#TheArtOfLovingYou #NetGalley

Well this is an emotionally charged glory of a story.

Libby and Jack are at the start of their journey to restore their new (old) home and turn it into an art school to help disadvantaged children. Their dear friend Sid - who met Jack at an art class and despite the 50+ year age gap, built a strong and loving relationship - sold them his marital home and with it his memories of his beloved wife.

Fate takes a horrible turn and what follows is a story of deep love, grief, betrayal and survival.

Libby faces many challenges and the writing of her emotions is very powerful.

In its bones, just a few things happen in this story but they are so huge and life-changing that they carry the reader through.

If I were to say one thing that I found lacking was the detail of how/when Libby’s mum and sister became close to Sid. I felt like I’d missed a part of the story there.

It’s a fabulous story though, not your everyday female-led fiction by any means but ultimately a story of love, support, resilience and survival.

Thanks NetGalley for the early read.

This is the second book I’ve read by Amelia Henley and it lived up to her high standards of writing beautifully.
The story was easy to become wrapped up in with enigmatic characters like Libby & Jack with their ‘happy’ future. I loved how the other characters added depth and feelings to the plot line, particularly the young, volatile Liam, and Sid, an elderly character full of life wisdom and kind words.
The setting was clearly depicted and cleverly seemed to reflect the moods within the story as it developed.
Such a powerful story of love, life and circumstances, the importance of family, of living your life to its best, finding meaning from grief and chaos, your purpose, your hope and a way through. There were times when my heart broke alongside Libby and times when tears streamed silently down my face and also times when I beamed and cheered from the sidelines.

Wow ! This is my first book I’ve read by Amelia Henley and I’m in awe of her. As you may know Amelia Henley is also well known as Louise Jenson, famous for her fantastic psychological thrillers. How Amelia can switch from thrillers to a story like ‘The Art of Loving You’ is absolutely amazing.

This story gave me all the feels. **Slight spoiler here - the story focuses a lot around grief. The way Amelia described how grief feels is spot on. I lost my mum 2 years ago and so I could relate to all of it.

I found myself thinking about this story when I was at work, itching to get back to it ! This is a story that’s worthy of a million stars and it will certainly stay with me forever.

My first book by this author, but it won’t be my last! It tells us the story of Libby and Jack who are just starting out their life together. Everything is going nicely with a new home and work project, but their lives are torn apart by a heart-breaking tragedy. Whilst it seems that this is going to be a sad read, it really isn’t and it’s filled with the most heart-warming and uplifting moments, which nestled in amongst the sadness makes the perfect contrast.

I loved Libby and Jack’s characters and they seemed the ideal couple together. They were so relatable and instantly I knew I was going to love them! The book was also filled with some great supporting characters with my favourite being Sid. Sid was fabulous, such a sparkling gem of a character and I would love to read a book devoted just to him and his life! The whole storyline was emotional to say the least and it brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion! Thankfully, there were also tears of happiness, and by the end of the book I felt enlightened, warm and contented.

This is a story of loss and grief and it does have some trigger points which some may want to avoid. Overall, though, it’s not just about the loss the characters experience, but also about life, family, friendships and most importantly, love of all different kinds! Would definitely recommend, but have your tissues ready!!

Wow this book is amazing and 5 stars in my eyes, I absolutely loved this book and would recommend everyone reads this , with thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for this review

Heartbreakingly beautiful, there was so much emotion in this book and it kept me hooked in from start to finish

The Art Of Loving You by Amelia Henley is a simply beautiful story of love. It is a love that radiates throughout the novel, escaping to envelop the reader. It is a love that swoops up all in its embrace. And it is a love that will never die.
There is an eclectic mix of characters who are all in need of love – some have loved and lost, others have never been loved. One life unites all the characters. One life brings them all together. One life knows how to love well.
We see a sacrificial love – a love that always puts others before self. It is a life of love that leaves a fragrance of love in its awake.
The book is also a study of loss. “I don’t know who I am without him.” Loss hurts, consumes and makes us feel guilty for what we said or didn’t say.
Family is important. We all need family. Family unites – sometimes it is by blood but it is always by love.
Octogenarian Sid has seen it all. He is wise. He is kind. He is generous. His is a life lived well. His is a life of love.
The Art Of Loving You was such a beautiful book. It was an emotional read. It was a lovely read. It was a hopeful read. The book reminds us to live a life of love and to leave behind a legacy of love. It is simply beautiful.
I received a free copy from Harper Collins via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
A note: Amelia Henley is a pen name of Louise Jensen, the master of the psychological suspense. I love all her novels. And I now love her writing as Amelia Henley.

