Member Reviews
This is a heartfelt and ultimately uplifting read about Libby whose partner Jack suffered a startling incident on the very same day they moved in together into their new home which is a project in itself. We follow Libby through the first year as she struggles to cope with her life and the house, supported by her mum, sister and honorary grandad Sid. This really reflects Libby’s emotions and perspectives well, she’s a fantastically written character despite her struggles and the story is very sympathetic and thoughtful.
This story made me cry, like snot bubbling ugly cry. It tore at my heart, and after personally experiencing a very similar twist of fate, I felt this whole story deep in my bones.
It was wonderfully written and it’s going to stay with me for a very long time.
I loved her first book so couldn't wait to delve into her second and I was not disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderful but heartbreaking story.
This book is addictive, most chapters finish with a cliff hanger so you must read on, this is probably why I read it is 24 hours! A brilliant read which is beautifully written. I haven't read Amelia Henley books before but I am so glad I
have had the opportunity to be introduced to her books, however, this really plays with your emotions.
Jack and Libby are starting to embark on a life together, all exciting but the universe has other plans for them. This is the story of how Libby comes to terms with this and the road that she is lead down. How will the future work out for Libby? it is in her hands and you are willing her to do well and achieve her dreams. The characters are all likeable and give Libby a good support network.
This is different to the normal books I read, this is a story full of twists and turns, you just think you may have figured something out and then you read the next chapter and then find out you were wrong. If you want a different kind of read this summer, this is for you, you will not be disappointed. Just keep the tissues close by!
Thank you to Netgalley, HQ and Amelia Henley for the opportunity to read this books as an eARC
The Art of Loving You by Amelia Henley a five-star read that will break you, but I promise it will put you back together again. I had read something else by this author before and enjoyed it, but this one blew me away. There are so many amazing characters in this story, Libby and Jack play major roles, but Sid, Liam and Chloe to name but a few, there are so many well rounded and sublime characters in this story, they are what made it for me. That and the fact that I was kept guessing all the way through, about so many things and I don’t want to mention any as they all added an extra layer to the story. This story should come with a packet or two of tissues, maybe it was just me as I have been touched by this storyline and it was so hard, but it was so well done and, in the end, I was crying happy tears, and smiling like a crazy person. This is such a great story I would recommend it to everyone, no matter your mood, or what you fancy reading, this will appeal to you.
This book is absolutely amazing! A real heart wrencher though. I sobbed at the end so it might not be one to finish in public haha.
Would definitely recommend this book.
My goodness me what a roller coaster of a read. Some times I didn’t think I’d be able to finish this book as it was far too grim. Every chapter seemed to end with yet more bad news or upcoming bad news. But I stuck with it and I’m oh so glad I did. The last few chapters had me sobbing with sadness but a lot of joy. Life is worth living. Well done
A beautifully told poignant, heart rending story of love, loss, hope and friendship!
Libby and Jack are young,in love and looking forward to a long life together in their newly purchased home,made possible by the lovely generous elderly Sid!
Suddenly in an instant that all changes, how will Libby cope now? Can she make jacks vision a possibility to continue his work with troubled teenagers or will grief overcome her!
Help, friendship and family plus a friendly little kitten all play a part in Libby’s journey, I particularly liked sids input and that of his deceased wife Norma as Libby turns her home into a safe haven with help from Liam and Noah and gets to see jacks dream become a reality!
Emotional, tear inducing, touching read that will stay with you long g after you have read it!
Thank you netgalley for this early read!
I absolutely loved this book. From the first page to the last, this book pulls you right into the lives of the wonderful characters we meet. This story took me on such an emotional journey & I recommend having some hankies near by as there are some tearful moments,that said it is also a book full of hope and love. An absolute must read.
This book took me on quite the emotional journey right from the start!.
Libby and Jack are about to embark on a new adventure together as they move in to their new home, but their happiness is short lived. Libby is full of the flu, and Jack being the ever caring boyfriend goes to buy her some lemsip from the local chemist.
