This was such a touching and moving story, complicated and yet beautiful. Definitely some trigger warnings needed! As a volunteer for a suicide prevention charity, after losing my cousin, this book really spoke to me and it's lovely to see such a heart warming way of getting that message out there too. Such a gorgeous ending too, hoping there's a follow on, loved Will and Annie. I cried as the emotion was so real. A really, really excellent book!
Thank you so much to the author, publishers and netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first novel I’ve read by the author and I adored it. Will was once the singer in an indie band and Annie a journalist who interviewed him. Now Will is working in a dead end job and volunteering for a crisis helpline while Annie is unfulfilled in her job and unhappy in her relationship. Their lives come together again when Annie calls the helpline, not realising she is speaking to Will.
This is such a beautiful, insightful and moving novel which sensitively explores grief, loss and loneliness. I loved the characters and was completely drawn into the relationship between them. A gorgeous and emotional read that I’d highly recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
4.5 stars.

REVIEW
cw: grief, anxiety, depression, mentions of suicide, attempted suicide, cancer, drug use, homophobia
As the lead singer in an up-and-coming Indie band, Will Axford thought he was on the brink of stardom. Five years later, he's working a dead-end job by day, volunteering at a crisis helpline by night. Annie is a former music journalist, now writing Buzzfeed-style lists while mourning the loss of her father, and wondering if her relationship has run its course. When Annie rings the crisis line, there's an instant connection that neither can deny.
What a gorgeous book. I love stories where we, the reader, know there's a prior connection and we're just waiting for the characters to catch up, and it did not disappoint here. I loved the flashbacks, seeing each character through younger, more optimistic eyes, and with less baggage. My heart broke for Will and Annie at different points in the story, but chapters fifty-nine and sixty really broke me. The themes of grief, guilt, and anger were so well-observed and interwoven perfectly, and all of the characters felt relatable in different ways.
Will's guilt and inner turmoil were palpable through the pages and I was willing him to open up. Meanwhile, Annie's grief and anger felt authentic, especially as someone who has lost a parent. I loved how supportive Maya and Lexi were. If I have one minor criticism, it's that I wish Annie had split from Dom a bit sooner. Even though I didn't like him, or how he treated Annie, I felt her conversations with Will occasionally verged on emotional cheating. That said, this was a minor niggle for me, and it didn't stop me from rooting for her and Will.
I don't want to spoil anything, but I LOVED Eric, and particularly his conversations with Will. I also loved the development of Will's inner circle over the course of the story. Tanvi was wonderfully kind and supportive, and Dev was such a good friend. I loved his and Will's banter once Will let down his walls. The ending was wonderful, and that epilogue? Perfection.
This was such a beautiful book with a gentle romance and an ultimately uplifting storyline.

Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own*


Favourite Quotes:

‘I was thinking the other day that grief is like weather. You can’t really predict when it’s going to hit, and how bad it’s going to be.’

‘I just think going through something like that – the death of someone close to us – changes us,’ I say slowly. ‘Maybe it makes us different, rather than the people around us. I don’t think you can come through something like that and still be the same person as you were.’

‘I only really want to talk to you.’

'...it’s as if time’s stood still and flown by at the same time.'

An emotional read, you subpage to be in the right frame of mind to read this. The story of Annie and Will. A Second chance romance told from both points of view.

Good start to the year with a book full of hope and caring for other people. Strong characters blend in the background leaving the main work to the two friends who go through a mixture of emotions to get to their ending and the book.

This is a beautifully written novel about friendship, grief and learning to accept the past and its effect on the present. The characters are likeable and very relatable. I was moved by the story of them finding each other again.

A very insightful read, the main characters were excellent, not perfect by any means but all the more real for that. Some of the secondary characters were really excellent too and added depth to the story. It did cover some dark issues and I would suspect help some people who might find themselves in difficult positions. It was a romance and the ending was no surprise, but that did not detract from the story.

Five years ago, journalist Annie interviewed members of the new sensational band, The Defectors in Paris. An instant connection was made between her and lead singer Will and they arranged to meet after the gig- but they never did.
Five years later after many changes their lives collide again.
I loved the way the story developed with alternating chapters from Will and Annie and the retelling of that fateful first day in Paris told in short chapters throughout the book.
A story of love, friendship and lost opportunities which captured my attention throughout.
Well worth reading.

Having really enjoyed Ellen's previous book, All About Us, I was really excited to pick up this book. Unfortunately this book missed the mark for me.

My issues with this book boil down to a few critical points:
- I feel that this book has been mis-marketed and is not a romance novel;
- I felt uncomfortable with the dynamic of how these characters reconnected;
- I am not a big fan of books that hinge on cheating.

