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The First Day Without You
From the bestselling author of Something from Tiffany's comes a sweeping romance set in the golden light of San Francisco.
Leonie has left behind everything and everyone she loves for a fresh start in California. Desperate to outrun the mess she's come from, she hopes the change of scenery can mend her broken heart and bury her secrets forever. But when she discovers a bundle of unread love letters hidden in the back of a wardrobe in her new apartment, she is intrigued by the mystery behind them...and can't help but notice the similarities between them and her own story.
With the help of her new friend Alex, a news reporter toting around baggage of her own, Leonie embarks on a quest down the West Coast to find the ill-fated lovers from the letters and reunite them, whatever it takes. Even if it means confronting the hurt she's buried deep within herself. Because if the couple behind the love letters can find a happy ending, then perhaps she just might too.
Leonie has left behind everything and everyone she loves for a fresh start in California. Desperate to outrun the mess she's come from, she hopes the change of scenery can mend her broken heart and bury her secrets forever. But when she discovers a bundle of unread love letters hidden in the back of a wardrobe in her new apartment, she is intrigued by the mystery behind them...and can't help but notice the similarities between them and her own story.
With the help of her new friend Alex, a news reporter toting around baggage of her own, Leonie embarks on a quest down the West Coast to find the ill-fated lovers from the letters and reunite them, whatever it takes. Even if it means confronting the hurt she's buried deep within herself. Because if the couple behind the love letters can find a happy ending, then perhaps she just might too.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
1665 people are currently reading
2905 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Hill
128 books1,272 followersMelissa Hill is a USA Today bestselling author living in Ireland’s beautiful County Wicklow. Her page-turning contemporary novels of family, friendship and romance are published worldwide and have been translated into twenty-six languages.
A Hollywood adaptation of her international bestseller Something from Tiffany's, by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine and Amazon Studios, was released worldwide in Dec 2022.
Other novels including A Gift to Remember and The Charm Bracelet have been adapted for screen by Hallmark Channel USA, with multiple other titles currently also in development for film and TV.
For more info, visit her website at www.melissahill.info
Facebook: facebook.com/melissahillbooks
Instagram: @melissahillbooks
Melissa also co-writes forensic thrillers with her husband under the pseudonym Casey Hill. http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
A Hollywood adaptation of her international bestseller Something from Tiffany's, by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine and Amazon Studios, was released worldwide in Dec 2022.
Other novels including A Gift to Remember and The Charm Bracelet have been adapted for screen by Hallmark Channel USA, with multiple other titles currently also in development for film and TV.
For more info, visit her website at www.melissahill.info
Facebook: facebook.com/melissahillbooks
Instagram: @melissahillbooks
Melissa also co-writes forensic thrillers with her husband under the pseudonym Casey Hill. http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
October 1, 2023
Melissa Hill always writes a really readable book, and this is no exception.
Four stars.
Four stars.
June 2, 2017
Painful....
Every character pissed me off. Leonie for running away from her problems, the ex for chasing after her instead of giving her space, and when we find out the reason for the argument it doesn't even warrant any kind of emotional response from me - Leonie doesn't need to apologise and the ex has nothing to actually be angry about! An unbelievable waste of time and effort.
The only reason it received 2 stars instead of 1 is because I enjoyed the finding of the letters and the unraveling of a love story through history - a nice distraction from the terrible love story at the forefront. Maybe I'm just a cold hearted bitch - but the entire story could have been wrapped up in two chapters if the two main characters had bothered to sort their lives out instead of arguing over nothing....
Rant over.
Every character pissed me off. Leonie for running away from her problems, the ex for chasing after her instead of giving her space, and when we find out the reason for the argument it doesn't even warrant any kind of emotional response from me - Leonie doesn't need to apologise and the ex has nothing to actually be angry about! An unbelievable waste of time and effort.
The only reason it received 2 stars instead of 1 is because I enjoyed the finding of the letters and the unraveling of a love story through history - a nice distraction from the terrible love story at the forefront. Maybe I'm just a cold hearted bitch - but the entire story could have been wrapped up in two chapters if the two main characters had bothered to sort their lives out instead of arguing over nothing....
Rant over.
October 12, 2023
Leonie Hayes escapes her life in Dublin, she travels to San Francisco and hopes a change of scenery will mend her broken heart. She moves into a Victorian era house on Green Street, it’s been converted into apartments, she leases one and it needs a good clean.
This is how she finds a bundle of unread love letters and hidden at the back of a wardrobe. Leonie contacts the real estate agent to see if he has a forwarding address for the last residents, she’s the first tenant and they have no idea. With no clues, Leonie tells her new neighbour Alex Fletcher about the letters, she can’t think of who they would belong to and the two women work together on solving the mystery.
Alex is a news reporter, for a small local TV station and they do a segment called Today by the Bay. Leonie and Alex both have their own relationship problems and not that they have shared them with each other. They begin the difficult task of trying to solve the mystery of who's the sender and recipient of the love letters?
I received digital a copy of The First Day Without You by Melissa Hill from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. It tells the story about Nathan writing letters to Helena, regretting the choices he made, he wants her to know that he still loves her and pleading for her to forgive him and he has no idea she’s never received them.
Leonie and Alex don't know how old the letters are, in trying to piece together and solve the mystery it makes both of them confront their own relationships, what went wrong and are they really over?
I enjoyed reading about the major landmarks and places to visit in San Francisco, from the Golden Gate Bridge, to the Island of Alcatraz and the infamous penitentiary, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf and of course Leonie has a bowl of soup served in a sourdough bowl.
