There's been a theme in my reading lately and discovering characters who are discovering who they are is it! A poignant and beautiful story. Enjoyed it very much!

"The Girl I Used To Be" by Debbie Howells is a soulful exploration of rediscovery and second chances. Howells weaves a poignant tale around Anna and Will, who, after two decades, find themselves rekindling a connection that stirs a yearning for lost joy. As they embark on a journey of self-discovery, the narrative delicately unravels the complexities of love, identity, and the pursuit of happiness. Howells, known for "The Life You Left Behind," delivers a resonant story that invites readers to reflect on their own paths of transformation. The novel is a compelling blend of nostalgia, romance, and the universal quest for authenticity.

We follow Anna who is in the middle of her life and it seems she has it all, until one day there comes a wake up call in the form of Will who is a reminder of the light and zest she once had.
This brings the need and desire for change. A thought provoking and fun read. Recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I've read a few books by this author, she writes about human emotions very well. I thought this book was a slow meander through the relationship between Will and Anna as they meet at intervals over a period of several years after their early period in love as teenagers. I thought Anna's obsession with internet messages giving her insight at any particular time was a little weird, similar to someone believing a newspaper / magazine horoscope was just for them. I disliked Lucy's inappropriate language, this could have been omitted without losing anything from the story. That said I thought some of the characters' thoughts were illuminating, e.g. people who have cheated on their partners seem to think that owning up and promising it won't happen again without even apologising is sufficient to move forward from, and the inevitable 'staying together for the sake of the children' which invariably makes life worse, not better. Never quite certain how things were going to work out, I found this book clever and enjoyable, although the 'will they / won't they' question does make it a slow burner.

If I could give this book more than five stars I would. Anna and Will’s story. Years of miscommunication and circumstances keep them apart. This book is a thought provoking read, a book full of what ifs and a beautifully written book .
I loved it and would highly recommend
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Debbie Howells for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

A powerful and emotional story that filled me with hope for the future. It's never too late to find your happily ever after.

First loves, right person, but never the right time troupe that takes you on an emotional ride. Be prepared to cry, definitely keep tissues on hand!

Fate keeps bringing them together, but it’s never the right time. One of my favourite tropes; first loves! Quite an emotional read and I definitely cried a tear or two. I will be looking out for more from Debbie in the future.

I got a bit bored half way through to be honest.
I do like short chapters but some of the shorter chapters felt unnecessary.

The beginning and ending gripped me though. Four stars

Did this book hit me on a lot of personal levels?
Yes

Did this book tug at my heartstrings?
Yes

Did this book make me cry?
YES!

Will I tell every one I know that they have to read it?
HELL YES!

Thank you so much to #Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Anna and Will reconnected and fate keeps bringing them together and yet circumstance make them being apart. Their timing was off for many years after their breakup. When they do run into each other it is usually after some major event which they do not share to each other which lead to the miscommunication between them.

This book is about second chance and living the life differently from the one that you are. This story is a slow romance with rollercoaster emotion on the play. The author did a good job in letting the reader to get the view of both of the characters at different timelines and their inner thoughts. The characters are well developed. Overall this is a lovely story to me.

*review post scheduled to be posted on 14/1/23*

The book starts out in an interesting way which makes you want to read to know more. The concept is interesting with the tropes of first love, reconnecting old lovers, family, friendship and finding oneself.

Anna and Will have been connected since teenagers, but although fate keeps bringing them together, circumstances always seem to get in their way. There are many ups and downs in this story, a winding tell that kept me wishing and hoping that everything would turn out the way it was supposed to.