✨THE ART OF LOVING YOU✨

4 stars 💫

They thought they had forever, but life had other plans.

Libby & Jack thought they was finally getting their happy ever after, they had just moved into a new house thanks to their dear friend, eighty year old Sid.

Unfortunately the universe has other plans for them both and their futures aren’t what they was expecting!

I really enjoyed this book, it defo gave me mixed emotions! When I thought the first thing had happened… it was only just the beginning!

It was a total joy to read and Amelia definitely smashed this!

Make sure to grab your copy 22 July 2021 💫

Thank you to the author and to netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
@netgalley

Amelia Henley also writes psychological thrillers under her real name Louise Jensen. I am a fan of her thriller books and couldn’t wait to see how well her love stories compared. After reading many thrillers recently I could not wait to try this romantic love story and it did not disappoint, I can not wait to rare her other story ‘The Life we Almost Had’.

Libby and Jack are the happiest they have ever been thanks to their dear friend Sid. They have just brought their first house together and life could not be any better. However that is soon to change when Jack dies tragically. The story continues as Libby comes to terms with her loss and how her future is now going to change.

This is such a heartbreaking and emotional read, makes you value life. This book will stay with me for a long time, such an amazing read.

Thankyou @netgalley and @msameliahenley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Art of Loving You is a love story but not as you know it! I’m reluctant to call it romance as the first plot twist shatters any hope of a future for Jack and Libby. Like Amelia Henley’s first novel, it’s more of a unique love story, where the author’s research into her subject matter is so in-depth, the novel feels as if it borders on science fiction – when in fact the neurological condition that Libby experiences, although rare, can happen.

Written in first-person from Libby’s perspective, the narrative has a linear structure. Diction is succinct whilst provoking vivid imagery – a difficult skill to master but Amelia Henley has captured this beautifully.

This is a well-written story that packs an emotional punch and will leave you breathless. A thoroughly enjoyable read, recommended for fans of Carol Mason, Emma Cooper, and Dani Atkins.

This book wasn't at all what I was expecting. I've never read anything by this author under this or her other name but was attracted by the cover and title and I'm so glad I got to read it.
I instantly loved the main characters Libby and Jack and felt the story flowed really well.
The book took me took me by surprise a few times, which is part of the reason why I've given it 5 stars.
I'll definitely look out for this author in future and plan to read her other book.

From the first page I thought, yes, I'm going to love this book. The descriptions like honeysuckle and happiness just made me smile and imagine the amazing smell of honeysuckle.

I can really relate to this because hubby and I were smiling so much when we bought our first house and got the keys that our face ached, I was always taking pictures and it was just perfect, exhausting but perfect.

I really related to Jack with his involvement with young people because I gave a degree in Youth and Community development and can really picture his dream for the area he lives.

I was hoping so much that I was wrong thinking Jack had done something he may regret doing down the line.

I really love the despite their hard times Libby and the gang continue with the plans and I really like the friendship building with Libby and young Liam. I wasn't a fan of Noah in this story and I think Libby was good to forgive him bit he also seems to have gone through a lot.

What a brilliant book. It's both emotional and heartwarming.

Not sure what I expected but this book was a powerful read. Wonderful characters who felt like friends and a story that was beautifully told and had quite a few twists. It is a very emotional read and I am sure it will move many people to tears but it does have a message of hope and describes many forms of love.

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<p><em>Oh my goodness, this book is absolutely gorgeous but heartbreaking all wrapped in one gorgeous package. I absolutely adore this author and this book has left me with tears streaming down my cheeks. </em></p>
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<p>I love Libby and Jack so much. Their story has literally broken my heart. However, it is a beautiful love story that has captured me and pulled me into the pages. </p>
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<p>There are twists in this which you really don’t see coming. Parts of this have really touched my heart and been close to home. Libby’s story especially has brought tears to my eyes all over again. Neurology is scary but this has been so well researched and placed with the plot, I am literally in awe of this author. </p>
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<p>I love the additional characters present in this book. They add an individual element and make this a read that is completely addictive. </p>
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<p>I have read ALL of this author’s books- romance and thriller. Each is is a unique and gorgeous read. However, this one is truly a literary masterpiece guaranteed to leave you emotional with tears. </p>
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<p>This is one of those books worthy of all the stars. This is a magnificent read and I am already eagerly anticipating what this gorgeous author has in store for us next. </p>
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Well Amelia Henley books are no good for my housework!! She's smashed it out of the park again, I couldn't put this book down! Libby and Jack have just bought a new house with the help of 80 year old Sid. They are so excited for the start of this new life and aim to turn it into an art centre / retreat. Unfortunately fate has other ideas. I don't want to say much more, but be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster with lots of twists and turns. This is definitely not a twee romance, but the exploration of love in its many forms, kindness and hope made it a great read.