Michelle Hill is the queen of chit lit, I can understand why and a narrative combining lost love, unopened letters, a tour of San Fransisco and with the many twist and turns makes for a quick, enjoyable read and three and a half stars from me.
This is how she finds a bundle of unread love letters and hidden at the back of a wardrobe. Leonie contacts the real estate agent to see if he has a forwarding address for the last residents, she’s the first tenant and they have no idea. With no clues, Leonie tells her new neighbour Alex Fletcher about the letters, she can’t think of who they would belong to and the two women work together on solving the mystery.
Alex is a news reporter, for a small local TV station and they do a segment called Today by the Bay. Leonie and Alex both have their own relationship problems and not that they have shared them with each other. They begin the difficult task of trying to solve the mystery of who's the sender and recipient of the love letters?
I received digital a copy of The First Day Without You by Melissa Hill from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. It tells the story about Nathan writing letters to Helena, regretting the choices he made, he wants her to know that he still loves her and pleading for her to forgive him and he has no idea she’s never received them.
Leonie and Alex don't know how old the letters are, in trying to piece together and solve the mystery it makes both of them confront their own relationships, what went wrong and are they really over?
I enjoyed reading about the major landmarks and places to visit in San Francisco, from the Golden Gate Bridge, to the Island of Alcatraz and the infamous penitentiary, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf and of course Leonie has a bowl of soup served in a sourdough bowl.
Michelle Hill is the queen of chit lit, I can understand why and a narrative combining lost love, unopened letters, a tour of San Fransisco and with the many twist and turns makes for a quick, enjoyable read and three and a half stars from me.
November 2, 2023
This was a sweet romance involving finding the owners of some discovered love letters from the past.
Description:
Leonie has left behind everything and everyone she loves for a fresh start in California. Desperate to outrun the mess she's come from, she hopes the change of scenery can mend her broken heart and bury her secrets forever. But when she discovers a bundle of unread love letters hidden in the back of a wardrobe in her new apartment, she is intrigued by the mystery behind them...and can't help but notice the similarities between them and her own story.
With the help of her new friend Alex, a news reporter toting around baggage of her own, Leonie embarks on a quest down the West Coast to find the ill-fated lovers from the letters and reunite them, whatever it takes. Even if it means confronting the hurt she's buried deep within herself. Because if the couple behind the love letters can find a happy ending, then perhaps she just might too.
My Thoughts:
This is a sweet mystery involving finding the people involved with the old love letters Leonie found in her apartment. I thought it was awfully nice that she was so determined to find the owners of the letters. I enjoyed the friendship between Leonie and Alex. The setting of San Franciso was nice with all the landmarks appearing and the feel of the city was prevalent. I liked the way the story ended as well. The story is mostly told my Leonie and Alex. The story is told mostly in the present, in San Francisco, with some from Leonie's past in Dublin, Ireland.
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on November 7, 2023.
Description:
Leonie has left behind everything and everyone she loves for a fresh start in California. Desperate to outrun the mess she's come from, she hopes the change of scenery can mend her broken heart and bury her secrets forever. But when she discovers a bundle of unread love letters hidden in the back of a wardrobe in her new apartment, she is intrigued by the mystery behind them...and can't help but notice the similarities between them and her own story.
With the help of her new friend Alex, a news reporter toting around baggage of her own, Leonie embarks on a quest down the West Coast to find the ill-fated lovers from the letters and reunite them, whatever it takes. Even if it means confronting the hurt she's buried deep within herself. Because if the couple behind the love letters can find a happy ending, then perhaps she just might too.
My Thoughts:
This is a sweet mystery involving finding the people involved with the old love letters Leonie found in her apartment. I thought it was awfully nice that she was so determined to find the owners of the letters. I enjoyed the friendship between Leonie and Alex. The setting of San Franciso was nice with all the landmarks appearing and the feel of the city was prevalent. I liked the way the story ended as well. The story is mostly told my Leonie and Alex. The story is told mostly in the present, in San Francisco, with some from Leonie's past in Dublin, Ireland.
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on November 7, 2023.
November 16, 2009
Leonie has left her native Dublin and has fled to San Francisco. Moving into a beautiful apartment, Leonie happens upon a bunch of unopened letters. After accidentally opening one, Leonie sees that each letter ends ‘Please forgive me. Nathan’ and is instantly intrigued. She enlists the help of her neighbour Alex and the two begin the search for the elusive Nathan as well as Helena, who all of the letters are for. Just what did Nathan do that was so bad he required forgiveness?
Melissa Hill is an outstanding author. Truly one of the best chick lit/women’s fiction authors around. Her plot-twists are legenday and every time I read one of her books I promise myself I will NOT try and figure out where the plot is heading because I fail miserably every time. Not only are Melissa’s plot-twists legendary but her writing is outstanding also.
Please Forgive Me is a rather clever novel, with some oustanding twists and turns. I love it when people foreign to America write about living in America as the descriptions are always fantastic. Leonie runs away to San Francisco (California) and the descriptions are out of this world. Melissa really captures the essence of San Francisco and I’m curious to visit there one day. I’d love to see the Golden Gate bridge in person.