The Lifeline

I really enjoyed all about us & was really keen to read The Lifeline. This story is told from two POV - Annie, a 30 something woman living in London, working as a writer for a website, dealing with grief & muddling through - and Will, a 30 something ex frontman of an indie band, living in London & hiding from the world.
Annie & Will have met before, years ago in Paris when Annie interviewed Will & his band & this year they might meet again as Annie has been tasked with a ‘where are they now’ series for the website. Annie isn’t keen to dig up the past after a scathing review she wrote & Will isn’t at all ready to talk about the band or what prompted its downfall. I really did love this book, Annie & Will plus the supporting characters - Maya, Lexie, Tanvi and Eric were all interesting characters with their own things going on. A really clever story of how grief can affect us & affect our lives & how sometimes we just need someone to listen.

A heartwarming tale from a dual point of view with a dual timeline.
A very easy read (although some topics discussed may be triggering) and well written, likeable characters.
I give 4 stars as although it's a lovely story, I also found it very predictable.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc ebook.

I really enjoyed the plotline of this story. It's not just your average meet cute love story. This one had some substance behind it.

Annie and Will have met 6 years previous and hit it off. But, something happened that night that meant they didn't meet up like planned. However, fate has brought back together again.

I much preferred Wills story arc and got really invested in his world. The whole ex band member life. And the mystery as to what happened that night in Paris. Seeing into how his mind worked whilst working at the crisis helpine was great to. The cues he was picking up just by listening to the callers.

I don't k ow why but I just couldn't gel with Annie, and I didn't find myself as excited to read about her story. Despite it being an integral part of Wills life.

Eric, oh I loved Eric. I want a whole book on Eric's life story. He was a character and a half.

I really enjoyed this book: it was such a satisfying read. The plot was multi-faceted and I enjoyed how the writer added more depth to the romance genre of the novel.

Structured around the narratives of Will and Annie, the book also takes readers back to five years previous, where we see how the two of them met for the first time. Something happened back in Paris that caused Will and Annie to completely drift apart and Ellen keeps readers guessing for a long time about the real reason; Annie suspects one thing, Will is clearly still suffering from that night and I liked not being given this information too early on in the story.

Yet, Will and Annie’s paths cross one night when she phones a crisis line, Green Shoots. Not that Annie feels she is experiencing a crisis, but she certainly recognises the need for someone to talk to. And that person happens to be Will. Except neither know it. This leads the two of them getting to know each other on a raw, personal level – although Will has to remain non-judgemental and detached from their conversations. Whilst these conversations remain quite one-sided and Annie does not know much about her listener, neither cannot help to start developing feelings for the other and I enjoyed how this moved the story forwards.

The crisis line is a central point to the story but not just because of how Annie and Will come together. Ellen does explore the fragile nature of mental health and the importance of crisis lines. (Indeed, it would seem that the writer did volunteer his time at a crisis line and I think this was portrayed in the narrative because the emotions that both Will and the callers display all felt incredibly real.) When I had completed the book, it was clear how much so many characters were suffering, albeit it in different extremes. For example, it is evident that Annie is still grieving for the loss of her father and this has had a significant impact on her relationship with her mother and sister; Will is unable to live his life fully due to events from the past; minor characters also demonstrate this fragility, emphasised the most by the different callers that are described. In my opinion, these vulnerabilities made the characters all the more real and believable.

Annie and Will eventually meet in the story and, of course, the best laid plans and all that… it doesn’t go well. I was shouting at the book in the hope I would see a happy development for these characters but the writer keeps us waiting until near the end for this to eventually happen. Furthermore, more problems arise in the midst of this meeting, showing that Annie and Will still have that metaphorical storm to weather.

This was a well-written story that shows characters do not have to be invincible. Their fragilities made them more lovable and I enjoyed the emphasis placed upon human contact and friendships. Whilst some of the topics are of a difficult nature, I think Ellen explored them in a sensitive and meaningful way throughout.

With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A good story about Annie and Will, who met 5 years ago in Paris, when she was a journalist and he was in a band. Fast forward and both are unhappy. Will mans a crisis line that Annie calls 8nto, not realising they’re talking to each other again. The story moves between the present and the past and is well written, with laughs and tears. Worth reading,

Wonderful. Totally sublime! All of Tom's books are amazing, but this is next level. A wonderful love story about Annie & Will, who first met 5 years ago, but life got in the way. The unlikeliest of circumstances brings them back together once more, a literal Lifeline, but neither of them knows it - and even if they did, could either of them move on from what happened on that fateful day half a decade ago?
Such a compulsive read, I was desperate to know what was going to happen yet also didn't want to say goodbye to the characters - I was so invested in their journey. It really made my heartache!

