engrossed, and there is a scene where Fen confronts the past that had me holding my breath, being unexpected and incredibly sad. If I have one tiny criticism of the book it would be that after Fen's guilt is exposed, the other characters seem a little blasé about it, as if it really didn't matter that much. This didn't really strike me as a true reaction. I didn't mind too much and I don't think it spoils the book, but it is in contrast to the realism of the rest of the book
This isn't a fluffy read. While it's not heavy going and is easy to read, it's more serious than light chick-lit. That's not to say it doesn't have some lighter moments. A chapter that saw Sean getting as drunk as he could after a particularly messy meeting with his ex wife made me laugh. It's a disgustingly accurate portrayal of drunkenness that is both cringe worthy and funny. The book is very emotion driven and I felt all the ups and downs along with the characters. Louise Douglas writes relationships so very well and isn't afraid to show their bitter, jealous and manipulative sides while still showing the characters to be good people. What I love about the characters in Louise Douglas' books is how absolutely real they are. She never tries to dress them up, and writes them with all the complexities and flaws humans have, so they become completely believable and easy to relate too. Another hit for me from this author and I'll be watching out eagerly for a third book.
The development of the relationship between Fen and Sean is stunning, but what I really loved reading was the relationship between Sean and his daughter Amy. She is only six when her parents separate and struggles to understand it. Sean also struggles to adapt to the new relationship with his daughter, fighting against the resentment and anger he feels for his wife and his determination to protect his child. I've read countless books on relationship break ups from a woman's perspective, but can't think of many that are from a man's. I think Louise Douglas handled this beautifully and sensitively; the feelings and emotions Sean goes through are so vivid. I admit to feeling that I wanted to protect him myself, maybe even falling a little bit in love with him.
Throughout the book, Fen's secret is a shadow, and I had no idea where this was going. It is hinted at from quite early on, but it's not until the final quarter of the book that it begins to be revealed. By the time it was I was completely engrossed, and there is a scene where Fen confronts the past that had me holding my breath, being unexpected and incredibly sad. If I have one tiny criticism of the book it would be that after Fen's guilt is exposed, the other characters seem a little blasé about it, as if it really didn't matter that much. This didn't really strike me as a true reaction. I didn't mind too much and I don't think it spoils the book, but it is in contrast to the realism of the rest of the book
This isn't a fluffy read. While it's not heavy going and is easy to read, it's more serious than light chick-lit. That's not to say it doesn't have some lighter moments. A chapter that saw Sean getting as drunk as he could after a particularly messy meeting with his ex wife made me laugh. It's a disgustingly accurate portrayal of drunkenness that is both cringe worthy and funny. The book is very emotion driven and I felt all the ups and downs along with the characters. Louise Douglas writes relationships so very well and isn't afraid to show their bitter, jealous and manipulative sides while still showing the characters to be good people. What I love about the characters in Louise Douglas' books is how absolutely real they are. She never tries to dress them up, and writes them with all the complexities and flaws humans have, so they become completely believable and easy to relate too. Another hit for me from this author and I'll be watching out eagerly for a third book.
March 2, 2019
'Missing You' is a well-written, beautiful, heart-warming story that really had me captivated from start to finish; not a light chick-lit read, but definitely one worth picking up.
May 8, 2011
I won't give you a synopsis of the book, many have done that. I was kinda hesitant to write a negative review on this book because most people that have read it have thought it good. OK, I do have to warn I am 15 so that is probably why my opinion defers considerably.
The first thing I noticed was the lack of imagery, not the garden, we had lots of description of the garden but the people themselves. At the end of the book I had no idea what Sean looks like or Fen, in fact. It's not that I have no imagination it's just that there was nothing there to really go on. All I know was that Fen was "slight", as Sean repetitively said. To be fair we did get hair colours dotted here and there but, for me, it certainly didn't suffice.
The way in which it was written really got on my nerves, 'Fen looked up' 'Fen did this'. OK, maybe they aren't direct quotes but you get the picture. It did have a simple flowing structure to it which I did enjoy, the books isn't all bad, not even close. Also, I seemed to be the only one who has picked up on this but there seemed to be no time structure. The only time I knew the date or round about was because of seasonal happenings e.g. Christmas. The book tended to skip days or even moths and left the reader with no idea.
The secret she was hiding was such a anti-climax. I don't want to say too much in case anyone hasn't read this yet but it just felt a bit ridiculous. I know I can't empathise with the situations she's been in but it Fen certainly made it sound worse then it actually was. I am capable of emotions, just in case there is any question of that but I just felt no emotional attachment to the book. It failed to draw me in.
