I think it takes a really good author to switch from the crime, psychological thriller genre to write a love story....
And that's what she has done, with perfection....
Author Amelia Henley has written a beautiful love story......
You just have to read it....
Meet Adam & Anna 💕 Anna & Adam 💕
I feel like I know these two people if I'm honest...
I got so engrossed in their story that I almost felt I had met them before......
We all want to meet our true love but sometimes it can happen when we least expect it..
That's what happens to Adam & Anna..
Author Amelia Henley (even her name sounds lovely) writes with passion, with love and you can see from the pages how much work she has done in creating such wonderful characters....
Most of her chapters end with a little cliffhanger, something small to entice you onto the next one...cleverly done I thought...
She incorporated her love of the beautiful island of Lanzarote into her book, changing the name to a fictitious island....
Lovely to think that her trip to Lanzarote was where the first seed of this story emerged....
You will feel the love coming off the pages in this one and your heart is made of stone if you don't shed some tears.....
It's fun, exciting, heartbreaking but ultimately shows you how strong a connection we can have with someone.
The Life You Almost Had, isn't that such a huge statement to make, that in itself makes me somewhat sad 😢😢
You almost had it....
Brilliantly done, well done Amelia....
Amelia Henley is otherwise known as author Louise Jensen if you wish to check out some of her other work...

This is a change for the author Louise Jenson in writing as Amelia Henley.
I really enjoyed this book and as I was reading I was unable to predict the ending. I found this book gripping and read it in two sittings in less than 24 hours.
As the book's blurb says 'this is not a typical love story'. My description would be ''a beautiful love story with a twist.
Thus is a definite 5 star highly recommended read.
Thanks to the publishers & netgalley for allowing me to read this book.

What a really lovely read, loved the charecters, the story, couldn't put this book down, really enjoyed it

Dumped two weeks before her wedding Anna didn't foresee spending her honeymoon sharing a bed with best friend Nell and she certainly didn't plan to fall in love.

Adam had big plans to travel when he and best friend Josh returned from their sun drenched holiday, but fate had other ideas when he met Anna. 

Years later though the pair find their relationship at breaking point, a lack of communication and bitter snipes seem to fill the gap where their love used to reside. In a last ditch attempt to reconnect they book a holiday, returning to where they fell in love, but a tragic accident sees the pair embarking on a road they hadn't even considered when planning their future. There are some life changing decisions to make, but will their love be strong enough to withstand the challenges they face?

The Life We Almost Had left me broken into a million pieces and is one of those books that takes you a while to recover from that bereft feeling; it's the fist book I have cried reading in quite a while! It's a beautifully written contemporary romance, but not in the light 'fluffy' sense. Instead it's filled with realistic and relatable characters that traverse a difficult, heartbreaking road dealing with some extremely deep topics along the way.

It's told from alternating perspectives in relatively short chapters which gave a fast paced feel to the story and meant I was couldn't put it down. These insights also allowed me to gain a fully rounded view of the couples history, both individually and shared. Although I'm not usually the biggest fan of 'insta love' in books, Anna & Adam's relationship felt real and natural from the start and I was cheering them on at every obstacle they found themselves facing. The writing is really clever in the earlier chapters as situations are described in such a way that the outcome is ambivalent, meaning I often presumed the story was heading in one direction, only to find it completely changed course in the following chapter; I really liked this aspect as it kept me on my toes!

I don't want to talk too much about the plot for fear of giving spoilers, however it is clear that the author has undertaken a significant amount of research into the medical elements of this novel. Some of these details left me astonished to find that they were actually factual and not fiction as they could be easily perceived to be fantasy.

The finale of this book has a thoroughly unexpected twist and I actually gasped (before crying!), it's not often a book can surprise me! I adored this book and have already been recommending it to everyone who will listen! It's certainly one of the best books I have read so far in 2020 and I already know I want to re-read it before the year is out. Highly, highly recommend. It's a story of eternal love, heartache and tragedy that will have you hooked from the first page to it's heartwarming conclusion.

There will never be enough words to convey how simply gorgeous, breathtaking, exhilarating, heartwarming, heartbreaking and full of love this novel is.

On the evening I started reading this I inhaled the first six chapters and if I hadn’t had commitments the following morning I’m sure I would have read long into the night. Saying that when I got back to Anna & Adam I had conflicting thoughts – Firstly I wanted to know everything and the other part of me wanted to long out my time with them. Anna & Adam will stay with me for a long time and I need the paperback of this so badly.

I’m not the greatest fan of describing a book as an emotional rollercoaster even though I have done on a number of occasions but that is wholeheartedly what you will get from The Life We Almost Had…there are aspects in this tale where I wanted to shake both Anna & Adam and where my assumptions were completed wrong. I found myself holding my breath and exhaling a sigh of relief that I was wrong – I was so so glad I was wrong.