I recently turned the last page of "The Lifeline" by Tom Ellen, and I'm eager to share my thoughts on this captivating novel. Right off the bat, it's important to highlight that this book is an incredibly easy read. The narrative flows smoothly, pulling you in with its simplicity and ease of language. Yet, simplicity does not mean it lacks depth. On the contrary, Ellen masterfully weaves through some profoundly hard-hitting topics, making you pause and reflect amid the swift progression of the story.
One aspect of the novel that struck a particularly resonant chord with me was its exploration of loneliness. Ellen captures the essence of isolation in a way that's both poignant and relatable, striking at the heart of what it means to feel disconnected in a world so seemingly interconnected. The moments that delve into this theme are among the most powerful in the book, serving as a stark reminder of the ease with which one can find themselves adrift in the sea of their own solitude.
Amidst the heavier themes, the book is peppered with delightful pop culture references, which I found to be a charming touch. Ellen cleverly integrates nods to beloved shows like Schitt's Creek, which not only adds a layer of relatability but also offers a light-hearted contrast to the more somber moments of the narrative. These references serve as little easter eggs that punctuate the story, bringing smiles and nods of recognition.
However, not many books are without their quirks, and "The Lifeline" has its own in the form of a repetitive dialogue tic - the overuse of "mm-hm." Initially, I appreciated this as a realistic depiction of how people often communicate, especially in the context of the helpline around which much of the story revolves. It felt authentic, mirroring the verbal affirmations used in real-life supportive conversations. But as the narrative progressed, this tic became increasingly prevalent among nearly all characters, diluting its impact and, at times, becoming a minor annoyance. It's a small gripe in the grand scheme of things, but it was enough to niggle at me as I progressed through the story.
In summing up my experience with "The Lifeline," I find it to be a novel of contrasts - light yet laden with depth, straightforward yet complex in its themes. Ellen's ability to tackle significant issues like loneliness and human connection while maintaining a breezy narrative pace is commendable. The novel's emotional depth, combined with its cultural savvy and a few narrative quirks, makes for a rich reading experience. It's a book that stays with you, prompting introspection and discussion long after the final page is turned.
Therefore, I am delighted to award "The Lifeline" a well-deserved four stars out of five. It may not have been perfect, but it was a genuinely enjoyable read that balanced entertainment with thoughtful commentary on the human condition. For those seeking a novel that is both accessible and emotionally resonant, "The Lifeline" by Tom Ellen is undoubtedly a worthy addition to your reading list.

Loved the concept & plot. Well written & really highlights the importance of the need to talk whoever you are & whatever you have been through. An engaging read.

Beautifully written and heartbreaking in parts, get the Kleenex out cos this one’s gonna have you in tears. I adored it though and found myself rooted to the spot desperate to know what happens next, a gorgeous book and one that was a pleasure to read. Thank you

Will works at an electronics shop and also volunteers at a crisis line where people can anonymously call and talk about their problems, he has his own problems but he won't open up to anyone. Annie is a budding journalist and lives with her boyfriend Dom, but things aren't good between them and she needs someone to talk to. Whilst researching for her next article she comes across the contact number for Green Shoots crisis line and connects with Jack (Will's safe name) and they quickly build up a rapport, looking forward to their regular conversations, will they take things to the next level or remain as they are?

The Lifeline is a dual timeline story between the present day in London and five years ago in Paris. It centres mainly on the characters of Will and Annie who are struggling with things that have happened in their past and it's preventing them from moving on with their lives, but their regular conversations as Jack and Pia on the crisis line brings some sunshine into their lives and they each begin to realise that they don't have to shoulder the responsibility of what happened anymore. I loved the connection these two made and the empathy that Jack (Will) showed to others and hoped that he could find some of that empathy for himself, I especially loved Eric and the rapport he had with Will. This is another beautifully written story by Ellen which highlights the power of grief and loneliness and how all consuming it can be in our lives, it just needs someone to be there who can lift that cloud and let the sun shine through again. I loved this author's previous book, All About Us and he's excelled again with this one, which was quite close to home for me and reduced me to tears on more than one occasion. A huge five stars from me.

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

What a beautiful story, at times rather heartbreaking.

Will has a mundane job in a small electronics store, helping out as a volunteer at a local crisis helpline.. He muddles through life, not exactly happy but not doing anything to change it.

Annie is a journalist working for a struggling celeb gossip website. When she is asked to write a “where are they now?” piece on a short lived rock band, she comes across the number for the helpline on one of the former band member’s social media page.

When Annie calls the helpline and speaks to Will, they make a connection and though they adopt different names, Will looks forward to her calls, though the feeling that he knows her somehow lingers in his mind.

To explain any more would spoil the story. However I would say this is much more than its romcom style description. The story also deals sensitively with depression, loss, misunderstandings and forgiveness.

Thanks must go to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review..