The plot for Please Forgive Me is tightly bound and I’d say the main plot was Leonie’s search for Nathan and Helena so she could try and re-unite the couple and to also give back the letters she finds. It throws up numerous twists and just when I thought I had it sussed Melissa went and proved me completely wrong. I’d hate her for it, but it’s what she does! The whole thing makes for an interesting read and I wasn’t disappointed with its conclusion. Another storyline is exactly why Leonie left Dublin for San Francisco. We’re given tidbits throughout the book to tide us over and the story is slowly unravelled. For me, that is what Melissa does best, revealing the plot slowly and keeping us guessing just what it was that drove Leonie to flee so far away. It was a suitably satisfying reason and I had my mouth open in shock when all was revealed. Leonie’s friend Alex has a plot for herself, which I don’t want to spoil, so I’ll just say she’s searching for someone. I did think her plot was going to be a bit darker – it seemed as if it was heading that way, but it didn’t. I liked the way Alex’s plot unfolded and everything was revealed quite quickly which surprised me. I figured there’d be another twist coming there what with the reveal being so soon!
The characters in Please Forgive Me were fantastic. Leonie was a great main character and I really liked her. She was immensely likeable and I enjoyed how easy she settled into the American lifestyle. The book was still Irish though, with Leonie’s best friend Grace being around throughout the novel as well as Adam and co. back in Ireland whom we see through the flashbacks. Alex was also a fabulous character, very American compared to Leonie’s Irishness and they complemented each other well. Their friendship came across really well and I could see why they got on so well. There were a few other characters integral to the story including Seth, Marcy, the aforementioned Adam, Andrea, Suzanne as well as Nathan and Helena who are of course completely intergral to the letters part of the story!
The writing is, as always, brilliant. Melissa really has a way with words that makes her books incredibly readable. As always with Melissa’s books it’s told in the third person. The book is told from the point of view of both Leonie and Alex as well as a few thrown in from Nathan. Nathan’s were the most intriguing as they kept referring to him being “here” and I couldn’t stop saying to myself “WHERE?”. The book is told entirely in the present, bar the flashbacks to what went on in Dublin with Leonie and Adam. Their story is, as I said, built up slowly but we’re told enough just to keep us guessing and reading. As always I was surprised with how easy Melissa juggled all of the plots in the book and kept them all up in the air at all times. The ending was fantastic and was worth all of the waiting and build-up. In one respect I was sad to finish the book but I thought Melissa tied up all of the knots perfectly. The last chapter is everything I had hoped for and more. It finishes the story perfectly. Another outstanding read from Melissa Hill.
Melissa Hill is an outstanding author. Truly one of the best chick lit/women’s fiction authors around. Her plot-twists are legenday and every time I read one of her books I promise myself I will NOT try and figure out where the plot is heading because I fail miserably every time. Not only are Melissa’s plot-twists legendary but her writing is outstanding also.
Please Forgive Me is a rather clever novel, with some oustanding twists and turns. I love it when people foreign to America write about living in America as the descriptions are always fantastic. Leonie runs away to San Francisco (California) and the descriptions are out of this world. Melissa really captures the essence of San Francisco and I’m curious to visit there one day. I’d love to see the Golden Gate bridge in person.
The plot for Please Forgive Me is tightly bound and I’d say the main plot was Leonie’s search for Nathan and Helena so she could try and re-unite the couple and to also give back the letters she finds. It throws up numerous twists and just when I thought I had it sussed Melissa went and proved me completely wrong. I’d hate her for it, but it’s what she does! The whole thing makes for an interesting read and I wasn’t disappointed with its conclusion. Another storyline is exactly why Leonie left Dublin for San Francisco. We’re given tidbits throughout the book to tide us over and the story is slowly unravelled. For me, that is what Melissa does best, revealing the plot slowly and keeping us guessing just what it was that drove Leonie to flee so far away. It was a suitably satisfying reason and I had my mouth open in shock when all was revealed. Leonie’s friend Alex has a plot for herself, which I don’t want to spoil, so I’ll just say she’s searching for someone. I did think her plot was going to be a bit darker – it seemed as if it was heading that way, but it didn’t. I liked the way Alex’s plot unfolded and everything was revealed quite quickly which surprised me. I figured there’d be another twist coming there what with the reveal being so soon!
The characters in Please Forgive Me were fantastic. Leonie was a great main character and I really liked her. She was immensely likeable and I enjoyed how easy she settled into the American lifestyle. The book was still Irish though, with Leonie’s best friend Grace being around throughout the novel as well as Adam and co. back in Ireland whom we see through the flashbacks. Alex was also a fabulous character, very American compared to Leonie’s Irishness and they complemented each other well. Their friendship came across really well and I could see why they got on so well. There were a few other characters integral to the story including Seth, Marcy, the aforementioned Adam, Andrea, Suzanne as well as Nathan and Helena who are of course completely intergral to the letters part of the story!
The writing is, as always, brilliant. Melissa really has a way with words that makes her books incredibly readable. As always with Melissa’s books it’s told in the third person. The book is told from the point of view of both Leonie and Alex as well as a few thrown in from Nathan. Nathan’s were the most intriguing as they kept referring to him being “here” and I couldn’t stop saying to myself “WHERE?”. The book is told entirely in the present, bar the flashbacks to what went on in Dublin with Leonie and Adam. Their story is, as I said, built up slowly but we’re told enough just to keep us guessing and reading. As always I was surprised with how easy Melissa juggled all of the plots in the book and kept them all up in the air at all times. The ending was fantastic and was worth all of the waiting and build-up. In one respect I was sad to finish the book but I thought Melissa tied up all of the knots perfectly. The last chapter is everything I had hoped for and more. It finishes the story perfectly. Another outstanding read from Melissa Hill.
October 25, 2023
3.5 ⭐
The unraveling of the mystery is wonderful, as is the message about healing and reconciliation. The two main female characters became fast friends and filled a necessary gap in each other’s lives. The friendship fostered personal growth and allowed them to navigate their past. I can see this as a Hallmark movie.