But then tragedy strikes, and Libby finds herself rushing to the hospital to be beside Jack who is the victim of a stabbing. Jack appears to be healing well, and as they leave to return home, Jack seems to become more unwell with every passing day, something that they both assume is the flu that Libby has been recovering from herself. When Libby returns home one day to find Jack has passed away in her absence, she is wracked with guilt and an overwhelming level of grief.
As Libby tries to move forward with her life, she finds herself facing many obstacles along the road to recovery, Including some rather life changing news she later receives. Relying on the love and support of her family and friends, Libby slowly begins to take back control of her life one tentative step at a time.
This was such a captivating read which truly captured my heart. Libby is one of those characters that you connect with easily from the very beginning. She has a huge heart and loves those close to her fiercely. The pain that she suffered following the loss of her partner made my heart break as the pain seemed to leap from the page and engulf you.
However this story is far from being all doom and gloom. Instead, we have a story that emphasises the importance of hope and love, not necessarily in the romantic sense either!. The story is written in such a compelling, thought provoking way, I found it practically impossible to put this book down.
It is very rare that I am moved to tears by a book, sad - yes, happy - yes, scared - yes but moved to tears - I can’t remember the last time that was. This book is one of those rarities. The characters (Libby, Jack, Alice, Sid, Liam, Noel and Mum) become real. You feel their highs and lows, laugh and cry with them. This is a brilliant book and I’ll certainly be reading more by this author
What a fabulous read! So well written and the emotion moved me to tears at several points. A really hopeful story of life after loss with some brilliant characters. One I really enjoyed.
Sheer escapism, beautifully written, I will look for more of this author’s work. Heartbreaking in places bringing a lump to my throat.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this title. I highly recommend it. Giving this one a full ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An absolutely beautiful story tackling the rawness of loss and grief with great empathy. I loved the characters of Libby and Jack and the bringing together of the ramshackle house they buy from Sid (a character I could have happily read more of).
There were several paragraphs that actually moved me to tears both for their emotional content but also because of how invested I became in the characters from the first few pages.
Definitely a book to keep and read again.
It’s heartbreaking, the raw grief is almost palpable, in fact I had tears in my eyes a number of times. What an amazing story. This is definitely one that will stay with me. Highly recommend.
This book. This bloody book. It had me weeping. It is so emotionally heavy and pulls on every heart string you have. This book makes you FEEL. I read every page with a lump in my throat.
The book carries such poignancy and depth. It explores every avenue of grief - particularly that suffered after a sudden, unexpected loss. The book sensitively navigates the life you live after losing someone. The journey to learning how to live without them. It is devastatingly sad but so beautifully written.
Libby and Jack are such great characters but so is Sid. Sid is a real gem. As is Liam
This writing really echoes that of Cecilia Ahern. I could feel the undercurrent of magic. A little spark of something otherworldly. There is something very special about this book.
Wow what a beautiful emotional story. Dont want to give anything away ,but this is Jack and Libby's story and although there is such sadness at times it is truly so moving and heartfelt and the writing is so brilliant that its also inspiring. Such heartwarming characters each with their own special memories of love and friendships which shines through every page. I was sobbing by the end but they were happy tears as well .A really fantastic read
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This was a nice easy feel good read with a good storyline and good characters. I enjoyed it.
This is such a heartbreaking read but also heartwarming.
Devastating circumstances but so beautifully written.
Sid is such a wonderful character who just adores Jack and Libby.
A must read.
More from me on the blog tour.
Oh wow! This book is a must read, I had lost my reading mojo but this book had me hooked and I read it in a day! Libby is such a believable character and I could feel the emotion coming off the pages in waves. I also liked that it had great depth and different layers as the story unfolds all is not quite as it may seem, cleverly thought out. It made me cry and it’s the first book in a long time to do that. Expertly written!!
Thank you to the author and publishers for this arc copy of The Art of Loving You.