Anna – I adored her from the get go. I hated what she’d been through but even though she didn’t feel strong at the time I could tell she was a tough cookie and my was she tough. There were a few occasions when I was like Anna what are you doing – but her unyielding heartfelt love was empowering and enlightening.

Adam – Now I’ve had some book boyfriends in my time but this boy from the bar has really upped the bar. I don’t want to gush too much as I honestly don’t want to ruin the story – he isn’t always perfect but his love is forever perfect.

Friends – I have to mention Nell & Josh but I don’t want to say too much about them as their characters develop into so much more than makes the eye. It’s so easy to make assumptions about them but at the heart of it they are the greatest friends that Anna & Adam could ever need/want.

So, what can I say? There is a lot of back and forth between Anna & Adam and it starts letting us know that something has happened in their marriage but it’s not clear what. As the story unfolds we learn a lot about both characters and their undying love for each other. This is definitely not a typical love story but it’s so so heartfelt.

There is so much to this story – there’s aspects that are informative, interesting and heart wrenching. I don’t want to explain this further as I wasn’t expecting this and it’s not in the blurb even though you will understandably get that something tragic will occur.

If you love someone set them free….will forever make me think back to Anna & Adam and Elvis songs already have a heartfelt part of me thanks to family members who are no longer with us. So there will be tears once again.

The Life We Almost Had sure is an adventure that I will never forget even though it had me in floods of tears there were so many parts where I was crying and smile. I look forward to reading more Amelia Henley but how she can top this debut I really don’t know. I want to mention that I also loved the author note and I can see why she wanted to write this story and she has done so with such grace.

Oh my god this book. I hope you have tissues at the ready because honestly I sobbed at this book. This book put me through a rollercoaster of emotions and just when you get to the top and you think everything is okay, the car you’re in suddenly drops and you don’t know which ways is up.

These characters were so easily relatable, and I loved their story. Having met when neither of them was truly looking for love they powered through all the obstacles that were thrown at them. You cannot help but root for these characters and this relationship. When the obstacles become too much your heart breaks along side our main characters. I sometimes find it hard to connect whole-heartedly to characters but that was not the case with this one. I felt every heart-breaking moment alongside them.

Told in different perspectives, Amelia Henley makes it feel like you’re living with these characters and feeling every single emotion alongside them. The amount of research Henley has done for this book clearly shows and I was gobsmacked about the developments in science!

It’s hard not to talk about everything that happens because I don’t want to spoil it. I want you to go out and read this book. Go on Adam and Anna’s journey, even if it is heart-wrenching and I meant what I said at the beginning, make sure you have tissues at the ready!

The Life We Almost Had is so much more than a love story. It is a story of second chances and it’s about making a sacrifice even if you know the outcome may not be the best one for you. This is a beautiful romantic debut for Amelia Henley and I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next!

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This is not a typical love story, but it’s our love story.

This story begins at the end, seven years after Anna met the love of her life, Adam on holiday. Is love at first sight really a thing? It certainly was for Adam and by the end of the holiday they were inseparable, but seven years later their world has come crashing down around them, can they ever retrieve what they've lost, and is the risk worth it?

This is Amelia Henley's debut novel in the romance genre, but this author is not new to writing, most will know her as psychological thriller author, Louise Jensen, whose books are amazing and her expertise in that genre shines through in this new one, with the intrigue she interlaces throughout this story, her words suggesting that one thing has happened when actually it's something completely different and not what you expect at all. The scientific element of the plot makes it so much more than just a love story and it's evident that the author has done some very extensive research to make this as realistic as possible and achieved what she set out to do. I did wonder at one point if what was happening was actually possible but, with modern technology, who knows what science can achieve.

I loved everything about this story, the characters, who were realistic, the plot, which was authentic and creative, it was heartbreaking and uplifting in equal measures, it was thought provoking, reminding the reader that we never know what is around the corner and we should never take our loved ones for granted, have that conversation today because tomorrow is never promised. I adored Anna and Adam, Nell and Josh and all of the other characters and, being an old romantic myself, I was desperate for a happy ending. Henley wrung every emotion from me throughout this book, and then some. I was so immersed in this story that I read it in two days and felt emotionally drained by the end, it was such an all consuming heartwrenching read, I can't wait to see more from her. I highly recommend this one, but you'll need tissues...lots of them!

I'd like to thank HQ and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

What an absolutely beautiful and heart-wrenching story. When I first began this book, I did not expect to become so invested in the story of Anna and Adam, but I simply could not stop reading until I reached the end in one sitting. Not a predictable love story, this had real heart and real pain. Their love was messy and complex and this made it all the more relatable.

