Member Reviews
In "The Last Days Of You and Me" by Debbie Howells, the characters embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, unaware of the profound impact it will have on their lives. Set against the backdrop of Winter transitioning into Spring, this captivating novel explores the power of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the possibility of finding love even in the face of adversity. The story unfolds through the lives of three individuals whose paths intersect unexpectedly. Marnie, a woman in need of guidance, stumbles into a bookshop one day searching for a self-help book and unknowingly sets off a chain of events that will forever alter her future. It is within the walls of this bookshop that she encounters Rae, the enigmatic owner, who has been living in the shadows since the tragic loss of her parents. Their instant connection ignites a spark of hope, prompting both women to confront their fears and embrace change. As the narrative progresses, the introduction of Jack, a compassionate nurse, further complicates the dynamic. His entry into their lives adds a layer of romantic possibility and prompts Forrest, whose life has been shattered by a fatal car crash, to believe in second chances. Forrest, convinced that Marnie may hold the key to his own salvation, grapples with the notion that time may be running out. Debbie Howells masterfully weaves a tale of intertwined destinies and explores the notion of whether it is ever too late to forge transformative friendships or to find love. The characters' vulnerabilities, hopes, and fears are laid bare, inviting readers to empathize with their emotional journeys. The author skillfully captures the essence of human connection and the resounding impact it can have on one's life. "The Last Days Of You and Me" delves into the complexities of personal growth and the resilience of the human spirit. Howells beautifully portrays the characters' evolution, as they navigate through hardships, face their own mortality, and ultimately discover the strength to embrace life's uncertainties. This poignant exploration of friendship, love, and new beginnings is both captivating and thought-provoking. In conclusion, Debbie Howells invites readers on an emotional rollercoaster through "The Last Days Of You and Me." It is a tale that reminds us of the transformative power of human connection, even in the face of adversity. With its well-developed characters, heartfelt narrative, and exploration of profound themes, this novel is a captivating read for anyone seeking a poignant story that will stay with them long after the final page is turned.
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this book.
I loved it! Such a quick and easy book. Such a cute story. I couldn’t put it down.
Thanks so much NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
Four strangers meet and have their lives changed by each other.
This book discusses death a lot, but there's so much life in it. You can see how important relationships with people are and how friendship has so much impact on us. I was deeply touched by the themes of this book and really felt invested in all of the characters.
An absolutely beyond beautiful novel. The ways relationships touch the lives of four characters-Rae, Marnie, Forrest and Jack-are stunning. Their connections bring life back into the sadness and regrets that each has. A remarkable story of friendship, healing, and love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Beautiful work!
While at its core, this book hinges on death, it is also a story of enduring friendships coming from unlikely sources. The 4 main characters, Rae, Marnie, Jack and Forrest all are living their lives, when little by little, they start to intersect with each other. Forrest is a lawyer who gets into a confrontation with Marnie the first time they meet. Jack is a hospice nurse who randomly comes into Rae’s bookstore, so does Marnie at a different time.
Random coincidences or a greater plan? When Forrest loses a friend in an accident but gains a new perception, he becomes convinced that he and Marnie have lived in the past, who knows, maybe it’s true. Marnie just wants to make the most of her life, and the others support her. It is a beautiful story about Grace and dignity and I absolutely loved it. Bring the tissues though and be ready for an unexpected twist.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
wow… this book. it’s very rare that a book captivates me from the first few pages alone, but this one definitely did.
this was so beautifully written and so well thought out. i flew through it.
it’s a raw story of friendship, love, grief, and so much more.
i can see myself reaching for this book again in the future, and definitely need to get my hands on a physical copy.
an incredible book.
Pick up this gorgeous hug of a book and get transported to a beautiful place wraps itself round you like a cosy blanket. It has warmth, charm, laugh-out-loud moments and a wistful nostalgia. I absolutely loved it.
Goodness me what an incredible read this was. I did think the plot was obvious and I could see what was coming next but it did not ruin my enjoyment and instead I enjoyed losing myself in this beautiful but heartbreaking story.