Readers get introduced to three couples and soon discover that they’re interconnected by a box of unopened letters.
Leonie Hayes arrives in San Francisco heartbroken and while cleaning out her new rental before moving in, finds a box of letters. After snooping, she’s determined to find out more about the couple in the letters. Someone is begging for forgiveness, yet the mail remains unopened.
Alex Fletcher lives downstairs from Leonie and the two soon become focussed on Leonie’s quest. Alex needs something to take her mind off her difficult relationship challenges.
Helena Abbott is the recipient of the letters and it becomes obvious that someone named Nathan is pining after her.
This story wasn’t as instantly heartwarming as Hill’s latest book. I’m not sure if it was because it was a rewrite of a 2009 book or if I had high expectations. Don’t get me wrong, it was enjoyable, but it lacked something in comparison to Something From Tiffany’s. I felt the plot lagged a little, the closure of the modern relationships a little unbelievable, and I became frustrated with the lack of context clues and timeline hopping. I think this can be helped by the names of the different POVs on the titles, or at the least, time clues provided for each chapter title. I kept reading because I needed to discover if Alex and Leonie (1) located Helena and (2) if they were able to fix their own relationships in the process.
I was gifted this copy by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The unraveling of the mystery is wonderful, as is the message about healing and reconciliation. The two main female characters became fast friends and filled a necessary gap in each other’s lives. The friendship fostered personal growth and allowed them to navigate their past. I can see this as a Hallmark movie.
Readers get introduced to three couples and soon discover that they’re interconnected by a box of unopened letters.
Leonie Hayes arrives in San Francisco heartbroken and while cleaning out her new rental before moving in, finds a box of letters. After snooping, she’s determined to find out more about the couple in the letters. Someone is begging for forgiveness, yet the mail remains unopened.
Alex Fletcher lives downstairs from Leonie and the two soon become focussed on Leonie’s quest. Alex needs something to take her mind off her difficult relationship challenges.
Helena Abbott is the recipient of the letters and it becomes obvious that someone named Nathan is pining after her.
This story wasn’t as instantly heartwarming as Hill’s latest book. I’m not sure if it was because it was a rewrite of a 2009 book or if I had high expectations. Don’t get me wrong, it was enjoyable, but it lacked something in comparison to Something From Tiffany’s. I felt the plot lagged a little, the closure of the modern relationships a little unbelievable, and I became frustrated with the lack of context clues and timeline hopping. I think this can be helped by the names of the different POVs on the titles, or at the least, time clues provided for each chapter title. I kept reading because I needed to discover if Alex and Leonie (1) located Helena and (2) if they were able to fix their own relationships in the process.
I was gifted this copy by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 21, 2015
Nunca tinha lido nada de Melissa Hill e embora me tenham dito que os anteriores livros dela eram algo monótonos, não deixei de querer ler este livro. Devo dizer que fiquei agradavelmente surpresa. Sempre gostei imenso de livros com cartas perdidas pois dá um toque extra de romance e de mistério a uma história que por si só já é um romance. É um livro leve, sem grandes complicações apesar do mistério que as cartas encontradas fornecem à história.
Opinião completa
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Opinião completa
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November 5, 2023
This is a story that’ll take you on multiple little detours! Following three couples and a box of unopened love letters, initially I was questioning exactly how it all would connect. The story was a tad long-winded at times, but oh my! My heart was left so satisfied and full after finishing.
Forgiveness (and in turn second chances) was the theme of this one. I was so invested in the flashbacks and mystery surrounding Leonie and Adam, piecing together what exactly caused Leonie to flee from Dublin to San Francisco. And it did not disappoint. I absolutely relished in their drama!
As Leonie meets Alex, a neighbour also dealing with relationship troubles, I loved the adventure the box of letters takes them on—but especially how the letters somewhat act as a reflection for each of their own complicated relationships. A super clever unfolding of three love stories with an ending that hit me in all the feels! I adored it.
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Forgiveness (and in turn second chances) was the theme of this one. I was so invested in the flashbacks and mystery surrounding Leonie and Adam, piecing together what exactly caused Leonie to flee from Dublin to San Francisco. And it did not disappoint. I absolutely relished in their drama!
As Leonie meets Alex, a neighbour also dealing with relationship troubles, I loved the adventure the box of letters takes them on—but especially how the letters somewhat act as a reflection for each of their own complicated relationships. A super clever unfolding of three love stories with an ending that hit me in all the feels! I adored it.
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 31, 2016
I can't remember the last time I was unable to finish a book. Halfway through and it still had not gotten to the point of why the main character ran away from her home. Usually when I read a book I keep thinking about it after I put it down, but not this one. Several weeks after start I admit defeat. The book is a chick-flick and will have the predictable happy ending anyway...
March 8, 2016
Indecisa entre as 4⭐️ e as 4,5⭐️
August 4, 2015
7,5 de 10*
Aqui está o livro perfeito para esta altura do ano. É um livro ideal para o Verão, leve, fresco e fluído!
Melissa Hill escreveu um bom romance, porque cruza 3 histórias, qualquer delas mais interessante que a outra.
Por um lado, acompanhamos Leonie na sua fuga precipitada para os Estados Unidos. As razões para esta fuga vão-nos sendo reveladas aos poucos através de flashbacks, onde passamos a conhecer Adam, o homem por quem Leonie se apaixonou mas com quem teve uma história sem final feliz...
Comentário completo em:
http://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.pt/...
Aqui está o livro perfeito para esta altura do ano. É um livro ideal para o Verão, leve, fresco e fluído!
Melissa Hill escreveu um bom romance, porque cruza 3 histórias, qualquer delas mais interessante que a outra.
