Dear Emmie Blue is a wonderfully unique story! Emmie is in love with her best friend, Lucas. When Lucas makes plans to tell her big news, she is expecting him to say he has feelings for her, but of course Lucas has other plans. You might think you've read other stories like this, but Dear Emmie Blue is different. Dear Emmie is a story of love and friendship. Emmie will discover some things she always believed were wrong. Sometimes what you think you want is not really what you want. Dear Emmie is the perfect amount of happy, sad, funny, and serious.

The narration was great. I love Katy Sobey's accent. Her voice goes perfectly with how I picture Emmie.

I recommend Dear Emmie for fans of Beth O'Leary and Mhairi McFarlane.

Thank you NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first audiobook from NetGalley and I'm so glad I chose it.

This heart wrenching story follows Emmie Blue and her friendship with her best friend and secret love Lucas. Emmie is heartbroken when she finds out Lucas is engaged and wants her to be his "Best Woman". Emmie decides to bury her feelings and give Lucas her full support.

I loved how this story took me on a journey. Not only do we learn about Emmie's lonely and traumatic childhood but we follow her as she turns 30 and makes some life changing decisions.

I enjoyed that the storyline was mostly unpredictable. I felt a connection with all of the characters and my opinions of them changed throughout the story.

I enjoyed this book so much. I couldn't wait to hear more.

I went for this as my next read (or in this case, listen) as I wanted something really light that I could lose myself in, and I ended up being surprised that while hitting all the rights spots for me, it packed more of an emotional punch than originally expected.

Teenager Emmie Blue releases a balloon into the sky – containing her email address and her biggest secret – and its discovery across the sea by Lucas, a boy with the exact same birthday as her who is homesick for Britain, sparks an intense friendship develops between the two. We first meet them on the eve of their 30th birthdays, when Lucas has an important question to ask Emmie.

The audiobook was brilliantly narrated by Katy Sobey, who had the perfect energy for this story. The voices were easy to distinguish in scenes of dialogue, and her tone for the narrator fit wonderfully.

While the ending left me feeling a little cheated of closure, the characters involved all received the closure they desired. Every character in the story felt human and believable, and I fell in love with many of them throughout the story.

Although it's not particularly similar, I'd recommend this to fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Gravity Is the Thing. An easy 4 star read for people wanting something engaging, that is both lightweight and poignant at the same time.

Years ago an unhappy Emmie releases a balloon with a tag. Over in France a boy finds it. Lucas. This starts the beginning of a long lasting friendship. They've exchanged letters and music. As they got older there were the visits and shared birthday.
Then one night they go out for dinner. Emmie thinks Lucas is about to propose. After all they are destined to be together! Aren't they? But then she is hit with a bombshell. Lucas is going to marry a girl called Marie and he wants her to be his Best woman.
Heartbroken she heads home but forges a new friendship with her landlady who tells her there is someone out there for her she just needs to open her eyes.
Has her true love been there all the time? This is a story of abandonment, love, lies, and friendship.
I particularly liked the narrator. A young sparky voice which was perfectly suited to Emmie.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review
#DearEmmieBlue #NetGalley

If you are in need of a feel good story then this is the one.
I loved Emmie’s character and her friendships as they progress through the book.
All Emmie wants is to be love but is that love with Lucas or with Elliott or with herself?
I listened to this via Netgalley and I put it on at any opportunity I could as I needed to find out what happened next with Emmie.
A novel full of friendship and love, a completely heart warming feel good novel.
Thank you Netgalley for the audiobook version of this book.

I saw so many great reviews on this book on IG so I was so excited to see it as a read now audio option for @netgalley. This booked lived up to all the hype. It is a sweet story told in past and present from Emmie’s POV. It deals with friendship, first love, grief and putting up walls to protect yourself. I love how the story reveals Emily’s past as she trudges with life in the present. The other characters in this book are charming and without giving anything away, I love her love interest. The narrator has the cutest accent that makes you feel the sweetness of Emmie. Thank you Netgalley for the audiobook. ⁣

The NetGalley audio sounds a little tinny on this one, but I know those issues will be ironed out since this is a new system.

It definitely doesn't take away from my opinion of the book!

I really really love Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis, and have added it to my favorites list! So much heart and hope, mixed in with some mixed signals and misunderstandings. There were numerous little twists and, even though I anticipated many of them, it only made me more excited to see them play out. The characters are vulnerable, their issues are relatable, and you'll be rooting for them the whole way!

NetGalley's audio app isn't the best quality so the narrator's voice comes out a little grating. However, for review purposes, it's important to say I really loved the Dear Emmie Blue audiobook - in these weird, disconcerting times, it was really comforting to immerse myself in some romantic escapism. It was like having a lil friend in your phone. I'd definitely recommend this audiobook to pals and someone like my Nan who needs some distraction from the world right now.