Tissues at the ready, I have a heart of stone and yet this made me weep buckets and buckets.
Its beautifully heart breaking and emotional, and just when you think you've reluctantly accepted the tragedy, more tears follow.
Its so clever, with great complex characters.

I first of all want to start this review by stating that this isn't my usual kind of book but sometimes (and I mean no disrespect or offence) you just need a trashy book where you don't need to think too much. I also very rarely cry at books, could count on my one hand the amount of times that has happened but this made me bucket a lot. I think it's because the things in this books could very easily happen to any one of us in real life.

I really enjoyed the way the author ended each chapter on a mini cliffhanger, every night I kept thinking that I would put it down after the current chapter and these mini cliffhangers happened so I thought just one more. 😄😄😄 I think it was because of this that it was a very quick read.

I have never read anything by this author, either under this name or her own name, but I shall definitely be seeking out more.

*Thank you to Net Galley, HQ and Amelia Henley for the copy of this book. All views are my own.*

Jack and Libby and moving to a new house, a house of their very own, on the countryside near their town. It was a sort of gift from an old man they had befriended - it had been his home before his wife died and he had moved into a care home. So, the future is bright.

Libby's sister, Alice, invites herself over on their first day in the house and announces she's pregnant and Jack decides to go out and buy something fizzy to celebrate, and to get some Lemsip for Libby who is suffering from the flu. However, he doesn't come home and phone call informs the sisters that he's been stabbed during a mugging gone wrong.

Libby has to face the sudden loss, not just of Jack but all of her dreams, and those of Jack, all gone in a moment.

Libby's struggles to accept the new status quo are heartbreaking and are vividly portrayed, her grief, her bursts of activity and positivity that slump into depression, her anger, her sorrow, and ultimately her seeing Jack. She's convinced she's seen him and spoken to him, her sister even heard her one-sided conversation and concluded that she was mad.

The discovery of a tumor after Libby collapses leads her to an impossible decision. The doctors believe she's experienced psychosis and her visions of Jack are just that, so, to remove the tumor, removes Jack completely from her life and she's not ready for that.

I read this in two sittings at a time when I believed I had no time for reading. It was that good, that emotional, and towards the end I was struggling to not cry in front of my baffled family. From reading the author's note, this is a deeply personal book, and it seems to have led her to writing something very moving.

My only comment against this would be that there is a slight flaw in that Jack's parents are the next of kin and yet Libby gets Jack's life insurance money? She needs financial independence for the story to work, but this detail isn't explained - she doesn't get the guitar but she does get the cash.

I would like to read a novel that explores this kind of deep grief and loss that involves real people - someone who has all this to cope with AND a full time job with money worries like ordinary people. Who's written that?

Life is great for Libby and Jack.
Celebrating being together for five years and planning an exciting future.
How quickly and dramatically life can change though. A sequence of four phone calls completely change Libby's life, ripping up her heart and her future.
This was my first Amelia Henley and I really enjoyed it. Great characters and a strong story. A little predictable in places but enough drama to keep me involved.
I took a few life-affirming and inspirational sayings away from this book. I plan to try and be a little bit more Jack!

I had to sit up late to finish this one!
Amelia Henley is an extraordinary writer with the power to break your heart but piece it back together again. You must also read “The Life We Almost Had”!
After their elderly Sid gives them a good deal on his empty property, Libby and Jack excitedly move into their new home together, with huge dreams and plans for the future which all change over the course of just 4 phone calls.
Sid uses his own memories and experiences to try and help his friends through these times. Sid’s fond memories of his time with his wife are so heart warming I just wanted to cry every time he started to reminisce.
Everything suddenly changes and the characters are left to find their way through fear and grief to ty to find a new way of being happy.
This book was so intense but absolutely beautiful!