The story line is great, minus her secret, and I just felt more could have done with it. The ending was predictable but still I enjoyed getting to the end even though, I felt, there was really no resolution. Personally, I wouldn't read this book again it had a warm fuzzy feeling about it but lacking something enticing. Hmm, was that an oxymoron? Nice one-off summer read good for passing time.
The first thing I noticed was the lack of imagery, not the garden, we had lots of description of the garden but the people themselves. At the end of the book I had no idea what Sean looks like or Fen, in fact. It's not that I have no imagination it's just that there was nothing there to really go on. All I know was that Fen was "slight", as Sean repetitively said. To be fair we did get hair colours dotted here and there but, for me, it certainly didn't suffice.
The way in which it was written really got on my nerves, 'Fen looked up' 'Fen did this'. OK, maybe they aren't direct quotes but you get the picture. It did have a simple flowing structure to it which I did enjoy, the books isn't all bad, not even close. Also, I seemed to be the only one who has picked up on this but there seemed to be no time structure. The only time I knew the date or round about was because of seasonal happenings e.g. Christmas. The book tended to skip days or even moths and left the reader with no idea.
The secret she was hiding was such a anti-climax. I don't want to say too much in case anyone hasn't read this yet but it just felt a bit ridiculous. I know I can't empathise with the situations she's been in but it Fen certainly made it sound worse then it actually was. I am capable of emotions, just in case there is any question of that but I just felt no emotional attachment to the book. It failed to draw me in.
The story line is great, minus her secret, and I just felt more could have done with it. The ending was predictable but still I enjoyed getting to the end even though, I felt, there was really no resolution. Personally, I wouldn't read this book again it had a warm fuzzy feeling about it but lacking something enticing. Hmm, was that an oxymoron? Nice one-off summer read good for passing time.
January 14, 2019
Ne kadar klasiklere girecek bir durumda olmasa da oldukca begendigimi söyleyebilirim. Aile iliskilerindeki carpasik durumlarda biraz nötr bakmaya calismis en azindan kimse cok hakli yada haksiz degil.Yazarin okudugum ilk eseri fakat anlatimini bakis acisini sevdim.Hic bir sekilde sadece siyah beyaz olarak bakmiyor yada gri. Yasamin degisik renklerini de kullaniyor yazisinda. Guzeldi, biteli bir kac gun olmasina ragmen bazen aklima geliyor öylesine takiliyorum romanin kahramanlari iliskiler yasam falan hem sorgulatiyor hemde cevaplarini sizin bulmaniza yardimci oluyor diyelim. Alternatif cevaplar var secim sizin. Umarim ilerde yazarin baska eserlerinide okuyabilirim. Öylesine romantik bir roman degil zaten. tavsiye edecegim bir roman.
July 20, 2013
Having left my kindle unsecured, I returned home to see that my son had managed to buy this book. Unfortunately, I'm not very impressed with his taste in books. The plot is not only obvious from almost the end of the first chapter, but the main female character - Fen - is remarkably annoying, always questioning herself and what others are thinking of her. Unfortunately, there is a flashback scene where she is at a festival that shows her as a remarkably different type of person - there is a plot reason as to why she is always questioning herself, but as far as I can work out, the festival scene came later than the plot point, so it doesn't really ring true.
The main male character - Sean - has two annoying characteristics. Firstly, he doesn't seem capable of working out what will obviously make his family and Fen happier, but needs it spelled out to him by his sister. The problem is that it is so blindlingly obvious you almost want to hit him. The second problem is the author's habit of thinking that music somehow equals characterisation. Sean is upset - listens to Massive Attack loudly in the car. This meant to make me relate to him but just sticks out like a sore thumb the more it occurs.
Also, there are too many scenes where it feels like a description of the event/place has been added in because that is what writers do, not because it is moving or poetic or tells us something else about the characters. For example, Sean at one point makes a Bacon and Egg sandwich - this includes a minute description of how frying an egg works. As a metaphor, it's not exactly subtle - you don't make an omelette (or egg sandwich) without breaking eggs - and as a description it tells me nothing extra.