Por um lado, acompanhamos Leonie na sua fuga precipitada para os Estados Unidos. As razões para esta fuga vão-nos sendo reveladas aos poucos através de flashbacks, onde passamos a conhecer Adam, o homem por quem Leonie se apaixonou mas com quem teve uma história sem final feliz...
Comentário completo em:
http://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.pt/...
November 14, 2023
This was an interesting and sweet story that kept me reading. The main plot is about Leonie’s search for Nathan and Helena so she can try and reunite the couple and also give back the letters she finds. With twists and turns in the development of the story, even if it was going a bit slow, and vivid descriptions of San Francisco places, I thoroughly enjoyed reading till the end which I liked. This is my first book by Melissa Hill and it won't be my last.
April 7, 2021
I loved both of the settings of San Francisco and Dublin two beautiful cities. There are several love stories in this book and I found myself most drawn to the oldest one. The one that never really went away. I am pleased the book ended on those two.The other parts flicked a little too much for me between the characters. Overall an enjoyable read.
3.5 Stars
3.5 Stars
February 6, 2012
I found this book to be a bit of a chore. Based around three 'mysteries', the suspense was heavy-handed and the resolutions too easy. I found myself impatient with the clunky cliffhangers and finished the book out of a sense of duty rather than any real desire to find out what happened.
August 23, 2018
Uma história doce, com personagens envolventes, divertidas, mas com os seus problemas e segredos que vamos conhecendo ao longo da leitura.
Esta leitura também nos mostra a importância e o enorme poder do perdão.
Gostei muito.
Esta leitura também nos mostra a importância e o enorme poder do perdão.
Gostei muito.
December 6, 2009
Leonie was happily in love and engaged to fiancé Adam, but now she’s living halfway across the world from him in San Franscisco. She doesn’t want to be found, and she doesn’t want people to know the secret she ran away from either.
When she moves into a new home, she finds a box of letters all to the same woman from the same man, Nathan, begging for forgiveness. Leonie is curious and decides to find out who the mystery recipient is.
She enlists the help of her neighbour Alex who has a fair few secrets herself – but is Leonie doing it for Nathan and his love, or to exorcise her own demons once and for all?
I’ve been an enormous fan of Melissa Hill’s novels since I read my first one quite a few years ago now, and Melissa is one of those fantastic authors who just seem to get better with every book. Her last release, Before I Forget, was a triumph and is highly recommended by us, so I was thrilled to get a copy of Please Forgive Me, which amazingly is Melissa’s 8th book! It promises to have yet another of Melissa’s trademark twists which keep you absolutely glued to the pages, so I made sure I had plenty of free time when I began this one!
This book drew me in immediately, and this is mainly due to the brilliant main character of Leonie. She’s an Irish girl who’s upped sticks to live in America to escape her ex-fiance Adam, although we aren’t told why she’s done so for a long while yet! This is what I really love about Hill’s books – the mystery of the story is told slowly throughout the book and is intertwined with the main story, and this really does work so well, making the book incredibly readable and drawing the reader right into the middle of the story. It’s told in the third person which allows for flicking between characters and time periods too, which was interesting to read.
As with all of Melissa’s books though, it isn’t just the main character who I liked in the book. My other favourite character is Alex, Leonie’s neighbour who she meets a while into the book. She’s a real all-American girl, totally opposite to Leonie but this is why the friendship works so well between the pair. Their relationship changes and develops as the book progresses, and you can believe it’s a real friendship too, it’s so well written. Other characters pop up; Seth, Adam, Suzanna, Andrea and more and add so much to the story, they are all vital in their own way.
However, the thing that made this book stand out for me is that it isn’t set in Ireland, although the main character is very Irish of course! Hill keeps the esssence of Ireland in there with Leonie’s frequent references to her homeland and the flashbacks of Leonie and Adam’s relationship, but the setting of San Francisco is perfect for this book. Hill perfectly describes the ever-changing weather, beautiful scenery and day-to-day life of the place and the reader is able to imagine they are sat there with Leonie staring out at the Golden Gate bridge in her bay window!
The letters aspect was completely intriguing and I never in a hundred years would have guessed the eventual outcome of this storyline. I guessed things along with Leonie and Alex and ended up being wrong at each turn and was surprised with what had happened – it wasn’t at all what I had expected but still a good conclusion. But more gripping for me was what had happened between Leonie and Adam, a tale that was so skillfully unwound it was a pleasure to read and allowed me to sink into the life and woes of Leonie even though I didn’t know what she was woeful about!
This book is an absolute must-read, especially if you haven’t read any of Melissa’s books before. It’s elegantly written, compulsive reading at its best, and is a welcome addition to any reader’s bookshelf. I loved every single page and found it hard to put down, even when I was so tired I could hardly keep my eyes open! The characters are fantastically written, the setting is beautifully written and it is a joy to read. I can’t recommend it highly enough – the perfect read, all year round!
When she moves into a new home, she finds a box of letters all to the same woman from the same man, Nathan, begging for forgiveness. Leonie is curious and decides to find out who the mystery recipient is.
She enlists the help of her neighbour Alex who has a fair few secrets herself – but is Leonie doing it for Nathan and his love, or to exorcise her own demons once and for all?
I’ve been an enormous fan of Melissa Hill’s novels since I read my first one quite a few years ago now, and Melissa is one of those fantastic authors who just seem to get better with every book. Her last release, Before I Forget, was a triumph and is highly recommended by us, so I was thrilled to get a copy of Please Forgive Me, which amazingly is Melissa’s 8th book! It promises to have yet another of Melissa’s trademark twists which keep you absolutely glued to the pages, so I made sure I had plenty of free time when I began this one!
