What Might Have Been has a two plots running side by side to explore what may have happened had different choices been made. Whilst I felt as though the plot itself was unoriginal (I have read something very similar (although the name escapes me), I enjoyed the characters and how thought-provoking the concept is.

What Might Have Been by Holly Miller is a heartfelt exploration of choices and their far-reaching consequences. The novel presents a "Sliding Doors" narrative, offering readers two parallel storylines based on Lucy’s decision to either stay in her hometown or move to London. Both paths reveal distinct facets of Lucy’s personality and life, creating a compelling narrative that intertwines her relationships with two very different men.

Miller’s storytelling adeptly shifts between the ‘stay’ and ‘go’ timelines, vividly contrasting the settings and Lucy’s experiences in each. The dual narratives are engaging, though some readers may find the transitions between timelines a bit confusing at times. Nevertheless, the concept of exploring "what if" scenarios adds a thoughtful layer to the plot.

One of the strengths of the book lies in its ability to keep readers guessing and emotionally invested in both storylines. The portrayal of Lucy's struggles and growth throughout the novel is poignant, although some might find her character and decisions frustrating at moments. The slow reveal of her past trauma and its impact on her choices adds depth, though it may feel like it slows down the story's momentum at times.

The final third of the book brings the two storylines together in a manner that is both touching and reflective. While the pacing can be a bit uneven, the novel ultimately provides a satisfying resolution that resonates with readers.

Overall, What Might Have Been is an enjoyable read, perfect for those who appreciate stories about life’s pivotal choices and their ripple effects. It’s a thoughtful and emotionally engaging book, though some might find it more impactful towards the end.

I adored The Sight Of You by Holly even though it broke me
This one was a sweet story of two different endings based on Lucy’s decision on which way to go with her life and the two men who may be her future

This is a fascinating, enjoyable ‘Sliding doors’ story about Lucy, from a critical point in her life, one part following her life with her staying in her hometown, the other following her life story with her going to London.

The chapters alternate ‘stay’ or ‘go’ and cleverly interlink characters and events. The settings and lifestyles obviously very different according to location. Both contrasting settings, vividly described, brought out a different aspect of Lucy’s personality.

Now what I thought Holly Miller did particularly well, is to keep me constantly changing which storyline I was rooting for!

Two totally different men, two very different outcomes and both compulsive reading.

I would definitely recommend this book.

I know this sounds stupid but I really hated the fact that she just ran out of conversation to have one with someone else - so rude!

Whilst I enjoy this author, I found I just couldn't attach myself to Lucy and found myself getting frustrated with her choices and actions. The concept of the two timelines is interesting but this was just not executed in a well manner.

I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

If you've seen the film Sliding Doors or read the Two Lives of Lydia Bird, then you will be familiar with the concept of this book.

The premise of this story is that Lucy has two life choices. Should she reunite with an ex and go away or stick with the new guy she just met in the pub and stay put? The book follows what her life would be like depending on her choice. It has a dual time line with the header STAY or GO so you know which time line you are reading.

I did have moments in this book where I got confused which timeline I was in. Not due to the writing, but just with my own memory, having put the book down in between chapters. I read on and clues to past events put me right again. Towards the middle of the book I felt the progression of the story slowed down and whilst it was interesting to read the same events in the different timelines it also felt a little repetitive.

The last third of the book was for me where the stories came together, and it was very poignant. I'm glad I read to the end, I really wanted to know what would become of Lucy, Max and Caleb, just a little quicker than it took. Although this is a romcom there are potential triggers for readers.

This is. Lovely story. I really enjoyed the aspect of the two timelines. I didn’t however connect with any of the characters and found them annoying and tedious.

Having quit her job, Lucy heads to the pub to drown her sorrows. There she meets Caleb, a handsome stranger with potential, but also sees her ex Max. Should she stay and get to know Caleb better, or follow Max to London, in the hope of reviving both their love and her career?

What Might Have Been is a Sliding Doors novel, following Lucy’s life as she takes both paths. It’s entertaining enough to while away an hour or two, although it did feel slightly predictable at times. The characters are easy to like and you want them to succeed

Good read

Oh this book. This book got me. I absolutely loved it. A beautiful and touching story. This book will get you thinking about your life and the decisions you have made. Beautifully crafted.

Reminiscent of sliding doors this story tells you two love stories both for Lucy our main character.
The what ifs we have all had are played out in this book, each story is intertwined and so there is back and forth between each plot. On one side we have Lucy reconnecting with her 'soulmate' Max and the other she meets the love of her life Caleb.
I feel like I am let down as Lucy doesn't get just the one life and a lesson is learnt it is literally two stories about the same woman dependent on which choice she follows.....stay or go.
Lucy isn't the most loveable female main character I have read and her doubt in Caleb is more evident and less unfounded when there is no doubt surrounding Max when it should be there, The back and forth between her two timelines didn't evolve as well as it could, maybe it was the format of my ARC (it wasn't blaringly obvious when the switch happened), maybe because there is no 'lightbulb' moment where Lucy learns anything about her what ifs.
Essentially I like the concept and believe it works...we all love Sliding Doors - right?! but this just had a misstep or two for me for it to be 5 stars.

It's been a while since I've read a "Sliding Doors" novel, presenting two alternative parallel story lines. I feel like both stories were presented well without too much confusion going back and forth as I've sometimes found in other novels.

I did find it frustrating that she felt the need to try and impress her ex, but can also understand the draw to 'the one that got away'. Obviously each of us bring our own history and preferences when we decide which of the two stories appeals more.

Her struggles with her own past trauma are slowly revealed throughout both storylines but the speed at which it's addressed really slows the storyline down and interest starts to wane a bit.

Overall what I would consider a good holiday read, nothing too taxing but entertaining enough to while away the hours.

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Really enjoyed this. Would recommend
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion

I really enjoyed The Sight of You last year, and I was really looking forward to reading What Might Have Been as I'm always intrigued by Sliding Doors type stories where one decision can completely alter a person's life, and those around them.

What Might Have Been has solidified Holly Miller as an auto-read author for me. Although an easy, immersive read, it doesn't shy away from including grittier topics. I sailed through it very quickly and would highly recommend.

I enjoy 'Sliding Doors' stories, the same story from two different timelines due to a choice or circumstance.
In this book, we meet Lucy, who has recently quit her job. She must decide whether to stay in her hometown and write the novel she has long wanted to write, or to travel to London, work for another agency, and try to rekindle her relationship with Max, the "one who got away." She has just met Caleb, a photographer who she finds interesting and attractive in the "Stay" storyline.

I liked this book for the most part, but it got a little stale in the middle. It's really heart-wrenching and meaningful towards the end, but it takes a while to get there. I enjoyed the exploration of how our pasts shape our present, and while I thought Lucy took too long to seek help for her past trauma, when she does tell others about it and receive some assistance, it really helps to move the narrative forward.

One enjoyable aspect for me was observing and experiencing how many of the events, relationships, and so on seemed to be "destiny" because they occurred on both sides of the story.
There are two major differences on each side, and I appreciated how circumstances shaped how those two events were not predestined to occur.

Overall, I recommend this contemporary novel.

This is the second book that I"ve read by this author and I've loved both.

What Might Have Been tells the story of Lucy. She knows that she deserves more than the crappy, thankless job that she's in so she quits. The same night she is in a pub and she has a little flirt with Caleb but then she looks out of the window and sees Max - the man who was her everything. She rushes out of the pub to speak to Max and when she returns to the pub, Caleb has written his number on a beer mat and left it in her coat pocket.

Does Lucy stay in the seaside town that she's always lived in and perhaps get to know Caleb or does she go to London where Max is and see if they can re-kindle what they had before?

Or does Lucy not have any choice? Are our lives pre-determined or do the seemingly everyday decisions that we make all the time really have the possibility of changing our lives?

I really liked this book!
It took me some time to read it, but I enjoyed the plot.
There was a great character development and the writing was fast paced.

Loved this beautiful and emotional read. I’m a big fan of this type of what ifs story. I would highly recommend this book.

This one was a lovely read. I really enjoyed reading this one. I just love this kind of books.
4 stars read for me