Emmie's best male friend, who found her balloon when she was younger, is getting married but not to her! He wants her to be best woman and the story pitches through mixed tapes of songs they sent. Sometimes the story went into telling mode rather than showing mode for me and I got pulled out of the story. Otherwise a great Sunday afternoon read. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

Those books where you know within a chapter that you're going to love it? This is one of those.
Relatable, real and oh so romantic. If you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant this’ll be for you, although Emmie is a different kind of heroine. The dialogue is funny and sassy, the supporting cast is a treat and you’ll be cheering for Emmie all the way.

This was a sweet and heartwarming book and it was difficult not to be swept up into it. There were well drawn characters and an engrossing storyline which kept me reading on.

You know when you just read a book at the perfect time, and for those few days it's all you want to do? That was this book for me. I'd previously read the author's debut book, Somewhere Close to Happy, which I also loved, but I loved this one even more

This book follows Emmie who, when she was 15, released a balloon with a note attached to see how far it would reach. The balloon was found, in France, by Lucas which marks the beginning of a lifelong friendship. However, 15 years later, when Lucas announces he's engaged, it begins to change everything between them forever

Some authors have great concepts, but are lacking in writing and execution: Lia Louis' books have it all. The concept, of the found balloon, is charming and it's buoyed exponentially by her amazing writing and characters

I loved Emmie as a protagonist and really felt for her. We find out early on that there has been darkness in her past, the truths of which are revealed gradually as we get to know Emmie and her life, and by the end my heart was breaking for her (before being fixed, warmed, and brought to tears)

I'd highly recommend Louis' books if you enjoy Beth O'Leary's books or Emily Henry's (though I've only read Beach Read by Henry so far). There's so much depth and complexity to her books, the complexity of people and life and family and relationships and friendships, that bring all of it to life while reading

I also really appreciated the friendships, especially between Emmie and Rosie and Emmie and Louise. Both captured the complexities and preciousness of female friendships so beautifully and I loved them both a lot

TW: strained mother-daughter relationship/emotional neglect, mention of sexual assualt between teacher and student

I don't think you will find a better love story in 2020. Let's be honest.

I want to read it again and again and again and again.

This book sweeps you up into a tight hold and has you breathless and impatient as you race through the pages to follow Emmie's epic love story. From the first page to last I was IN LOVE and I found it impossible to forget about it as soon as I'd finished.

THANK YOU LIA FOR THIS INSANELY BEAUTIFUL BOOK.

I read Lia’s first novel three times and loved it so much so had very high hopes for this one. I absolutely adored it! It’s cute, sweet, funny and heartwarming. This will be one I read again and again. One of my top recommended books for the summer for sure.

There isn't many books that can make you literally LOL or genuinely tear up, but Dear Emmie Blue ticks both boxes for me.

Set in both England and France, it tells the story of an unhappy young girl, whom releases a red balloon at school and is found on a beach in France.

This young Emmie Blue has grown up to 30 now and it looks back on a friendship that has lasted since that balloon was found. Found by a young boy, Lucas, the same age as Emmie, born on the same day.

But their lives are about to change a whole lot, as it also does for Lucas's older half brother too.

I really didn't want this book to end.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for ARC

Micky’s 5 star review

This is my summer read of 2020. FACT.

I picked up this DEAR EMMIE BLUE and I could not put it down, at all. Okay, there were moments to pause, look at the wall and process my feelings but that was the only break I took. This book had a light start followed a sneak attack of of more serious themes that were all fabulous-ness. DEAR EMMIE BLUE had characters to cling onto, a story that sunk me into immersion and it was one that made me hope like mad for Emmie.

At first, Emmie made me wonder if she was weak, a sap, the loyal friend being trampled on. Little did I know Emmie, because as I grew to know her better, she had such depth of spirit, a fighting character and that loyalty of hers was amazing. I came to adore her, cheer for her and want the best of things for her.

Emmie had a very quiet and hard working life, an absolute mess of parental proportions and a past trauma to navigate. She was supported in all things by Lucas and the Moreau family as a whole, but Lucas’ brother was a loyal friend, in the background, full of integrity. I’m saying nothing more because the whole story is orientated around these friendships. The story is rich, deep and wonderful with a good slice of heartache.

DEAR EMMIE BLUE had me feeling all the emotions, brimming over my kindle, onto my tissue (at times) and into my friend’s DMs. This book was written so well, so balanced with character development to die for, story to be wrapped up in and all of the feels. I am completely bowled over by it and I want to sing from the rooftops about how good it is. So good, you just have to read and discover it for yourself. Lia Louis wrote beautifully, realistically and with heart, I am dying to devour more from her.

Don’t come into this expecting all light, come in to this and fasten your seat belt…you won’t regret it.

Thank you to Trapeze Books for the early review copy.

This will appeal to a certain age group and gender - young women in their twenties. It is a cross between My Best Friend's Wedding and When Harry met Sally (neither of which the intended age group will have seen). It is quite well-plotted, going from past to present - each time we learn a little more of why Emmie feels and acts the way she does. Her friend Rosie, is her opposite, confident and outspoken to a fault. She helps Emmie to discover what she really wants and needs. It has a typical romantic, and obvious, ending. Of its genre it is a good example and would be a satisfying beach read if we were going to the beach this year.