The main male character - Sean - has two annoying characteristics. Firstly, he doesn't seem capable of working out what will obviously make his family and Fen happier, but needs it spelled out to him by his sister. The problem is that it is so blindlingly obvious you almost want to hit him. The second problem is the author's habit of thinking that music somehow equals characterisation. Sean is upset - listens to Massive Attack loudly in the car. This meant to make me relate to him but just sticks out like a sore thumb the more it occurs.
Also, there are too many scenes where it feels like a description of the event/place has been added in because that is what writers do, not because it is moving or poetic or tells us something else about the characters. For example, Sean at one point makes a Bacon and Egg sandwich - this includes a minute description of how frying an egg works. As a metaphor, it's not exactly subtle - you don't make an omelette (or egg sandwich) without breaking eggs - and as a description it tells me nothing extra.
August 17, 2013
Fen, a single mum to her son Connor carries a secret with her. A secret that clouds her life. Sean finds himself single again after his wifes affair, and moves into Fens house as a lodger. Their friendship slowly turns into something more, but past and present events conspire to keep them apart.
Another excellent read from Louise Douglas. I adore her style of writing, there is just the right amount of beautiful description to have you thoroughly engrossed in the place or person she is portraying. This story builds up nicely, and has a great cast of characters.
Another excellent read from Louise Douglas. I adore her style of writing, there is just the right amount of beautiful description to have you thoroughly engrossed in the place or person she is portraying. This story builds up nicely, and has a great cast of characters.
January 21, 2013
The basic story idea was good here, but it was written in such a tedious way, I couldn't get into it at all. EVERYTHING was spelt out for the reader, there was absolutely no subtlety at all.
Unfortunately, both Fen and Sean (the two main characters) were rather unlikeable, and I didn't believe in their relationship.
I can see that Louise Douglas can write, and has good ideas, so I will try another of her books to see if it's any better. This was poor.
Unfortunately, both Fen and Sean (the two main characters) were rather unlikeable, and I didn't believe in their relationship.
I can see that Louise Douglas can write, and has good ideas, so I will try another of her books to see if it's any better. This was poor.
May 16, 2014
Bit disappointed story was good but thought it was very long winded could have been told in half the time :-(
February 22, 2025
There were some lovely parts in the book. It was an easy to read, able to put down and pick up back into it again.
About 10 years ago, I read another book by Louise Douglas, which is what made me pick this one. The book was 'The love of my life', which had my emotions all over the place.
'Missing You' didn't capture me the same, but I did want to keep reading. I would pick up another of Louise's books.
Happy reading :)
About 10 years ago, I read another book by Louise Douglas, which is what made me pick this one. The book was 'The love of my life', which had my emotions all over the place.
'Missing You' didn't capture me the same, but I did want to keep reading. I would pick up another of Louise's books.
Happy reading :)
January 28, 2021
Solidna priča, ali stil pisanja užasan.
O ljubavi, ali i porodici.
Onako, bez razloga, povoda i smisla, odjednom iskrne neka rečenica kao pokušaj nekog jeftinog trilera, a već u slijedećoj vraćamo se ljudima koji ne znaju šta će sa sobom.
O ljubavi, ali i porodici.
Onako, bez razloga, povoda i smisla, odjednom iskrne neka rečenica kao pokušaj nekog jeftinog trilera, a već u slijedećoj vraćamo se ljudima koji ne znaju šta će sa sobom.
May 30, 2018
İlk defa okudugum bir yazar cok sevimli bir hikaye idi..Tavsiye ederim.
November 9, 2011
The writing style of MISSING YOU is fascinating. Douglass goes into minute details in her descriptions. At times, the author is even surprisingly poetic. Douglas managed to escape a lot of clichés from romantic genre. Not all of them, but that would be unreasonable to expect.
The plot is almost completely predictable (to me that is, it may not be to everyone). That goes for the end as well. There were a few pleasant surprises along the way, though. Characterization is decent. The characters have their charms, for instance the language they use is very appropriate to their character. However, their actions seem too predictable- or is it just because of the storyline? I can't tell.
What I liked most about the novel is that it is not just about the love story; it says something about morality, responsibility and making the right decisions. Let's face it- the only think I've against this book is its romantic genre. Perhaps it's not fair to judge book badly only on account of that. Well, we all have our preferences and I just have something against the idea “fall in love and live happily ever after". It’s too simple. I would recommend it to the fans of romantic genre. Generally speaking, it isn't a bad novel and it's easy to read.
The plot is almost completely predictable (to me that is, it may not be to everyone). That goes for the end as well. There were a few pleasant surprises along the way, though. Characterization is decent. The characters have their charms, for instance the language they use is very appropriate to their character. However, their actions seem too predictable- or is it just because of the storyline? I can't tell.
