Member Reviews

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This is such an emotional, story of Connie, Alex, Luke and Lucy.

Each one is still dealing with the grief of losing someone they loved. The story is so well written, it’ll pull at your heartstrings. The cafe was a great idea and the support it gives, but the characters were reluctant to join as they didn’t feel ready to share their grief.

I felt for little Amy who’s mother passed away,

I highly recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

Set in Ireland this book is about loss, grief, and hope. Connie is an out of work actor and in addition to grieving the loss of her mother, her best friend and housemate, she is also stressing over the need to sell her house at her brother’s request. When she hears a brick phone ringing in the attic she picks it up only to hear her mom talking to her from the other side.
Luke is an overworked architect and Dad to 6 year old Amy. He is trying to navigate single parenthood and helping Amy grieve (in addition to handling his own grief) as he comes to grips with the loss of his wife, Helen.
Lucasta is the beloved author of the hit Mercy series, going on 20 years strong. While this octogenarian is known for her wonderful books and unconventional ways, she’s less known for conversing with spirits from the other side. Our three protagonists meet at a Bereavement Cafe; Connie and Luke attend at the insistence of others and Lucasta attends in the hopes of connecting a spirit who has come to her with her grieving husband.
I was drawn to this book because the synopsis sounded cute. I knew it was likely going to be sappy, but I was here for it. I was not expecting it to be as one dimensional as it was, however. While the book is about 300 pages (give or take 30- the kindle version is 321, the paperback 328, and the hardcover 272) there is absolutely no flushing out of the characters or plot. The book focuses mainly on Connie, Luke, and Lucasta and they are essentially on a hamster wheel for the majority of the book. Each of their parts are the same thing until the end when miraculously all of their problems are resolved in a handful of pages.
It felt as though the author knew how she wanted the book to start and end but she never really worked out the middle. If this were the case she would have done better to write about all of the side characters we meet at the bereavement cafe during the middle. While we still would have been confused as to how Connie, Luke, and Lucasta found their resolutions, at least we wouldn’t have been bored to tears during the middle.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this. I’m sorry I didn’t like it more. Remember, I Love You hits the shelves on February 12th.

Was this review helpful?

A heartfelt book about love, loss and there after. The story focuses on Lucasta, eccentric octogenarian author who just so happens to speak to spirits, and the recently bereaved who come together at the bereavement cafe- some more cynical than 0thers.

Was this review helpful?

What a lovely story on a sad topic-grieving the loss of a loved one. For Like, Connie and Stacy, attending the Bereavement Cafe brings a touch of something different to them. Also, there is octogenarian Lucasta with whom spirits communicate. The events at the cafe and the relationships formed have a profound effect on them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This was a sad, but also a hopeful read.
I have suffered grief myself and found I resonated with bits from several characters stories.
I thought it was a nice read, but it did make me cry. Maybe that means it's worked!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Such a great book, beautifully written, beautiful friendships and strong women. It was a joy to read. I loved Luke and Amy and his adorable sister and nieces. I loved Stella and her steely determination that Luke could and should do better for Amy and I loved the flourish that lacsta brought to the story. I would really like to read more about Claudia and hear Wills story more.
I was hooked from the first couple of chapters and I really recommend this beautiful book.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is a lovely, easy to read relaxing book.

Some interesting characters that are easy to become invested in and nice story lines woven in.

The only thing I would say is that it’s conveniently wrapped up a little too quickly at the end, but none the less, an enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?