Emmie Blue's heart is breaking. Her best friend for 14 years is getting married...and it's not to her. Despite the miracle balloon that brought them together, across the English Channel, at a time she needed him the most - fate has other plans. But as Lucas prepares for his wedding and Emmie comes to terms with being his best women (what even is that?!) she realises that to create a happy future she will need to make peace with her past - finding family and love in unexpected places. And what she is searching for may have been right under her nose all along.

Heart-warming and beautifully written Dear Emmie Blue tells the story of one girls search for love and belonging in the wake of a loveless childhood and traumatic event at high school, which leaves her alone and scarred. I was mesmerised by the way the plot unfolded, the expert drip feeding of information - never knowing enough of the past to come to a conclusion about the future. I was kept guessing about the outcomes until the very end!

I also loved the way the characters were written, Louis had such a variant cast, so charismatic and all bringing something different to the story - evolving with it's progress. I particularly enjoyed the different relationship nuances between Emmie and the people around her, especially those of Louise and Rosie.

I think what I liked most were the observations that the smallest of acts, done with love, can have the most impact, and that love is not always where you expect it to be. Dear Emmie Blue was full of hope, bravery and courage and I enjoyed every minute.

I stayed up late last night to finish this. Read ‘just one more page’ syndrome, I couldn’t stop - from 65% to 100%!
This engaging story, about the delightful character of Emmeline (Emmie) Blue made me feel like I was wrapped up in a warm blanket of love and friendship. Emmie has faced more in her young life than some people face in a lifetime. She has done it all without the support of a family too but doesn’t yet understand her inner strength but is well aware of her vulnerability.

Chance led her to meet Luca, (no spoilers here -it’s in the blurb) and we see through a series of flashbacks and present day events how this friendship with him and his family has developed and understand its importance.

The characters in this story were brought to life so well that I felt their friendships and quirky uniqueness as if I was one of the group. Even Louise, the quiet landlady, and seemingly a background character, has her own individuality, role and impact within the story. Without giving anything away, it is fascinating seeing how particular characters grow into their assigned roles and reflect that sneaky feeling that you have about them from early on - skilfully written! I want to meet them all, particularly Rosie, the ‘say it as it is’ girl and Fox.

This novel is a powerful portrayal of circumstances, life, family, friendship and the power of love.
I loved it!

An absolutely gorgeous read that is full to the brim with all the feels!.

The writing is perfection and it really does make the characters come to life. Emmie is lovable from the start, with her troubled past and her secret love for her best friend, it's impossible not to find yourself cheering her on!.
There are moments that made me laugh out loud, and moments I could feel my heart breaking too. Everything you could possibly want from a book and so much more.

Most nights I read. I prefer books to TV and only occasionally do I get lured into the world of movies and dramas. Having just finished another book - one that was quite a tough, a sad historical fiction, I opened Dear Emmie Blue thinking I will just start this book and read a few pages, something to brighten and lift my heavy thoughts. This book has 300 pages plus and it took me five hours to read it. How do I know that? because I started to read it at 10pm and didn't finish it until 3am. Oh yes. Eyes sore, legs cramped and the dogs looking at me, imploring me to turn of that bloody light and go to bed. Lia Louis you've made me read this in one sitting, something I rarely never do and its all your clever wonderful words that made me do it.
Emmie Blue is thirty years old and shares her birthday with her best friend Lucas and has been his best friends since she released a balloon as a teenager and it floated all the way to France and Lucas found it, they have been inseperable since. Her relationship is made special as Emmie grows up neglected by her mother, abandoned by her father and judged at school for something she didn't do.
Lucas is a boy who has everything that life can offer a brother, a loving set of parents and a family home and when he finds that balloon, he finds a friend and shares his family with her.
Great secondary characters adding to the mix, especially Rosie and Fox whose honest humour made me laugh and read about her exploits with a huge grin on my face. Slow and gentle Louise who makes Emmie believe she's loved and cared about. A couple of characters that were a pain in the ass but thats life.
This book felt like a good movie in your hand that one minute makes you laugh, the next sad, the next you want to scream and say open your eyes... fool.
I'm not giving away any more about it as it's a pure gem, just get all your chores done before you start it and get comfy because I suggest you sit down with Emmie Blue and discover just what happened with balloon girl and balloon boy.
For such a predictable set up this book was written in a way that is so relatable. It's going on my list of highly recommended books for 2020.
Special thanks to Atria Books and Netgalley for sharing this book for me to read and review.