Anna is on what should have been her honeymoon. But she got dumped two weeks before her wedding. Instead she is with her best friend Nell. The last thing she expects or wants is to meet someone. But enter Adam. A kind, open and loving man who she falls hard for. And he feels the same. But he is meant to leave to travel the world. He chooses her.

They marry and want to start a family. But five years on and they are both losing hope. Anna has fertility issues, and feels that she is denying Adam the life he so yearns for. Adam feels he is the source of Anna's unhappiness. They come close to losing one another completely as they forget why they fell in love in the first place.

Adam books them a holiday back to where they first met, and they begin to reconnect, to reach out to one another instead of pushing each other way. But events take on a tragic turn when there is an accident that leaves Adam in a coma.

Is there a way to reach Adam and can science make that possible. She is approached by a research centre and agrees to allow Adam to take part in a clinical trial but only if she can take part with him. They are connected by technology that will let her see into Adam's subconscious mind. She is able to see the life they would have had, the child they would have raised together. But every time she has to leave him she is suffering physically and emotionally.

As we ourselves see into Adam's mind, we realise just how deep his love for Anna is as he makes the ultimate sacrifice to save her from harm. But he leaves her with a final gift, that will have you reaching for a tissue to catch the falling tears.

A love story that will capture your heart and make you think about how you are living your life. It implores you to live to the best of your ability every day and to hold your loved ones that bit tighter.

Before you start to read this book have a box of tissues nearby .. you’re going to need them! This is the heartbreakingly beautiful love story of Adam and Anna. This isn’t a normal love story by any means and even though my heart was breaking reading the book, the ending left me with a smile.

This book takes you through all the emotions and even though I couldn’t put it down and read it within two days there were bits when I had to put it down and take a breath as I got so upset, being fully immersed in the story.

The last book that gripped me emotionally like this was The Two Lives of Lydia Bird so if you enjoyed that you will love this!

I’m not going to say anything else would just recommend that you read it.

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for the ARC.

This is definitely NOT your typical love story. But it’s one that definitely pulls you in, as you follow Anna and Adam’s story. At the start you know something has happened to them, something bad, and the effect it’s had on Anna (who’s your first narrator). Their journey to that life changing moment is a tough one; their relationship struggles, fear of failure, insecurities and expectations of their own worth, all helping to pull at the bonds that tie them together. And those bonds are fraying. Anna and Adam are so likeable. So real. So relatable. And as you follow their story, as it plays out, it hits you like a sucker punch. Their love is the stuff of legend. Just beautiful. Anna’s story had reminded me of The Two Lives of Lydia Bird (by Josie Silver) and The Life We Almost Had is just as heartbreaking. A brilliant debut for Ms Amelia Henley. Can’t wait for her next book!!

When I started this book I had no idea of the heart breaking journey it would take me on. Adam & Anna are a couple who have loved eachother fiercely but feel like they lost their way whilst trying for a baby.

This book is a compelling and emotional read, it discusses how the brain can work in mysterious ways and how sometimes we see and hear what we want rather than what might be there. The characters are complex and you get a fantastic insight into the highs and lows of Adam & Anna's relationship and how sometimes the world works in mysterious ways.

A wonderful love story that broke my heart whilst reading but left me feeling calm and restored as I reached the end. I highly recommend reading this book with a box of chocolates and tissues.

And interesting story that was full of unexpected twists. Emotional and thought provoking, it was intriguing to read.

How many times have people wished for a chance to go back and say those things unsaid to a loved one?

This book is a true love story in that the road isn’t easy. The novel covers the painful journey of trying to achieve parenthood, the bone-crushing disappointment that it isn’t easy and the heartbreaking reality that it might not be achieved.

Anna and Adam start with a lightening strike of true love. However, once married, they are bickering and arguing, each party misunderstanding conversations and actions because they don’t talk about the real issue between them - the stress of trying to become parents.

In a last ditch effort to rekindle their love, they go on holiday back to where it all began. This trip starts with joy and then dissolves into disaster and heartbreak. Here enters Oliver, a research scientist who is holding a potential solution. Troubled with his own demons, these drive him to find an answer to what goes on in our minds.

The book was excellently written - I could understand and feel Anna’s pain and distress and not being able to fall pregnant and feeling abandoned by Adam. However, I did sympathise with Adam and it was interesting to see everything from his perspective. I can completely understand Anna’s need to take part in the trial, to keep going back, to focus on the life they almost had.

A devastatingly beautiful storey of love, hope and loss.

When Anna meets Adam she's on her "honeymoon" with her best friend Nell having just broken up with her fiance in the weeks before the wedding. Romance or love are the last things on her mind and she's happy to spend some time in the sun having a few drinks and making the most of the hotel catering. When her friend hooks up with Adam's friend Josh they are thrown together and they soon discover that it is more than a holiday romance.