4 Stars
One Liner: Sweet and hopeful

Though the book deals with the grief of losing a loved one, it has many lighthearted moments that balance out the heaviness.
The pacing is steady almost throughout. Moreover, the narrative shifts between the three tracks with ease. The limited third-person POV helps as it is easier to go with the change (compared to first-person POV).
The impact of losing a loved one comes across clearly in Luke and Connie’s tracks. Little Amy made me sad and happy. Luke’s work-life balance and Connie’s frustration about her job are realistic and thought-provoking.
Of course, I happily disliked the characters I was supposed to hate. The other characters like Stella, Phoebe, and Will were good and did their bit to support the plotline.
Since the official blurb mentions Lucy and Alex, I thought their track would be just as detailed as the others. Turns out, that’s not the case. They get some attention but not enough to be mentioned in the blurb.
Lucasta is a key character – eccentric, straightforward successful, and kindhearted. While I could see her side, I could also feel for her assistant. The resolution of their track is well done.
Though there are hints of love, there is no romance. The focus firmly stays on the central theme. I appreciate it a lot. Even the epilogue is just right – hopeful for a happy future but at their own pace. After all, we cannot rush through the grieving process.
To summarize, Remember, I Love You is a story that’ll make you a wee bit sad but also feel happy and hopeful for the characters. The concept of Bereavement Café is beautiful (there are quite a few branches in and around the UK).
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Was this review helpful?

Luke's wife Helen passed away and he misses her. He goes to a bereavement café one evening where he meets other people who are also grieving. One evening at the cafe a woman tells him that she has a message from Helen. Will he believe it or is she a fraud. A good heartwarming read.
Overall rating 3 1/2 stars

Was this review helpful?

Connie, Luke, Alex and Lucy are all struggling with grief in their own ways after the passing of someone they loved. The author has written a tender, emotional, heartwrenching story immersed with bits of humour and hope for a brighter future. I love the idea of the cafe and I know it benefits and supports everyone but I also understand the characters hesitancy in joining as everyones grief is personal and different. It's not easy but I enjoyed every word of this book on a hard subject. I don't know if I am a believer but I am open too. It's what we all dream of receiving a message from a loved one who has passed away. The characters learn to watch and listen. My heart broke for six year old little Amy who lost her mother. I cried but I also smiled and laughed. It's a sad but happy sort of story!

Was this review helpful?

A sweet, hopeful tale focusing on grief with themes of the supernatural.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

I received a free copy of, Remember, I Love You, by Claudia Carroll, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Their is a group of people: Connie, Alex, Lucy, and Luke, have all lost someone close to them. This was a good read, sad at times though.

Was this review helpful?

This novel follows Connie, Luke, and Lucasta, three individuals navigating the complexities of grief. Though the story centers on loss, it is written with warmth, humor, and a sense of hope, making it an uplifting rather than sorrowful read.

The characters find solace at a Bereavement Café, which becomes a supportive space where they share their struggles and participate in spiritual activities led by a local celebrity author. As they bond, they begin to heal—helping each other through life’s challenges, such as returning to work, single parenthood, and selling a family home, all while the world continues moving forward.

What sets this book apart is its lighthearted approach to mourning. It embraces the idea that lost loved ones remain with us in unexpected ways, whether through humorous signs or fond memories. Rather than simplifying grief, it portrays the experience authentically, much like reminiscing with family and friends, sharing both tears and laughter. This heartfelt and relatable story reassures readers that while loss is inevitable, love and connection endure, making it a comforting read for anyone coping with bereavement.

Was this review helpful?