This book drew me in immediately, and this is mainly due to the brilliant main character of Leonie. She’s an Irish girl who’s upped sticks to live in America to escape her ex-fiance Adam, although we aren’t told why she’s done so for a long while yet! This is what I really love about Hill’s books – the mystery of the story is told slowly throughout the book and is intertwined with the main story, and this really does work so well, making the book incredibly readable and drawing the reader right into the middle of the story. It’s told in the third person which allows for flicking between characters and time periods too, which was interesting to read.
As with all of Melissa’s books though, it isn’t just the main character who I liked in the book. My other favourite character is Alex, Leonie’s neighbour who she meets a while into the book. She’s a real all-American girl, totally opposite to Leonie but this is why the friendship works so well between the pair. Their relationship changes and develops as the book progresses, and you can believe it’s a real friendship too, it’s so well written. Other characters pop up; Seth, Adam, Suzanna, Andrea and more and add so much to the story, they are all vital in their own way.
However, the thing that made this book stand out for me is that it isn’t set in Ireland, although the main character is very Irish of course! Hill keeps the esssence of Ireland in there with Leonie’s frequent references to her homeland and the flashbacks of Leonie and Adam’s relationship, but the setting of San Francisco is perfect for this book. Hill perfectly describes the ever-changing weather, beautiful scenery and day-to-day life of the place and the reader is able to imagine they are sat there with Leonie staring out at the Golden Gate bridge in her bay window!
The letters aspect was completely intriguing and I never in a hundred years would have guessed the eventual outcome of this storyline. I guessed things along with Leonie and Alex and ended up being wrong at each turn and was surprised with what had happened – it wasn’t at all what I had expected but still a good conclusion. But more gripping for me was what had happened between Leonie and Adam, a tale that was so skillfully unwound it was a pleasure to read and allowed me to sink into the life and woes of Leonie even though I didn’t know what she was woeful about!
This book is an absolute must-read, especially if you haven’t read any of Melissa’s books before. It’s elegantly written, compulsive reading at its best, and is a welcome addition to any reader’s bookshelf. I loved every single page and found it hard to put down, even when I was so tired I could hardly keep my eyes open! The characters are fantastically written, the setting is beautifully written and it is a joy to read. I can’t recommend it highly enough – the perfect read, all year round!
January 8, 2018
Muito bom!!!
Romance nada lamechas e com mistérios à mistura, gostei muito :)
Romance nada lamechas e com mistérios à mistura, gostei muito :)
October 28, 2022
Knygos viršelis labai gražus. Bet pati knyga man sunkiai skaitėsi, labai ištempta.
August 8, 2023
Just. Wow.
This book exceeded so many of my expectations, and I am pleased to say that it is one to remember.
Leonie leaves her home in Ireland very suddenly after her relationship seemingly goes off the rails. She packs up and leaves, without a word to even her closest friend, until she arrives at her final destination, San Francisco.
While cleaning up her new apartment, Leonie discovers a box of old letters. Unopened letters, with no return address. Curiosity gets the better of Leonie, and she can't help but read at least one or two of the unopened letters addressed to a Helena Abbott. She soon comes to realize that these are love letters, and after beginning to relate this mystery couple's love story, she can't help but compare her own broken love story to theirs.
In an attempt to save this couple's relationship, Leonie goes on in search for Helena, or the man writing her the letters. She goes on her investigative journey with her new neighbor Alex, who is the necessary help she needs to conclude her search. Alex and Leonie uncover new information everyday, and while doing so, relive both of their own past memories of love and loss.
This book kept me guessing the whole time on what was going on, who the letters might be from, who Helena truly was, and what happened that drove Leonie away from home. The author did a great job as nudging my guesses left and right, while leading me astray the entire time.
This book was cute, funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. I recommend it to anyone who needs a good read that keeps you hooked, as well as binds your heart to the characters!
I think overall, a great book! The only reason it is not a five star read for me was that I felt the conflict between the main character and her partner back in Ireland was a tad lackluster, and didn't feel very realistic considering the characters' ages and her reaction to flee Ireland. It just didn't feel like it fit.
This book exceeded so many of my expectations, and I am pleased to say that it is one to remember.
Leonie leaves her home in Ireland very suddenly after her relationship seemingly goes off the rails. She packs up and leaves, without a word to even her closest friend, until she arrives at her final destination, San Francisco.
While cleaning up her new apartment, Leonie discovers a box of old letters. Unopened letters, with no return address. Curiosity gets the better of Leonie, and she can't help but read at least one or two of the unopened letters addressed to a Helena Abbott. She soon comes to realize that these are love letters, and after beginning to relate this mystery couple's love story, she can't help but compare her own broken love story to theirs.
In an attempt to save this couple's relationship, Leonie goes on in search for Helena, or the man writing her the letters. She goes on her investigative journey with her new neighbor Alex, who is the necessary help she needs to conclude her search. Alex and Leonie uncover new information everyday, and while doing so, relive both of their own past memories of love and loss.
This book kept me guessing the whole time on what was going on, who the letters might be from, who Helena truly was, and what happened that drove Leonie away from home. The author did a great job as nudging my guesses left and right, while leading me astray the entire time.
This book was cute, funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. I recommend it to anyone who needs a good read that keeps you hooked, as well as binds your heart to the characters!
I think overall, a great book! The only reason it is not a five star read for me was that I felt the conflict between the main character and her partner back in Ireland was a tad lackluster, and didn't feel very realistic considering the characters' ages and her reaction to flee Ireland. It just didn't feel like it fit.