What I liked most about the novel is that it is not just about the love story; it says something about morality, responsibility and making the right decisions. Let's face it- the only think I've against this book is its romantic genre. Perhaps it's not fair to judge book badly only on account of that. Well, we all have our preferences and I just have something against the idea “fall in love and live happily ever after". It’s too simple. I would recommend it to the fans of romantic genre. Generally speaking, it isn't a bad novel and it's easy to read.
June 15, 2012
I rated this book a 3 because even though it is a lovely story and I read in in two days... it was not a story that made me feel good. Escapism is important to me as a reader!
It deals with a lot of difficult issues. Adultery, separation, children with difficulties, loneliness, guilt, accidental death, trajedy... and true love. The kind of love that means something and matters.
So even though it brought these difficult topics together in a very clever and unique manner it was not the kind of book I would want to read again. All I could think of was of the family break ups I have witnessed and the damage it originally did for my neices and nephews.
So read this is you want to understand how it feels to go through a break up and to know there is light at the end of the tunnel...
Hope this helps
Vanessa :)
It deals with a lot of difficult issues. Adultery, separation, children with difficulties, loneliness, guilt, accidental death, trajedy... and true love. The kind of love that means something and matters.
So even though it brought these difficult topics together in a very clever and unique manner it was not the kind of book I would want to read again. All I could think of was of the family break ups I have witnessed and the damage it originally did for my neices and nephews.
So read this is you want to understand how it feels to go through a break up and to know there is light at the end of the tunnel...
Hope this helps
Vanessa :)
March 11, 2010
I always dread reading a second book in case it doesn't live up to expectations, and having absolutely loved The Love of my Life I was quite worried about reading this one. If you're the same, stop worrying now. I loved this book, gave me the same heartbreaking achy feeling as her last, lovely "real" characters and a love story for real people who live real lives. Sean's relationship with his daughter Amy is beautifully drawn. Although the story turns a tad silly at times - the secret from the past was a bit disappointing, I thought - you can't fault Louise Douglas for the beautiful writing, well rounded characters, real conversations and that wonderful touch with romance. A superb read.
April 5, 2014
Well... At first I thought this is one of those wannabe Sparks books. But at the end it was just ok.
I mean, story was fine, but something was missing, something deeper to make me fall into this story.
And this is, for me, one of those books where title doesn't have anything to do with story.
So, I'm giving you 2 stars.
I mean, story was fine, but something was missing, something deeper to make me fall into this story.
And this is, for me, one of those books where title doesn't have anything to do with story.
So, I'm giving you 2 stars.
August 6, 2010
It was a good read although I did find it a bit slow to get into! Loved the characters but wish she had expanded it more at the end!
January 14, 2022
Missing Who
Sean thought he had the perfect life; a beautiful wife, lovely child, a beautiful house and a successful career. Surprise!!!, his wife has met someone else and forces him out of their home they had shared for the past eleven years. He eventually rents a room from Fen, a single mother haunted by guilt associated with her brother Tomas and his best friend and lover.
Overall, I enjoyed this read and it was difficult to put down especially during the last third of the book. However, the ending was kind of weak, a bit predictable and way to abrupt. I wanted and needed more.
Sean thought he had the perfect life; a beautiful wife, lovely child, a beautiful house and a successful career. Surprise!!!, his wife has met someone else and forces him out of their home they had shared for the past eleven years. He eventually rents a room from Fen, a single mother haunted by guilt associated with her brother Tomas and his best friend and lover.
Overall, I enjoyed this read and it was difficult to put down especially during the last third of the book. However, the ending was kind of weak, a bit predictable and way to abrupt. I wanted and needed more.
June 24, 2021
This is the third Louise Douglas book I have read, this one is not her best. I found it hard to get into and connect emotionally with the characters. I didn't care about Belle and Sean's relationship and arguments, I also felt detached from Fen's character. She was bland and uninspiring- a wet dishcloth is more interesting then her.
I didn't find it an emotional rollercoaster, it bored me to tears. I ploughed my way through (loosing focus, taking longer than average to read) in the hope that something more interesting May happen- which it didn't.
Quite disappointed as Louise Douglas' other work has been incredible and gripped me from start to finish.
I didn't find it an emotional rollercoaster, it bored me to tears. I ploughed my way through (loosing focus, taking longer than average to read) in the hope that something more interesting May happen- which it didn't.