I loved Lia Louis' debut, but I think I adored 'Dear Emmie Blue' even more. From a totally bewitching concept (a balloon that travels across the ocean to unite two strangers as best friends), Lia weaves a beautiful story of friendship, trust and love, and all the mistakes and heartache that go along with it. Lia's writing is always warm and comforting and yet never just comfortable. It's always authentic and poignant and hilarious and thought-provoking. She has a real gift for changing gears with her characters' emotions, perspectives and priorities so gently and convincingly throughout the book. I think we must be about the same age, as, along with getting to know her unique and resonant characters, I love sharing the references to films, music etc I remember growing up. I'm a total convert - I'll definitely be reading whatever Lia Louis writes next. Thanks to Orion and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Oh what a gorgeous read, Emmie Blue was a wonderful character so desperate to love and be loved but still haunted by memories of a particular night at school years before.

I loved the friendship dynamics between Luke, Eliot & Emmie and how as the story unfolded you learnt more about the brothers and the wonderful way Emmie came into their lives. This story is full of love and hope and one that I loved reading from beginning to end. By the last page even I was a little in love with the lovely Eliot and hoped he would also get his happy ending as they all prepared to move onto the next stage of their lives.

Dear Emmie Blue is a gorgeous read. I defy anyone not to enjoy the story of Emmie, who aged 16 sends a red balloon up into the sky and it is picked up in France by a 16 year old boy, Luke. They become best friends but all is not as it seems as Emmie discovers when she and Luke are about share their joint 30th birthday celebrations.

This is not a girl meets boy, girl and boy break up, girl and boy get back together again. It's much more than that with a fantastic group of characters including Luke's older brother and his bitchy girlfriend, Emmie's best friend and Emmie's landlady and Emmie herself.

Dear Emmie Blue is sure to be a huge success and while I'm not a fan of uplit or romcoms, generally speaking, I'm sure it will appeal to the hardest of hearts. Many thanks to NetGalley and Orion for the opportunity to read and review it.

Would you believe that your Balloon sent from England to France could help you find the love of your life? Emmie's life goes on an exciting adventure as does her balloon. Emma sets her balloon free from her school grounds feeling lonely, helpless and in need of a friend. Emmie strikes lucky when her balloon arrives in France. Emma gains a second family when Lucas finds her note attached to the balloon. Over many years a bond develops aided by exchanging CDs, food and trips.

Emmie believes Lucas is THE ONE and is heartbroken and shocked when Lucas summons her to France to ask her to be his Best Woman at his wedding. Emmie, however, is seen to let Lucas go and be free and gets to work on organising the stag/hen do. Dear Emma Blue follows Lucas' and Emmie's unbreakable bond.

Dear Emmie Blue will appear to adults in their 20s who feel like their job isn't good enough, they aren't earning enough money, feel out of place and in search of security. Dear Emmie Blue reminds readers to let go of what we cannot control, be free and enjoy the journey life can take us on....

Thank you so much Orion Publishing Group and net galley for the chance to read this addictive book.

Emmie Blue is 16 when she lets off her balloon with her secret and it makes it way to France into the hands of Lucas who is also 16 and they are both born on the same day.

They have become best friends and Emmie is convinced Lucas is going to ask her to marry him. What could possibly go wrong?

This was such a beautiful read that takes you back though the years of their friendship.

I could not put this one down and read in just a few hours.

This could be my book of 2020 so heartwarming and a joy to have the pleasure of reading.

Oh Balloon boy I love you!! Truly wonderful, 5 balloons from me.
🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈

If there’s one book this year, that I can’t seem to let go of, it has to be Dear Emmie Blue. Reading it, I felt my heart would burst out of my body. Once finished, I felt it been chewed up and spat out in one piece, leaving a gaping hole behind.

A long time ago, Emmie Blue released a red balloon with a message hidden inside. A secret that was weighing her down which she desperately wanted to be free of. And against all odds, across hundreds of miles of ocean, it was found on a beach in France by a boy called Lucas who immediately emailed the attached address, sparking an intense friendship between the two teens.

Fourteen years later, on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, Emmie hopes that Lucas is finally about to kiss her. She has all but neglected her life outside of this relationship - given up the search for her absentee father, no longer tries to build bridges with her distant mother, and lives as a lodger to an old lady she barely knows after being laid off from her job.

Dedicated to her love for Lucas, she doesn’t expect him to announce that he is marrying someone else! Suddenly Emmie's dreams are shattered and the one person in her life she can rely on is slipping through her fingers. But what if Lucas isn't her forever? What if her love story is only just beginning…?

The idea of releasing a balloon into the air and someone, miles away, finding it is serendipitous. How can you not attach meaning to it? I love how the story develops with snippets of the past revealing Emmie and Luke’s budding friendship and why it suddenly seems to have taken a different direction. Little things that remind you of your youth – birthday’s spent with best friends, putting together mixtapes, living in a world of your own – fills you with a fondness.

Which is why this book is all heart, from the beginning to the end – warm, snuggly, overwhelming, heart-wrenching. In the end, all I can think is, if this is what love is, then yes, please, one for me!

This ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Trapeze Books - an imprint of Orion Publishing.

This book made me cry. In a good way. It's sweet, lovely, funny and charming. I loved Emmie, my heart broke for her, all the shit she'd overcome. I loved Rosie and Fox, they're hilarious. Lucas was kind of an arse, Eliot was hot.
Just a really, really lovely book.