The story has some wonderful characters and has a fairly unique setting. It shows the reality of life and all the hurdles that get in the way of finding the right person at the right time!

the girl I used to be by Debbie Howells
Anna and Will have passed in and out of each other's lives since they were teenagers.
Now 20 years later, Anna is married - she has a lovely house and a grown-up stepdaughter.
What she doesn't have is joy. So when she runs into Will, it ignites something in her, a longing for the Anna she used to be.
Together they embark on a journey to find what brings them joy, discard what doesn't and become the people they always wanted to be.
But in finding themselves, can they also see each other?
Debbie has a distinctive expressive writing style. Whether it is a twisting thriller or, in this case, an uplifting romantic story, she always manages to incorporate many topics whilst telling the story.
The Girl I Used To Be is no different; it is a thought-provoking, reflective, emotional read.
The chapters mainly alternate between the viewpoints of Anna and Will; we learn of the kind of relationship they shared through their teenage years through periodic flashback scenes and how it evolves in the present day.
We also capture the complexity and heartbreak of a divorce and the ripple effect it has on other loved ones, friends and acquaintances. This is just one instance where the supporting characters hold their own; they are true to life, expressive and appealing.
Ending on a happier note, we see what emerges from the dark times to the moments of sheer joy and happiness that life can bring.

This is an emotional read in many ways which takes you along and makes you feel as though you really know the central character. You meet Anna at different times in her life and gradually become acquainted with her and the choices she makes. You also realise that Will is a thoroughly likeable character but that so often in their lives, the timing is not right for them and other things get in the way. The love he has for his daughter and the responsibility he feels for her causes him to put his own desires second.

Anna’s husband is one of those people who frustrates you with his self centred attitudes and lack of empathy. However he proves to have a redeeming side. I loved Anna’s relationship with her stepdaughter. Friendship is also important in giving people the space to take a risk. Anna faces some challenges but takes confidence from the people she knows. There are so many times that Anna and Will seem to miss their opportunity to be together but you always feel that their stories are linked. This is one of those books which lures you in and I was totally invested in their story. It would make a great film! 

In short: emotional but inspiring 
#blogtour

Oh.. this time I am furious really.. after 20 years you meet your soulmate again and what happened... I can not say but .. I could understand people at 18 taking those decisions not mature people.But that is maybe just me. I can immagine we think different, I have to.. Those passion those words were everything. We live just once.
We have no influence on some things and decisions. The end saved the book but I just dreamed of more moments in time.

Dreams are just dreams.. I really like the writing so much

Thank you Boldwood books and Netgalley

The premise of this book was what captured my attention but I felt like it moved too slow and was caught up in the details for me to get really invested in the story like I had hoped. But it could have also been more personal preference because I like faster paced books.

This book is an absolute gem from beginning to end. I was pulled in quickly and found myself devouring this book in just one sitting.

Debbie Howells writes effortlessly, as a reader; you are transported to the pages and the characters are familiar. This is an absolute masterpiece to read and I have loved this book.

This is a book that takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. There are ups and downs but it’s impossible not to love this book.

Anna and Will are gorgeous characters and it’s easy to love them from the beginning. This is one that will steal your heart from the beginning.

Howells is a brilliant author and this is a delight to read. I have loved this and highly recommend.

The Blurb :
Anna and Will have been passing in and out of each other’s lives since they were just teenagers.
Now 20 years later, Anna is married - she has a lovely house, a grown-up stepdaughter and a husband with a good job.
What she doesn’t have is joy. When she runs into Will it sparks something in her, a longing for the Anna she used to be.
Together they embark on a journey to find what brings them joy, to discard what doesn’t and to become the people they always wanted to be.
But in finding themselves, can they also find each other?


My Thoughts :
Having enjoyed Debbie Howells books before, I was looking forward to reading her latest offering. The Blurb was intriguing and I wanted to jump straight in.
We meet Anna, married to James and no longer happy in her marriage or job. She feels something is missing. When Anna crosses pathes with Will, her childhood love there is always a missed opportunity but everytime he makes her feel alive again and the sparks fly. But its never meant to be.
When Will and Anna meet again more recently they embark on a journey on self discovery and this time see if things can be different and weather it is finally their time to shine.
Both dealing with unhappy lives, loss and tragedy, can they finally be there for each other and make each other happy.
Debbie Howells has a way with words that tells the story, it makes the reader feel they are in the thick of all the action.
Told from both points of view and alternating between past and present day with lots of twists and turns, beautiful places visited and great supporting characters, this is one story that I think will stay with the reader a long time.
Looking forward to the next read from this Author.