It’s a real pleasure today to be joining the blog tour for the latest book from Emma Cooper, The One Before the One, and sharing my review. Published by Boldwood Books on 31st January it’s now available as an ebook (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, and as an audiobook. Many thanks, as ever, to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading e-copy (provided via netgalley).
Oh my goodness, it’s been far too long since I last read one of Emma’s wonderful books – I have no idea why, but her more recent books just haven’t been showing up on my radar. But now she’s with Boldwood – I think that’ll be a perfect home for her writing, and I certainly won’t be missing out on any of her future books. It was 2018 when I read and reviewed The Songs of Us – the very thought of that lovely book still brings a tear to my eye, such a perfect emotional and uplifting read (you’ll find my review of that one here – and do add it to your reading list if you missed it!). And then there was The First Time I Saw You – a book that made me ache inside, the most glorious writing, and a consummate touch with every emotional moment (review here). How on earth did I miss out on reading If I Could Say Goodbye and It Was Always You? Never mind though, I’m going to enjoy catching up later – but let’s take a closer look at her latest…
Liv is given the chance to live one life-changing week over, but can she change her future…? And does she want to? A gorgeous, uplifting novel, perfect for fans of Shari Low, Paige Toon and Beth Moran.
When Liv’s boyfriend Kit disappeared on a hike, seven years earlier, she thought her life was over. But with the help of their family and friends, she’s pushed her way through the grief, and now, miraculously, she’s found a way to love again.
Until the morning of her wedding, when Liv steps through a doorway, and finds herself, somehow, back at the flat she shared with Kit: seven years earlier, six days before he left. Now, Liv has a chance to live those six days over, and change everything. If she gets this right, she can find out why Kit leaves and stop him.
But can she save him? And if she does, how will she choose, between the man she loved then, and the one she loves now?
I think I really must start by saying how much I loved this book – and although some might look askance at the idea of time travel and having the opportunity to relive your experiences, it’s so perfectly handled that it needed very little suspension of disbelief. But as well as the highly original premise, the storytelling is just wonderful, with real emotional depth, perfect pacing – and more than a touch of misdirection that took my breath away.
When Kit fails to return from a hike, Liv is totally devastated – she finally accepts that he must have died, but his body is never found. Seven years later, she’s found she’s ready to love again, and we join her on her wedding day – among the friends who’ve supported her and helped her heal, she’s found the (initially unlikely) new love of her life. Until she makes a disturbing discovery – and on leaving her hotel room, finds herself taken back in time to the week before Kit disappeared. As she remembered, there were no clues that Kit might have been planning to leave – but, this time, she has the opportunity to try to change her future. But then there’s always the possibility that her future might have been what she really wanted all along.
There’s far more than that to the story – very convincing romance (both past and present) with just the right emotional touch, individuals I really took to my heart, the most supportive friendships, a few serious issues so sensitively handled, even some lovely touches of humour. It’s gripping and immersive, drawing the reader into her characters’ lives and relationships, as Liv searches for the clues with the benefit of hindsight and tries desperately to influence the outcome. The different timelines are so cleverly handled, never confusing, until… and this is one of those times when any hint of a spoiler would be entirely unforgivable, so I’d really urge you to read the book.
And when I finally set the book aside after its perfectly crafted and uplifting ending – one of those satisfied sigh moments – I could only reflect on how very much I’d enjoyed it. A really special book – and one I’d wholeheartedly recommend to others.
About the author
Emma Cooper is the author of highly acclaimed book club fiction, including The Songs of Us, which was shortlisted for the RNA Contemporary Novel Award. Previously published by Headline PG, Emma will publish emotional book club novels with Boldwood.
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