Thank you so much for the review copy and I look forward to reviewing more audiobooks when NetGalley's bugs are ironed out a bit more :)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 💫 I adored this one - it is such a sweet read!!! I thought the concept was so endearing, a girl and boy become best friends from a note in a balloon she let go, and present day there is unrequited love - but this is so much more. While it was somewhat predictable, I fell in love with these characters. I loved the two timelines and uncovering the sad tragedies in Emmie's life, and how her friendship evolved and fell apart with Lucas and Eliot. I wanted more moments between the characters who felt like dear friends you were leaving behind. And the epilogue 😭 !!. Highly recommend this one for such a lovely book. ⁣

This story started off really well and I was really looking forward to where it was heading for Emmie Blue, but sadly I just felt that the story dragged on for too long and unfortunately it didn’t hold my attention after about 30% in. I’m not sure whether this was also to do with the narrator as I just didn’t “feel” much from her as she was telling the story.
The idea behind the story itself I think is really good, but it just sadly didn’t hit the spot for me on this occasion.

I was hooked and listened to the whole story in one day. A bitter sweet tale with the usual happy ending. A tale about overcoming past fears and miseries. The narrator tells the tale beautifully; an important addition to any audiobook

This was a lovely story, one you can just slip in to and enjoy. Real life at its best. Close calls, love, friendships, loss and embarrassments that seem worse to you than everyone else. It’s always interesting to see how one life event can change your whole life.
I listened to this as an audio book- the narrators made the story come alive.

🎈🎈⚠️⚠️ALERT ⚠️⚠️🎈🎈: Cuteness Overload! (but in a very good way not like one of those cloying, syrupy, oversweet romance stories that could give you diabetes)

I. JUST. LOVED. THIS 😍

"Dear Emmie Blue" was my first audibook on NetGalley and I couldn't have made a better choice for my first one. It will definitely be on my 2020 top reads list. Emmie Blue must be one of the most relatable characters I've ever encountered. I just fell in love with her! As I kept reading it felt like she was a long time friend and I would have really love to be there to open her eyes (thank God for Rosie and Fox).

While I could understand her infatuation with Lucas I was #TeamEliot all the way. Her friendship with Lucas was so uneven it made me mad how she didn't see it. She gave so much more than she received and it was heartbreaking to see how she pined for a guy who didn't deserved her. I would have gladly kicked him in the balls more than once.

I think all the characters were pretty well developed and I would love to read a story centered on Rosie and Fox. She was hilarious and the perfect counterpoint to Emmie, Eliot was such a perfect gentleman, Louise’s story broke my heart into pieces...I loved all of them and I want to adopt them!

Although it deals withs some heavy issues as sexual assault, it was such a feel good book I wish I hadn't read it yet so I could discover it all over again for the first time. It has everything, romance, humor, tears, laugh out loud moments... Aren't you sold yet?

The audiobook version made it even a better experience. Katy Sobey did such a good job with the story and the characters, making them all pretty recognizable (I hate it when the narrator has only one voice, accent, intonation for all the characters).

Put Emmie Blue in your life, you won't regret it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio UK, Trapeze for providing the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

P.S: I almost forgot it, but the author coined a new term (at least I hadn't heard it before) that I will be adding to my vocabulary from now on: PSYCOTHERA-BITCH. And for that alone she deserves 5 ⭐️

Dear Emmie Blue is a sweet New Adult romance that centres upon the intertwined lives of a trio of thirty-something friends who meet when Emmie needs them most. Lost, alone, and struggling with the aftermath of a horrific betrayal, Emmie releases a balloon with a note attached. When found by Lucas and his brother, Elliott, Emmie eventually finds the family she longed for; but will she find true love, too? Emmie believes that destiny must have brought Lucas into her life for a reason, and is flabbergasted when he asks her to be Best Woman at his wedding, when she had always dreamt she'd be his bride.

Fans of the funny, poignant, Julia Roberts film 'My Best Friend's Wedding' will note similarities in this book, but won't be disappointed by the way this story riffs on the trope. It's a nice, gentle take on a familiar story, and though Emmie was the only one who didn't see the 'twists' coming, it was good fun to listen to and I was certainly rooting for them by the end.

Unlike many New Adult romances, this story is very PG for the most-part. Emmie's bombastic friend, Rosie, referencing her own entanglements is as close as it comes to anything saucy, and the language is fairly clean too, so it would be suitable for readers and listeners who long to read about slightly older characters who are struggling with more adult problems, but without the more 'adult' themes.

As is common in much contemporary romance, the truths that elude the protagonist are obvious to the listener from early on. A few honest conversations with those closest to our main characters could have avoided most of the heartache in this book, as Emmie herself comes to realise, but then I doubt there are many of us who have not been embroiled in similar miscommunications and misunderstandings.

I enjoyed following Emmie's journey of self-discovery, as she began - finally - to emerge from the dark shadow of her past and into a much brighter future. It is important to note, here, that anyone who struggles to read about past sexual abuse or assault might want to skip this one. Whilst it all happens off-page and is not discussed in explicit detail, the hurt is a very prominent theme and it is difficult not to feel the weight of Emmie's anxieties as she tries to move through a world that feels unsafe.

Katy Sobey is charming to listen to, with a clear, pleasant, friendly voice that is perfect for portraying the thirty-somethings at the heart of this story. The audiobook flows well, rising and falling as Emmie navigates her way through a tumultuous time. Sobey does well to convey Emmie's fragility and her resilience, and as each character's flaws and strengths are examined and tested, Sobey keeps us connected to each of them in turn.