Quite disappointed as Louise Douglas' other work has been incredible and gripped me from start to finish.
December 27, 2021
This is the second book by this author that I have read about 1/3 of the book and then skipped to the end, and read the last few chapters. Missed absolutely nothing... again. I have come to the conclusion that this author really does not have have talent for writing love stories. There is little to no plot, unlikeable characters, and way too much needless sex scenes. Trust me, I skipped them all and blew through a quarter of the book. Do yourself a favor and steer clear of her romances. She is much more talented when she writes her Gothic thrillers.
July 13, 2025
Sean and Belle have been married several years and have a young daughter, Amy. One day Belle tells Sean she has found "someone else" and wants him to leave their beautiful home. He rents a room in the home of Fen who has a disabled son named Conner. Sean has loved Belle so much he is having a tough time adjusting. Fen and Sean are quiet people who exists together with little interaction until Amy comes with Sean, Fen and Conner to a park to play. I enjoyed the building of the characters in this author's book.
July 1, 2020
Really enjoyed reading this story. Good write up about how separation affect children involved when couple decide that it is not working out anymore, and how difficult it is to rebuild your life even when you have found someone to love .
There are always emotions and guilty feelings and always hard choices to make when you finally have to decide what is best for your child , but you also have to think about your own happiness.
Michele Zito
There are always emotions and guilty feelings and always hard choices to make when you finally have to decide what is best for your child , but you also have to think about your own happiness.
Michele Zito
August 12, 2020
I just discovered Louise Douglas via The House by the Sea and it was so good that I snapped up Missing You and The Love of my Life, so I can binge read her. :)
Her characters feel absolutely real to me and will now live in my brain as people I actually know: my favourite type of book.
Fen, in Missing You, is wonderful. I love her wide-open gentle heart and her kindness and generosity of spirit. I rooted for her all the way. :)
Her characters feel absolutely real to me and will now live in my brain as people I actually know: my favourite type of book.
Fen, in Missing You, is wonderful. I love her wide-open gentle heart and her kindness and generosity of spirit. I rooted for her all the way. :)
April 18, 2022
j’ai tellement aimé !! tellement sous côté omgg je l’ai trouvé dans une boîte à livre et j’avais assez peur vu qu’il était en anglais mais vrm ce livre est incroyable!! on s’attache rapidement aux personnages et l’histoire et racontée dans les détails et rien est laissé de côté
pour le plot twist ( si on peux appelé ça comme ça ) quand on apprend que c’est Fen qui conduisait , honnêtement on avait tous deviné donc je comprenait pas vrm pourquoi tout ce “suspense” mais sinon INCROYABLE
pour le plot twist ( si on peux appelé ça comme ça ) quand on apprend que c’est Fen qui conduisait , honnêtement on avait tous deviné donc je comprenait pas vrm pourquoi tout ce “suspense” mais sinon INCROYABLE
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2019
This was an 'ok-ish' type of book. I don't feel enriched after reading it and was mildly frustrated by some of the characters. There's a lot of repetition throughout the book and certain themes are not explored deeply enough. I felt the author skimmed the surface. This would be ok as a holiday read.
May 17, 2022
A heartwarming story with loveable main characters and beautiful descriptive writing . Louise Douglas does a great job at setting the scene . It's easy to feel a part of the characters lives.
Looking forward to reading a third book by this author .
Looking forward to reading a third book by this author .
January 18, 2024
Easy reading
Written in present tense makes one feel a
part of the story. Easy reading. There's no rough and tumble. It leads from gloom to light. Feels good. Enjoyed during travel and also when I am unwell.
Written in present tense makes one feel a
part of the story. Easy reading. There's no rough and tumble. It leads from gloom to light. Feels good. Enjoyed during travel and also when I am unwell.
April 8, 2025
Slow start but tear-jerking later
Nearly gave up reading at the beginning, but I persevered and was glad I did. The characters are real and have their flaws, which makes an interesting story.
Nearly gave up reading at the beginning, but I persevered and was glad I did. The characters are real and have their flaws, which makes an interesting story.
October 28, 2018
4,5 stars
December 19, 2019
Thrilling, full of romance, suprising plot. Loved it!
July 25, 2020
Beautiful
What a wonderful book could not put it down. Laughed, cried, every emotion. Willread books by this lady again for sure.
What a wonderful book could not put it down. Laughed, cried, every emotion. Willread books by this lady again for sure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews