A fantastic, moving and engaging read. Always a fan of duel timelines and this book more than delivered. Likeable main characters and an assortment of supporting cast help this novel move along. Well paced - would definitely recommend

It’s not often that a book can make me cry but this one did! Such believable characters who were relatable from the beginning, with a love story weaving its way through the characters’ complex relationships. I read as quickly as I could to find out what happened at the end while at the same time not wanting it to finish. This is definitely a book that will stick in my mind for a while. Great writing which was well structured and makes me want to read more by the same author.

I got approved to review It Was Always You by Emma Cooper such a long time ago now that I had essentially forgotten what it was supposed to be about by the time I got around to reading it and I think going in blind is definitely the best way to do it. I was just expecting another romcom (which I love, don’t get me wrong) but this certainly wasn’t that. I was surprised in so many ways and it has definitely persuaded me to read some of Cooper’s back catalogue if it means I get to experience more of her writing.

I will start by saying that Emma Cooper’s writing really is beautiful. For me it is the perfect level of poetic without becoming tedious and boring. I know lots of people love pretty writing with lots of description however I just want things to get going so I can get stuck into the plot. It Was Always You gives me that perfect balance so I could enjoy the writing whilst still having twists and turns to keep me interested.

I definitely wouldn’t call this a romcom but there is romance in it. It just hits the spot between literary fiction and romance for me which is great as I always prefer things with at least a bit of romance in. There is also some hints of fantasy to this, but it is very limited and really is left up to the readers interpretation which is nice and would suit both those that enjoy fantasy and those that don’t.

My only critique, and the reason it only gets 4 stars instead of 5 is that for some reason, despite there being a lot of character building in the book, I struggled to grow attached to any of them. I was most attached to Ella, our narrator, but when it came to other characters like Will and Cole I really struggled to relate to them or root for them. Even with Ella though, something about her didn’t quite connect with me and I can’t put my finger on it. My only guess could be the age, I am the age of her daughter and so the emotions and experiences of a 40 year old woman are going to be very different to mine.

Overall though, I still really enjoyed It Was Always You. It would be a perfect autumnal read and I can’t wait to get my hands on more of Emma Cooper’s work.

It Was Always You by @itsemmacooper a NetGalley read. I won’t tell you to much about what this book is about, as I don’t want to spoil it. Briefly it’s about Ella, her husband Will and her best friend Cole. It’s about Emma and will falling in love and how there relationship grows 23 years on and it’s about Cole and his love for Ella. That description doesn’t do this book justice but I hope this review does because this is by far the best book I’ve read this year. When I started reading this book, I felt this instant connection with it, it flowed, there was no stumbling over words, it just felt right and well written. This book is full of emotion, making you want to cry and laugh in equal measure. Don’t judge this book by it’s cover, yes it’s a nice easy read, an easy read with a punch at its heart, it’s a will they won’t you read, that had me on the edge of my seat with suspense right to the end. I thought I knew where this book was going but it was anything but predictable because the author was great at keeping you guessing. As you start to edge towards the end of the book, (and it really does feel like your edging towards the end, taking little steps, slowly and cautiously) it feels like you are watching a film, where you know what’s coming (yet you kind of don’t because there’s more curve balls to come)part of you doesn’t want to carry on watching because then what you think is going to happen can’t happen but at the same time you have this need so deep you need to keep watching. As I’ve said this kept me on the edge of my seat until the end, eyes wide in amazement and wonder. I even had to take a moment before I read on, because of the emotion and even though it’s a book the author has this amazing talent to paint a visual picture with her words, it’s hard to articulate because it truly was like watching a movie and I could feel myself tearing up. What a book hangover I have now, all I can say is wow, I will be recommending this book to everyone. Without a doubt a 5 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is my first dive into a book by Emma Cooper but it certainly won’t be my last. It Was Always You was a page turner of a read. Filled with loveable characters and a mystery that you want to see solved you can’t help but find yourself fully immersed in this book.

Our protagonist Ella is everything you would want for a leading character. She’s fun, witty and completely loveable but she’s also has her flaws. Form the start I couldn’t help but feel that she was always trying to please everyone else and took a lot on when it came to supporting Will and Cole. I adored the relationship she had with her two children and her ability to strike up a conversation about anything. There were one or two moments where her mad and nervous ramblings made me chuckle.

As Ella’s life starts to spiral it becomes clear that the answer lies in what the lady in the red coat said to her back in 1999, if only Ella could remember it. I loved this part of the story and the mystery surrounding it. I’ve often wondered what hypnotism is like and as Ella began to explore this world more I was excited to see what she uncovered.

The two leading men of the story, Will and Cole, also have an interesting backstory. Once again you can feel the friction between these two and it becomes clear very early on why this is. I found there were parts of both these characters that I loved and hated. The were both deeply flawed but it made them even more relatable. The connection between these two characters was so emotional and heart breaking.

I started to wonder very early on if I had figured out the twists in this story and whilst I had with some of them there were a few surprises towards the end. This story certainly kept me on my toes and lets just say the ending was an emotional rollercoaster!

The book follows two timelines – ‘then’ in October 1999 and ‘now’ in 2022 (in a world with no Covid, as Emma explains before the book starts).

I adored this book! And devoured it super quickly (have just been a bit remiss in blogging about it – mostly because I don’t want to give away any spoilers!)

The title of the book means you know someone is going to declare undying love – but all the way through you’re not sure who it’s going to be – and if it’s going to be reciprocated.

As with other Emma Cooper books there is an element of mystery – with Ella being hypnotised in an attempt to unlock her memories of October 1999 to see what she could do, and if she could or indeed should, attempt to change history.

I don’t want to give any of the storyline away – especially the last chunk – but it’s totally worth reading!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

Oh I loved this story!

The synopsis talks about Ella seeing a mysterious vision and asks if you would do things differently if you had that chance to live your life again and although Ella’s vision does become increasingly more important as the story goes on, this book is more about the strength of love and how relationships work, or don’t, based on what people tell each other.

I was hooked from the start. The characters leap off the page - all of them - and they’re people I cared about instantly, Warm, funny, sweet, sensitive, talented and witty but with their own flaws and challenges.

I wanted to race through the book to find out how the mysterious message from the future would play out but I also didn’t want it to end.

Ella and Will’s love story is heavenly but it gets disrupted along the way by Will’s unexpected suggestion that they divorce. Ella’s shell-shocked and heartbroken and turns to her erstwhile best friend Cole.

The story switches between then and now, slowly revealing all of the parts of the jigsaw picture that lead is to understand Will’s decision.

Romantic, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting and very rewarding, this is a thoroughly enjoyable story and only confirms that Emma Cooper writes very excellent stories indeed.

Had to come back and edit to say that Emma includes little vignettes throughout the story showing the impact that characters have on the lives of people they meet momentarily, a barmaid, a cafe owner etc - beautifully illustrating how a single moment can have ripples throughout a life long, long after the moment has passed - a lovely touch.
Thank you to #Netgalley for a preview copy.

I was interested in this book as it sounded a bit like the ‘Time Travellers Wife to me, one of my all time favourite reads. It’s the story of Ella, Will (her husband) and Cole (the best friend) told in two timelines - 1999 and today.
It’s a beautiful, heart-warming and heart-breaking read with well rounded characters, that I became emotionally invested in.
'It Was Always You' is a stunning read that made me very emotional and a story I could not put down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the heartwarming romantic ARC

An emotional read. The story of Ella, Will and Cole told in two timelines with a splash of time travelling, is a satisfying read.

All three have known each other since they were children, their lives and stories interwoven. Cole loves Ella, but Ella loves Will. And then Will wants a divorce from Ella.

As Ella tries to understand Will’s decision, she turns to Cole for answers, but is he part of the problem?

A really lovely novel that wrenches at your heartstrings, particularly towards the end.

I did enjoy this story. From the blurb I did feel it was going to be a little far-fetched, but I really warmed to the characters and although some difficult scenarios are dealt with, it was an easy read with a satisfying ending.

Will certainly look out for more books by this author.

I have read all of Emma Cooper’s book and enjoyed every one of them. This one has risen above and beyond (which I thought was impossible). I’m going to add a warning though - don’t read the last few chapters in public! It might get embarrassing!

I LOVED this story about Will, Ella and Cole and seeing how their lives intertwine, relationships develop and their decisions impact each other.

The story is told through two timelines - Then and Now providing fascinating details from 1999 onwards (a real nostalgia trip with music and fashion) and Now 2022. The timelines gradually get closer and with it the action speeds up and I found myself rooting for a variety of end scenarios.

The concepts Emma introduces totally captured my imagination: time slip travel and hypnosis.

The warmth of the characters and their families wraps around you and not for one single moment did I not live the story alongside them, sharing the despairs, grief and hardships and enjoying the love and fun.

I kept wondering where the story would go and it was only in the last few pages I suddenly realised (and gulped). I totally, TOTALLY recommend this book to others!

What an ending! This book kept me awake long into the night unable to put it down until I'd read the final few chapters and it was this that made me go back and read the first half again, wanting to revisit parts I may have missed the first time round when I wasn't quite so invested in the storyline.

Friends Ella, Will and Cole are great characters, they aren't perfect and neither are their lives. They have flaws, doubts and worries and their story told in a dual time-line is an immersive look at how events can shape your future.

This is the first of the authors books I've read and she's a very talented writer. I loved the insight, the humour and feeling of nostagia I got from this novel. There was something very visual about the writing making it easy to depict the scenes as they unfolded, it would make a great movie. A great read, perfect for losing yourself in.

This is the first book I have read by Emma Cooper and I wasn’t disappointed.

‘It was always you’ follows the lives of Emma, Will and Cole in two different time frames... Then and now.

I read this book in less than 2 days which is a testament to how well written it is. I found it descriptive and captivating from the first page and I was desperate to find out how the story unfolded. The characters were well written and relatable, making it easy to be immersed into their lives.

The story kept me guessing throughout, and whilst the ending was what I hoped, the story kept me guessing write to the end as to how it would end.

I absolutely loved this book, and will be looking at other books by this author in future.

IT WAS ALWAYS YOU
BY
EMMA COOPER.

It Was Always You, is told on two time lines. Then- 1999 and onwards. Now-2022.

The lives of Will, Ella and Cole are all so closely entwined together. From their childhood right through to the present day. From true love to unrequited love. Friendship, self doubt, guilt, dependency and misunderstandings - their lives weave together in the most intricate ways.
With the possibility of those close ties destroying them all, can a fleeting moment between the past and the present change what has already been and what is still to come?

If you have ever read a book by Emma Cooper, you will already know what a wonderful talent she is. Her writing style is deep, descriptive, flows effortlessly and won’t fail to move you.
Emma Cooper isn’t afraid to take risks and her stories don’t follow what could be considered the expected path. The reader is always left guessing right to the very end.

It Was Always You, is a glorious read. Ella, Will and Cole are a likeable trio. The story is full of warmth, friendship, deep love, heart break and hope.
Ella’s love for both men is moving and tender, but her heart can only truly belong to one.

For those of you who feel you need prior warning, the book does deal with alcoholism. The subject is handled responsibly and doesn’t skirt around the realities of having a drink problem.

This is one of those books that will stay with you long after the last page.
An unforgettable and emotional read, with a sprinkling of magic… utterly brilliant and well worth five big shiny stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Publication dates
Ebook- 1/6/22
Audio - 1/6/22
Paperback - 1/9/22

With thanks to #Netgalley and #Headline for a digital arc of this title.

I’m writing this after a late night read to finish this fabulous book. Having just read the full circle of these characters lives which I just loved, I have to try to put into words how much their journeys truly touched me.

Each of the three main character all have their own complicated journey, with conflicts, love, doubts and heartbreak. Emma Cooper really knows how to create her characters. Each with a story. Each with their own troubles. Each with a well formed background. I loved them all. One in particular I rooted for, but as the story progressed your thoughts are scrambled, you just want everyone to come out happy.

You get everything with this book. A romance, heartbreak and a novel you won’t want to finish. It feels like my hearts been ripped out and trampled on. I was literally sobbing into my pillow so I would wake everyone up. Stupidly didn’t have a tissue so now my pillow is wet!

With two timelines, ‘then’ and ‘now’ we follow the lives of three friends. It’s a story of friendship, love and with a whole lot of complicated turmoil. Throw in the time-slip element and you have a masterpiece of a story which I didn’t want to end.

This is a romantic novel with a time slip/magic twist. I did not like the main character Ella from the start because her quirkiness and quippy way of talking seemed false. and was annoying. Cole was the nicest character and Will was just confused. The ending was happy for some of the characters and not others. I wanted a different outcome. Despite my criticisms I did want to read to the end.

Would you choose a different life if you had the chance?

Two people. One chance to turn back the clock.

It's October 1999 and the night the clocks are going back, it's also the night that Ella and Will get together but before that happens Ella wanders away from her friends and passes out, the following day she has memories of a conversation with a woman in a green coat and red scarf but believes it to be just a dream. Fast forward to 2022, Ella and Will are married, things aren't as good as she thought they were and her best friend Cole's life is a mess. On her birthday Ella opens gifts from her children; a green coat and a red scarf, when she puts them on and looks in the mirror the woman from 1999 is staring back at her. As the clocks are due to go back in a few weeks time, is this a sign for Ella to change what's happened and would she want to?

It Was Always You is told across two timelines; Then and Now, following the lives of Ella, Will and Ella's lifelong friend, Cole. It's a well crafted plot with relateable characters who I adored equally and I loved the way the author takes us through their younger years and the reasons behind the events that lead them to the situations they presently find themselves in. This is a story of love, relationships and friendships, it's an emotional read sprinkled with humour that will make you laugh one minute and cry the next and those tears came in abundance in those last few tense chapters, my heart just broke! This is the first book I've read by this author but now I've discovered her it certainly won't be the last.

I'd like to thank Headline and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

This book follows Ella and Will a married couple who have spent their life together since 1999.

They have had a family together, but suddenly when both kids have left home Will says to Ella, he thinks they should get a divorce.

Ella tries to work out why Will would suddenly feel this way and when she remembers the strange encounter, she had on the night they become close she tries to work out what this could mean.

Why does Will suddenly want a divorce? Could Ella have a chance to go back and change how their lives would turn out?

I found the beginning of the book quite slow, and I was confused to why Will would suddenly want a divorce when he is obviously still so in love with Ella.

All soon becomes clear, and I must admit there were times I felt heartbroken for some of the characters.

I found the parts where Ella gets hypnotised to try and work out her past quite intriguing and I hoped she would find the answers she was searching for.

Overall, a heart-breaking romance where a couple try to work out their future, and may have a chance to change their past.

I received an E-ARC copy with a request for my honest review.

It was always you by Emma Cooper

I will always be doing this 100% without spoilers, but before I say anything else, I have to say “Make sure you have tissues at the ready”.

What I was expecting: A classic contemporary romance with a happily ever after and characters that had enough dimension to make them interesting.

What I got: A contemporary romance with a little bit of magic, a lot of conflict, confusing emotions and characters filled with so much complexity I fell in love with them.

Ella is rightly confused when, the day before her birthday, her husband of 20 years, Will, asks her for a divorce.
When I read this I truly anticipated this being a ‘she moves somewhere, meets someone else’ type of tale. I partly expected her to give up on her husband, and let him move on, despite there being zero reasons I could see for them separating, it felt brutal in many ways.

And then, along comes Cole. From the moment his character returned to the story - though he was always there - I expected Ella to realise that she was in love with her old friend, but instead, she’s there for him when he needs her despite the fact she is currently less than emotionally stable herself.

Though I am one who tends to shy away from novels that have a somewhat convoluted timeline, the ‘Then’ and ‘Now’ aspect gives the story further dimension, providing the reader with insight into what is going on in the now by experiencing the ‘then’.

All of the characters are well-rounded, helped in part by the fact that we get to experience their past and what made them into who they are in the here and now. Despite the fact that the book encompasses two different times in the characters’ lives, everything is kept relatively tidy because we are looking at a few characters rather than introducing more and more people as the story goes on.

As I have already said, keep tissues at the ready. It’s a bumpy ride, but a well-written and enjoyable one. I was so absorbed in the story that I read it in a single sitting.

This is the first book I have picked up by Emma Cooper, but it won’t be the last. Now I have another author to add to my TBR.

This book is not a genre I usually read, but it absolutely wrecked me.
The character development is so well done, making you feel that each person is so wonderfully detailed. So much so, that I cannot describe the level of emotion I felt towards a certain character - it made the ending all the more heart-breaking.
There is great humour and the writing is beautiful, ensuring I was so emotionally invested and totally unprepared for what was to happen.
It's the perfect book to make into a film (hopefully one day it is!)