I would recommend Lia Louis's audiobook to anyone who is looking for a sweet, clean, contemporary romance about friendship, recovery, and the joy of finding your way home.

With thanks to Hachette Audio UK for granting me an advance listener copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

When she was 16, Emmie released a red balloon from her school field in England. On it was a tag with her details, weeks go by until one day she receives an email. A boy called called Lucas somehow found her balloon, hundreds of miles away on a beach in France. They exchange emails and discover they are the same age, share the same birthday and soon become the best of friends. We learn about their friendship from a mix of the present day (from the eve of their thirtieth birthdays onwards) and going back in time throughout the years.

Going in to Dear Emmie Blue I expected a fluffy, sappy romance novel with very little substance but it was so much more than that. As well as romance, the story includes family issues, sexual assault, friendships (the loss and gain) and just general, everyday life struggles.

I loved the host of different characters, I think Rosie was my favourite though.. I loved her spunk. I also enjoyed the scenes with her & Fox together. Surprisingly my least favourites were the two main characters, Emmie and Lucas. I didn’t hate them, I just liked them the least out of everyone.

I almost exclusively read paperbacks or kindle so it was a nice change to listen to an audiobook. The narrator, Katy Sobey, had a clear, soothing voice. Her timing and pace was good and I liked the emotion and expression she used throughout the story. I would definitely listen to another audiobook narrated by her.

The only negative I have to say about the book is I felt like it started to drag a little at the last 10% or so but overall I enjoyed it and I’d definitely recommend.

3.75 stars

Thanks to Hachette Audio UK and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest 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.

The narration from Katy Sobey (a narrator already known to me) fitted Emmie so perfectly, the dialogue and other characters were phrased very well and it all made for all the feelings.

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 Hachette Audio UK for the early review copy.

Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis is basically a heart throbbing romance novel, but the special thing about this book is that it focuses on more than just romance. It teaches us to give benefit of doubt when our loved ones makes a mistake, because everyone deserves a second chance!
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When a 16 yr old Emmie releases a red balloon from her school field with her details attached to it, she also wanted to let go off the secret she is guarding. Across the ocean, 100s of miles away Lucas also 16, discovers it and mail her right away. Hence blooming the friendship that withstand the test of time.
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At their 30th birthday eve (Oh! Yeah they happen to share their birthday too) Emmie faces the biggest turning point in her life. Emmie, who never pursued anyone or anything seriously for past 14yrs faces an earth shattering reality.
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How Emmie is going to survive this? Is she even going to make a life for herself? What happens with the secret she is guarding? Will it overpower her life? are answered satisfactorily throughout the story.
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All the significant characters were given enough attention to details also at times it surprised me with such a positive writing style. I don't even pick up romance novels very easily but me reading an ARC should say something isn't it? Gratefully am not at all disappointed. I will rate it solid 4 ⭐ (Minus 1 star for obvious clichés and predictability at times).

DNF at 23%
I was so excited for this audiobook as I had requested the ebook version prior.
The plot was just the kind of thing I love, but this didn't grip me as much as I hoped.
The app made this virtually unplayable. It pauses every time my screen locked, every couple of minutes, and it was impossible to get into this book when it is stopping so frequently.
The narration was okay, although I did feel she was limited in her array of voices for each character.
It is difficult for me to provide a full review of the audiobook when it was so difficult to follow so I decided to give it 3 stars to remain impartial.

I hate to say it but this was painfully boring. I had to keep myself from falling asleep. At about 10% I felt like I was losing the will to live. The. narrator didn't help much, the narration was very one note.

*4.5 stars

When she was 16, Emmie released a balloon in England and it was found by Lucas on a beach in France. They email, discover the were born on the same day same year and become best friends. 🎈

From the synopsis above, I was expecting a light, fluffy, predictable women’s fiction book with Emmie and Lucas’ relationship developing. Not that that would be a bad thing but I was wrong to judge.

This book tackled some difficult topics and didn’t rush over them or sweep them under the carpet. It had depth and heart, and of course the elements I was expecting too. It didn’t feel rushed and I stayed up far too late ‘just one more chapter-ing’ until I had finished.

The sad and difficult topics that Emmie was dealing with was balanced by some genuinely laugh out loud comments from her friend Rosie! I adored Emmie’s colleagues/friends Rosie and Fox. The accent used for Rosie made her even funnier. Adding these characters as Emmie’s confidantes and comedic relief was perfect. I also loved Lucas’ older half-brother, Elliott - what a man.

The more I write, the more I wonder why I dropped half a star? Maybe because Emmie was dealing with a lot from her past and I felt something should have been mentioned about supporting or working on that going forward in the relationship. I dislike it when female characters’ issues magically disappear when they get with their man/fall in love. That wasn’t implied here but it wasn’t dealt with either.

I am a little sleep deprived and suspect this review is far from eloquent - blame the author! 😉 Just read it!

I received an advanced copy of the audiobook from the publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own.