The Lifeline is so brilliantly observed. Tackling mental health and the need for human connection in such a gentle but unflinching way. I did find parts extremely sad as its such a thought-provoking read. The characters felt like they had walked into the room, they were so beautifully developed and I really cared about them. The narration was excellent and really lifted the story. Would recommend.

Will was sleepwalking through life in his dead-end Jon whilst volunteering at an anonymous crisis line to avoid facing his own demons. Annie was sure she had her life plan all worked out. Things started to fall apart for her, so she stumbled upon a crisis line and decided to call.

These two perfect strangers quickly developed a connection and began to challenge each other to be brave and rebuild their lives from the rubble. Glimpses into the past also showed that there was once a connection between them that didn't amount to anything. I do love that they fell in love without having met in person.

This was definitely a heavy book but it was so full of hope that it left a warm feeling in my chest when I was done.

I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. The narrators were amazing!

This is not my usual genre - I liked the cover and thought I’d give it a go. I’m glad I did. I liked both the main characters and was rooting for them both throughout the book. This book had me laughing and almost crying in parts. An enjoyable ending. Brilliant narration. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers.

Told from two POV’s, this was a sweet story about two lonely characters struggling through life and making a connection. I found it very well written and easy to read. Will and Annie are realistic and relatable, depressingly so sometimes. I have to admit I shed a few tears. Thanks Netgalley and publisher for a beautiful read. I have had some issues posting this review as it says it’s unable to find the book on Goodreads (even though I’ve seen it on there)

Told from dual point-of-view in two timelines, I would hesitate to class this as a strict romance.

Will volunteers at a charity lifeline where people can anonymously call in. Journalist Annie grieving for her father and researching an article close to her past teased in flashbacks, calls in.

This book gently handles mental health, the mundanity and stress of work, and the friendships that can help pick us up.
There’s so many pop culture references which grounded it in contemporary reality and added light humour.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio for providing the audiobook in exchange for a review!

Firstly, I should say I’m not a meet-cute, rom-com type of girl so this book had its work cut out for it before I even started reading! But I figured a change is as good as a rest and fives in.
Oh dear! I’ve actually worked as a telephone counsellor and so elements of this story really annoyed me. The blatant disregard for responsibilities of the ‘counsellor’ in the counselling relationship and lapses of client confidentiality in particular. If you’re looking for a fluffy read then enjoy. If on the other hand you’re low and thinking of calling a telephone counselling service, please know that this book is not representative of the real world - your counsellor wont hit on you during your calls, nor should they be thinking of you in romantic terms, waiting for your next call the rest of the week.
Nope, not my cup of tea at all I’m afraid.

4- 4.25⭐️

Contemporary fiction read by Tom Lawrence and Katy Sobey they both did a good job.


Will is trudging through life, he volunteers at a crisis line to avoid confronting his own problems, Annie has her life together with her five year plan until it all starts going wrong, she needs someone to listen

They soon rely on their regular conversations, finding a connection in an unusual place.

I was in the mood for a lighter book, and turned to this contemporary fiction. It gives an interesting insight into a helpline. It’s moving with the interactions Will shares, covering loneliness and grief. It made me wonder how the volunteers don’t become burn’t out by the emotional burden of the callers. Although both main characters are experiencing problems, it’s by no means a heavy book, the writing style and tone is kept light. They are both likeable, I was rooting for them both.
I enjoyed it, the premise of the book gave it a different setting for me which I really liked. One I’d recommend if you are in the mood for a lighter contemporary story.

I adored The Lifeline.

Will is working in a shop and volunteering on a crisis helpline. A far cry from the days when he was the frontman of a brand new indie sensation rock band. Somewhat lost, traumatised and isolated.

Annie is unfulfilled in her journalistic role at a failing website, grieving the death of her father and her flailing relationship with boyfriend Dom.

When Annie starts calling the helpline there seems to be an instant connection, and they each roll through til Sunday and their calls.

Split between both povs now and five years ago, the novel is carefully crafted to guide us through the timeline that brought both characters to where they are now.

The author has written beautifully and sensitively about loneliness, trauma, grief, suicide and a sense of just not allowing happiness to exist in your life, while seamlessly creating a stunning love story.

Both narrators have skill fully crafted the voices of the characters and the storyline.

Beautiful!

All the stars 🌟 #Jorecommends

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.

The Lifeline by Tom Ellen and narrated by Tom Lawrence and Katy Sobey brooke my heart but gently, and with warmth, put it back together again

There is a romantic glint to the narrative, but this takes a back seat, (in the car behind, a few miles back) to the empathetic tale of loss, heartbreak, grief and healing through connecting to another

Tom Ellen writes with a deep empathy to their characters and a great understanding of human nature, tenacity and spirit, the good, the bad and the downright rotten. The characters are not protrayed as perfect, as victims, but as humans, traversing the events in the best way they can, not always getting it right

The Lifeline is narrated exceptionally by Tom Lawrence and Katy Sobey, who encapsulate not only the characters, but the dynamics between them perfectly

Thank you very much to HarperCollins UK Audio, HQ, the author Tom Ellen and the narrators Tom Lawrence and Katy Sobey for this incredible ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

The lifeline is a beautifully written book about grief, trauma, loss and finding love against all odds. Tom Ellen uses a light touch to deal with difficult subjects. The characters (both main and side) are well thought out, relatable and loveable despite their faults. The romance is nicely woven through the story but doesn't take priority over the personal development of the protagonists. I was truly invested in this story and felt a real connection with the characters. As always it is worth checking trigger warnings before going into this book but overall it is an important story about navigating life while dealing with grief and puts emphasis on the importance of support networks and checking in on loved ones.

Tom Lawrence and Katy Sobey did an incredible job of bringing the characters of Will and Annie to life. They were able to capture the complex joy and sadness present in both of their lives with an honest and sympathetic style.

Thanks to the author, HarperCollins UK Audio and netgalley for the opportunity to read this heartbreaking yet heartwarming book in exchange for an honest review.