The story isn't linear and the timeline jumps around. The book opens with Anna reminiscing about how she met Adam and the bittersweet memories that it evokes. This is a story of life and circumstance getting in the way of what should have been a perfect partnership. Its a heart rending tale of loss and what might have been and the struggle that some people have to endure to try to become parents. Once again - it's happened a lot lately - I found myself wide awake in the middle of night with silent tears streaming down my cheeks as I immersed myself in their story.

<em>The Life We Almost Had</em> is the first story she’s written as Amelia Henley but she also writes psychological thrillers under her real name, Louise Jensen. As Louise Jensen she has sold over a million copies of her global number one bestsellers. Her stories have been translated into twenty-five languages and optioned for TV as well as featuring on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestsellers list. Louise’s books have been nominated for multiple awards. I can appreciate why this hasn't come out under Louise's name as it is very different to her usual thrillers but a good writer does have breadth and the capacity to write in different styles and genres.

In many ways the cute girly cover is a little misleading as this book goes beyond the fluff and romance and touches on some quite deep subjects. Its a real conversation starter - perfect for book groups - and poses some quite deep questions about sacrifice and the nature of love.

Supplied by Net Galley and HQ in exchange for an honest review.

It's not going to be possible to say much about the plot of The Life We Almost Had because it would spoil the read for others, but it is meticulously planned so that every tiny detail has a crucial place that is only apparent once the entire book is read. As the story progresses, it is evident that Amelia Henley has painstakingly researched aspects that contribute to both plot and theme, but again I can't be more specific as it would give too much away. However, I will say that The Life We Almost Had teaches the reader to appreciate what they have and to listen - properly listen - to those they love.

The quality of Amelia Henley's writing is gorgeous. The longer descriptive passages are perfectly balanced by shorter sentences and questions that convey such deep emotion that I had to stop reading several times just to recover because it felt as if my heart would break. These same questions make the reader feel as if they are part of the narrative too as they draw them in. The Life We Almost Had should come with a health warning. It isn't possible to read this story without being completely altered by it and without shedding copious tears. I felt shattered afterwards and it took me some while to regain my composure.

Anna and Adam are incredibly warm, human, flawed, beautiful and real. I fell for them both without reservation. The depth of their love reverberates through every syllable of the narrative and yet Amelia Henley still manages to make them totally realistic in their ability to bicker and to hurt one another, so that they make The Life We Almost Had feel like it could be about any of us. Amelia Henley paints an intimate portrait of their relationship that is exceptional. Secondary characters are equally well developed so that I finished The Life We Almost Had feeling as if I knew them all personally. I seem to be unable to stop thinking about them all.

I'm aware that this review is both vague and inadequate, but The Life We Almost Had is such an emotional and affecting book that I don't want to spoil it for others by revealing too much and I'm not sure I have access to sufficient superlatives to describe it. The Life We Almost Had ranks as one of the most emotional and affecting books I've ever read and has caused me to look at my loved ones with fresh eyes. I thought it was simply superb and defy even the most hard hearted and unemotional reader to read it and not be irrevocably changed in the process. Don't miss it.

I had to DNF this book.

I was really enjoying the first chunk and I was really excited to see how it played out. Unfortunately reading about adam and annas inferility struggle was all too close to home for me and had there have been a content warning about this i would not have picked up the book. I truly mean it when I saw its not you, its me and I will be looking out for more titles from this author!

Many thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of The Life We Almost Had. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and particularly the alternate timelines. This was definitely not a typical love story and yet it most certainly is a powerful love story. We are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as we live Anna and Adam's story and their quest for a second chance at first love.. A well written and thoughtful romantic holiday read that you wont be able to put down!

As always, I went in blind and was therefore thoroughly unprepared for the heartbreak this book made me feel. It hit me Right. In. The. Heart.

For Anna and Adam it's love at first sight. A few years into their relationship, cracks begin to show. When I read this, I thought this was as sad as it was going to get. That they weren't going to make it. But I was wrong because the further I got, the more Amelia Henley continued to hurt my heart with this storyline.

I don't want to say anything else about it because I don't know what I can say without giving anything away. But I'll just say that I didn't expect it to take the route it took at all. I'm so glad that it did though because it was written so well. The characters were relatable, realistic and the tragedy so real because as clichéd as it sounds, no one knows what's round the corner.

This is a love story. But it's not your average one. Henley has made sure of that.

Thank you @netgalley for this arc.

How this book turned out was so unexpected! The story isn’t your classic happily ever after, in this book you experience love, friendship, heartache - all the emotions.

This book was cleverly written, you fall in love with the characters and have a sense of protection of them. Beautifully written!

A heart warming love story. Suspend your disbelief and just go with the magic.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.