The story starts out very interesting. We meet several people in Dublin that are all dealing with having lost a loved one. They are all attending a weekly bereavement café to talk about their grief. One of the participants, Connie, receives mysterious calls from her deceased mother on an ancient Nokia cell phone. The story is told alternately from her point of view, that of Luke, a single father, and that of a well-known Irish author who can apparently communicate with the dead. In the first half of the book, it seems as if the story is about supernatural occurrences, but then this part of the plot ends quite abruptly and somehow everything turns out well for all the grieving main characters. It was a little unsatisfying to not receive an explanation for these supernatural occurrences, but nonetheless the story was entertaining and uplifting.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve been a fan of Claudia Carroll for longer than I’ve been properly reviewing books, so I was absolutely thrilled to get an ARC of Remember I Love You. She’s one of those authors I always trust to deliver a brilliant read, so I went into this one with high expectations. That said, it wasn’t quite what I anticipated—this book leans heavily into the spiritual, with séances, messages from beyond the grave, and an overall theme of life after death. It’s not what I normally gravitate towards, but I was completely drawn in from the start and ended up really enjoying it.
One of the things Carroll does so well is creating characters that feel real, and that’s absolutely the case here. I became so invested in their lives, their heartbreak, and their emotional journeys that I didn’t want to put the book down. There’s a genuine warmth to her writing, even when tackling heavier topics like grief and loss, and I found myself getting quite emotional in places. The relationships between the characters, especially the family dynamics, were beautifully written, and I loved how everything unfolded naturally rather than feeling forced.
Despite the more mystical elements, the book never felt over-the-top or unbelievable. Carroll balances the supernatural side with very grounded human emotions, making it feel less like a ghost story and more like a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and what happens when we’re left behind. 
If I had one minor issue, it’s that the ending felt a little rushed. One moment, I was deep in the story, and then suddenly, I’d almost reached the end and had to pause to process whether everything had been tied up. It had, but I would have liked just a bit more time to sit with it all before it wrapped up. That said, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
Remember I Love You might not have been the book I was expecting, but it was an emotional, heartfelt read that stayed with me after I finished. Carroll’s writing is as engaging as ever, and while it had a different tone from some of her previous books, it still had that signature warmth and depth that makes her stories so compelling. If you’re open to something with a slightly spiritual twist, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go.

Was this review helpful?

Luke and his daughter Amy are not coping with the death of Helen his wife and Amy’s mother.
Connie is struggling with the death of her mother, her brother Donald who lives abroad and is rich beyond rich is more concerned about the sale of the house that Connie has lived in all her life.
Stella is the headmistress of Amy’s school and she knows how much Luke is suffering she’s been there herself.
They all come together at a bereavement cafe and become friends. When a famous author comes to the meetings it shakes things up and they all start on a path that their loved ones have set them on,
Great book and well written loved this and couldn’t put it down.
Highly recommended

Was this review helpful?

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from Netgalley. I didn't love this book but didn't dislike it either. The plot was interesting but quite slow, and I didn't feel there was much character development.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book I have read by Claudia and by the first few pages I was HOOKED!

Greif is such a difficult topic to handle and everyone deals with it differently. I loved the way this book covered the topic with kindness and humour. All the characters are wonderfully developed and I was rooting for every single one. I don’t agree with people who give bad reviews because they didn’t like certain characters because that just shows the author has created believable characters. (Phoebe and Luke did my nut in)

A perfect feel good story with dialogue that flows seamlessly

Was this review helpful?

I am normally a massive fan of Claudia Carroll so I was really excited to read this book but I really struggled to get into this book. The story felt difficult to connect with, and the characters seemed so bizarre that I couldn’t develop any affinity or emotional attachment to them. Set in a bereavement café, the novel explores themes of grief and loss, whilst also infusing humour but it just missed the mark for me. While some may appreciate its unique perspective, it wasn’t the right fit for me, especially as I was looking for something more engaging or escapist.

Was this review helpful?

Connie, Luke and Lucasta are all suffering from grief. How can a book about grieving the death of a loved one leave me feeling so hopeful? On a personal note I'm coming up on the one-year anniversary of the death of my beloved Uncle Mike, He is my mom's younger brother and I was worried that this book would make me feel sad but it didn't. Of course, we miss loved ones when they pass away but we needn't worry about them, they are always with us. I know my Uncle Mike isn't in pain isn't in pain any longer and he's watching over us. That is how this book left me feeling.

Even though it is such heavy topical matter it was done in a humorous way. Loved ones reaching out while on the toilet or your dearly departed mom giving you dating advice. I never felt the author was simplifying or belittling the healing process. Have you ever lost a loved one and sat around with friends and family sharing funny stories about them and laughing? That's what this book felt like to me.

Touching and funny with a dash of spiritual magic, Claudia Carroll wrote a poignant story about death and grieving that was actually a joy to read.

Was this review helpful?