I loved getting to know Howells' characters, initially there were some I took to over others but as the book progressed, I took all of them into my heart and felt every inch of emotion with them. There is every emotion imaginable in this book an Howells captures them vividly and perfectly. I thought this was a breathtaking read, a beautiful one too and one I will not be forgetting for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.
I read this story in the week leading up to Christmas, so it felt particularly poignant as it addressed love, loss, grief and second chances. The novel explores all these issues with warmth, sensitivity, and compassion.
The lives of four people converge in a small, charming town – each is dealing with the loss of a significant other. One is given a devastating medical diagnosis just as she begins to see new possibilities for friendship and love. The author artfully weaves together their stories and their intertwining relationships through chapters of alternating perspectives.
While the story has a sad undertone, it is also inspirational with a modicum of humor and a nod toward the possibility of love transcending death and multiple incarnations with the same souls. Overall, I found it heart-felt and engaging.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Four strangers who never met before in their lives find their lives to be connected . When Marnie went to buy a book in the bookshop she didn't know she would meet her best friend book owner Rae . Rae is still grieving the deaths of both her parents 2 years after the accident they had . Jack is working as a nurse in a hospice and after a years been broken up with his fiancee he is still sad and lonely . Forrest is the arrogant laywer that Marnie faught about a client of his , after a car accident he had that had as a resolt his best friend to die he change he way he lives . Marnie and Forrest have a connection that makes them feel like they are soulmate and Rae and Jack give themselves a chance to love . What will happen when Marnie learn about her illness ?
A book that made me cry so much , talks about acceptance of loss and death , about soulmates and frienship . I loved it .
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
A beautiful story that broke my heart and put it back together.
Honestly, there isn't much more to say. This book made me cry and taught me so much about life, death, grief, love and friendship. Nothing in life is promised and we should try to make the most of the time we have with the people we love.
Thank you Boldwood Books, Debbie Howells and NetGalley for this arc that'll always have a special place in my heart.
Rae runs a bookshop which she really enjoys. Marnie is running her friend's hotel temporarily. She was living in Spain until she split with her boyfriend. She's a travel writer by trade and it isn't long before she sets off on a new trip, one about quiet places. She’s been getting headaches and is awaiting results of a blood test. She’s trying to put things off but knows she really shouldn’t. Forrest is a lawyer who has just lost his best friend in a car crash. Their lives intertwine in a story about the fragility of life and love.
Oh boy! It's poignant, it's raw, it's blooming emotional. Tissues at the ready. Of one life, live it and making the most of every day, we don't know what may be around the corner. Appreciate the moments big and small. Have we lived before? Who knows? A stunning read, one that took my breath away. Very highly recommended.
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The Last Days of You and Me follows Rae, Forrest, Jack and Marnie, who are navigating life after loss. The book tackles some heavy topics with sensitivity and balances it well with insights from the characters about finding connection and purpose after loss, and preparing for loss.
I loved the interconnectedness of the stories, and the feel of the small country town. I love a bookshop setting, and I really liked the way the author wove book recommendations into the storylines. The insights into being a carer for someone at the end of their life was relateable and moving. I also really enjoyed the side stories, and the way they influenced the growth of the main characters. Gertie and the goats brought comic relief and warmth to the story.
This is a great book for anyone looking for a story with both emotional depth and joy. It was heart wrenching, but balanced it well with messages of hope and reflections on life. Make sure to have tissues on hand.
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.
This was such a warm but incredibly thoughtful book about death but also very much about life and about relationships and how your loved ones can still be part of your life even after death. With some brilliant characters including a grieving bookseller with a special knack for recommending books, a free spirit who has found herself stuck in a small town life, a lawyer who has changed his arrogant ways since a fateful car crash, and a hospice nurse with two cheeky goats. This is a gently paced story that touches in on the characters over the course of a year and is a fabulous relationship read with many ups and downs, some heartbreaking moments but still a lot of joy.