October 25, 2015
(...)
Comparativamente ao livro anterior da autora que tinha lido, "Prometo Amar-te", gostei muito mais deste. Uma narrativa não tão linear e mais aprofundada, bem escrita e com personagens cujas histórias se interligam de forma inteligente. Além disso não achei um romance tão romântico e fantasioso como o anterior que tinha lido.
Sem dúvida um livro que gostei de ler e uma autora que recomendo!
Opinião completa em http://blocodedevaneios.blogspot.pt/2...
Comparativamente ao livro anterior da autora que tinha lido, "Prometo Amar-te", gostei muito mais deste. Uma narrativa não tão linear e mais aprofundada, bem escrita e com personagens cujas histórias se interligam de forma inteligente. Além disso não achei um romance tão romântico e fantasioso como o anterior que tinha lido.
Sem dúvida um livro que gostei de ler e uma autora que recomendo!
Opinião completa em http://blocodedevaneios.blogspot.pt/2...
November 1, 2021
Nunca é tarde para pedir perdão e nunca é tarde para perdoar. Adorei este livro! Acompanhamos três histórias todas elas envoltas em algum mistério, o que nos deixa sempre com curiosidade de ler mais um bocadinho para descobrirmos o que realmente aconteceu. Foi a minha estreia com esta escritora e fico curiosa de ler outros livros dela.
December 19, 2018
Odlična knjiga za praznični decembar. U ovom dijelu godine sam sklonija čitanju slatkih knjiga s happy-endom. Nekako mi se uklapaju u cijelu atmosferu. Ovo je jedna od boljih koje sam do sada pročitala.
Jako mi se dopalo što se kroz priču provlači potraga za autorom pisama iz prošlosti, koje je glavna junakinja Leonie pronašla u svom novom stanu. Pisma su namijenjena misterioznoj Heleni, a Leonie i njena nova drugarica Alex kreću u potragu za autorom pisama i Helenom, koji su se očito voljeli, ali ih je neki događaj iz prošlosti razdvojio.
Jako mi se dopalo što se kroz priču provlači potraga za autorom pisama iz prošlosti, koje je glavna junakinja Leonie pronašla u svom novom stanu. Pisma su namijenjena misterioznoj Heleni, a Leonie i njena nova drugarica Alex kreću u potragu za autorom pisama i Helenom, koji su se očito voljeli, ali ih je neki događaj iz prošlosti razdvojio.
January 24, 2020
Gostei, embora não tenha achado o livro nada de especial....
February 16, 2025
4.5 rounded up🤩
October 18, 2023
This book was super long winded but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. I loved reading about the friendship of Leonie and Alex. When I got to the part about the true story of Nathan and Helena I was absolutely shocked! If you want a cute story about long lost love and recovering from heartbreak then this story is for you!
October 6, 2023
This was an incredible story!
I loved how Leonie and Alex's journey is not only about unravelling the mystery of the love letters but also about personal growth and healing.
It's good to see them confront their demons and find peace in each other's company.
The cast of characters they encounter along the way adds depth to the narrative and makes it even more intriguing.
I was curious to know what happened when they finally uncovered the truth behind the love letters.
Leonie's journey towards healing and self-discovery is written in the story too.
I loved how she embraced her past and found happiness in her future.
I loved how Leonie and Alex's journey is not only about unravelling the mystery of the love letters but also about personal growth and healing.
It's good to see them confront their demons and find peace in each other's company.
The cast of characters they encounter along the way adds depth to the narrative and makes it even more intriguing.
I was curious to know what happened when they finally uncovered the truth behind the love letters.
Leonie's journey towards healing and self-discovery is written in the story too.
I loved how she embraced her past and found happiness in her future.
December 28, 2014
• “Yeah, I mean how does an Irish girl wind up halfway across the world for no particular reason?” •
Reseña:
Leonie estaba felizmente comprometida. Pero decide huir de Dublín para mudarse al otro lado del Atlántico donde nadie conoce su pasado y así poder empezar de nuevo: nueva ciudad, nueva casa, nuevo trabajo, nueva vida.
Cuando se instala en su nuevo departamento de San Francisco encuentra una caja llena de cartas de amor sin leer que fueron escritas por un tal Nathan para una mujer llamada Helena Abbott. Todas las cartas terminan con una intrigante frase: “Please Forgive Me”. Leonie siente la necesidad de devolverlas al dueño y saber que ocurrió entre ellos. ¿Podrá Helena perdonar a Nathan? ¿De qué lo tiene que perdonar?
A lo largo del libro, Leonie se obsesiona buscando al dueño de las cartas y así saber que pasó con ellos a tal punto que uno se llega a preguntar si realmente lo está haciendo por la pareja o si en realidad está relacionado con algo de su pasado.
Impresiones:
Sinceramente, no conocía a la autora. Vi el libro en una librería de usados a un precio muy barato y decidí darle una oportunidad. Cuando llegué a casa googlié a la autora y me enteré que es muy famosa en Irlanda y tiene como 30 libros. ;) Lástima que todavía no están traducidos al español...
El libro trata de tres misterios básicamente que se van descubriendo poco a poco, algunos más rápidos que otros: ¿Por qué Leonie está huyendo de su pasado? ¿Qué pasó entre Nathan y Helena? ¿Qué esconde Alex? (Alex es la vecina y nueva amiga de Leonie que tiene algún que otro secreto...)
Es un libro fácil y rápido de leer. Particularmente me atrapó desde el principio, estaba muy intrigada por saber de qué huía Leonie, es decir, que pudo haber pasado para llegar al extremo de huir de Dublín y dejar todo atrás. Llegó un momento que hasta no me importaban las historias de las cartas ni la de Alex porque necesitaba saber jaja.
No soy de leer chick-lits, pero la verdad que este libro me gustó mucho y lo recomiendo. ;)
No se si llega a 4 estrellas, capaz 3 y 1/2 o 3.75 ? pero lo califico con un 4 ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2012
Originally Reviewed at Novel Escapes
This was my first Melissa Hill novel and I was not disappointed. Although I thought the beginning was a tiny bit slow, I eventually warmed to Leonie and really enjoyed this novel. I found the premise and intrigue of the letters she finds interesting and it kept me wondering along with the slow unveiling of Leonie’s past relationship. And with such lovely, confused characters that you can’t help rooting for combined with the gorgeous San Fransisco backdrop, what’s not to love?
There were twists and turns in this story that I wasn’t expecting and although I thought I knew what might happen in the end, there were many surprises along the way. The flashbacks didn’t seem intrusive to the story as Hill expertly weaves them throughout to the point where it just wouldn’t have been the same story without them. One of the scenes that really took me by surprise was when Leonie met Suzanne and it was so far from what I was expecting that I loved it as well as the twist from the traditional storyline I had anticipated.
I really enjoyed every character from Leonie’s new boss to her flashback ex-fiancée and her new friend, Alex whose friendship, although blossomed suddenly, seemed very believable. Through their imperfections and insecurities, each character seemed really real to me. Leonie’s past as revealed through her thoughts and flashbacks portrayed her confusion and loss well as did her picking up and moving across the world. Her warm character shines through in her relationship with her best friend back in Ireland as well as with Alex who I thought had her own intriguing storyline
I loved the San Francisco setting, not having read a novel taking place there either at all, or in a long time. Hill’s description had me wanting to hop on a plane for the delectable seafood amidst the sunset and view she described so beautifully.
I look forward to reading more Melissa Hill. If you haven’t gobbled up any of her novels yet (Please Forgive Me was her 8th!), pick up one today. You won’t be disappointed.
This was my first Melissa Hill novel and I was not disappointed. Although I thought the beginning was a tiny bit slow, I eventually warmed to Leonie and really enjoyed this novel. I found the premise and intrigue of the letters she finds interesting and it kept me wondering along with the slow unveiling of Leonie’s past relationship. And with such lovely, confused characters that you can’t help rooting for combined with the gorgeous San Fransisco backdrop, what’s not to love?
There were twists and turns in this story that I wasn’t expecting and although I thought I knew what might happen in the end, there were many surprises along the way. The flashbacks didn’t seem intrusive to the story as Hill expertly weaves them throughout to the point where it just wouldn’t have been the same story without them. One of the scenes that really took me by surprise was when Leonie met Suzanne and it was so far from what I was expecting that I loved it as well as the twist from the traditional storyline I had anticipated.
I really enjoyed every character from Leonie’s new boss to her flashback ex-fiancée and her new friend, Alex whose friendship, although blossomed suddenly, seemed very believable. Through their imperfections and insecurities, each character seemed really real to me. Leonie’s past as revealed through her thoughts and flashbacks portrayed her confusion and loss well as did her picking up and moving across the world. Her warm character shines through in her relationship with her best friend back in Ireland as well as with Alex who I thought had her own intriguing storyline
I loved the San Francisco setting, not having read a novel taking place there either at all, or in a long time. Hill’s description had me wanting to hop on a plane for the delectable seafood amidst the sunset and view she described so beautifully.
I look forward to reading more Melissa Hill. If you haven’t gobbled up any of her novels yet (Please Forgive Me was her 8th!), pick up one today. You won’t be disappointed.
July 31, 2011
I like the plot line of this story. It's simple, but there are layers of twists. While we know that that Leonie is running away from her past, her story is deeper than anyone can predict.
It's nice that Leonie's story isn't revealed all at once but in sections. I almost forgot that there are transitions between the past and the present. However, it does drag on at times and because there are so much description, it doesn't appeal to me much.
The title Please Forgive Me ties in very nicely to all three character's (Nahan, Leonie, and Alex) situation. I also like the fact that though it's a romance, the romance isn't deeply exaggerated yet Melissa Hill is able to portrayed Nathan's pure feelings for Helena.
On the other note, while I'm not particularly picky with grammar, there are many glaringly obvious mistakes. Some of the sentences are awkwardly worded. The editor should be able to catch up to at least SOME of these mistakes.(ex: Like "forever" is one word, NOT two.)
It's nice that Leonie's story isn't revealed all at once but in sections. I almost forgot that there are transitions between the past and the present. However, it does drag on at times and because there are so much description, it doesn't appeal to me much.
The title Please Forgive Me ties in very nicely to all three character's (Nahan, Leonie, and Alex) situation. I also like the fact that though it's a romance, the romance isn't deeply exaggerated yet Melissa Hill is able to portrayed Nathan's pure feelings for Helena.
On the other note, while I'm not particularly picky with grammar, there are many glaringly obvious mistakes. Some of the sentences are awkwardly worded. The editor should be able to catch up to at least SOME of these mistakes.(ex: Like "forever" is one word, NOT two.)
June 21, 2012
Two best friends, one in Dublin, one in San Francisco. Déjà vu... I live in Dublin, my best friend lives in San Francisco. Honestly I’m sure that’s the only reason I finished reading that book. The story has no interest and in my point of view the author cheated by keeping the main character’s secret until the end, like a trick to keep her readers reading.
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