It’s such a pleasure today to be joining the blog tour and sharing my review of The Woman Who Met Herself, the latest book from Laura Pearson: published on 23rd May by Boldwood Books, it’s now available as an ebook (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, and as an audiobook. Many thanks, as always, 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).
I always get rather excited when there’s a new book from Laura – I’ll admit that I have tired a little of more simple and straightforward romances, and I know her books are always going to bring something new and really different. I first discovered her wonderful writing with Missing Pieces way back in 2018 (you’ll find my review here – it was republished by Boldwood last year), and I’ve loved every book I’ve read since then – pop her name in my search bar and you’ll find all my reviews. Did you catch her last one, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart? Such an original premise, the perfect emotional touch, moving smoothly between past and present as Maddy made her difficult life choices, strong friendship, family complications – beautifully written, an exceptional read, and one I really loved (you can read my full review again here).
Let’s take a look at her latest…
What would you do, if you met your double?
Debbie Jones thinks life is an adventure. Even having lost her husband a year ago, she’s ready for whatever the world might throw her way. Being in her sixties doesn’t mean it’s all over for her yet, and she loves her new job doing neighbourhood support for a charity. Then she knocks on a stranger’s front door.
Ruth Waverley doesn’t like surprises. Her life isn’t perhaps all she once dreamed off, but what other options are there for a woman in her sixties? She’s proud of her home and children. And she likes her life well enough. Then she hears someone knocking at the door.
As the door opens, both Ruth and Debbie get the shock of their lives. As their eyes meet – the recognition is instant. Not because they’ve met before. But because they have the same face. They’re completely identical.
And everything is about to change, for both women. In ways they couldn’t possibly imagine…
I remember a time – not that long ago – when publishers would have run a mile from a book realistically portraying the lives of two women in their sixties, however unusual the situation they’re presented with. Thank goodness things have changed – I loved every moment I spent in the company of these two wonderful women, and was enthralled by their stories as they gradually unfolded.
Recently widowed, Debbie has moved to Loughborough for a fresh start – she’s very much a people person, ideally suited to the job she’s found, knocking on doors to ask for donations to a mental health charity, a cause close to her heart. She makes friends wherever she goes – a chat and smile with the people on their doorsteps, the students she works with who sometimes need a bit of help (and sometimes a little more than that), a busy man who needs help walking his dog. Although she’s moved on, memories of her husband are everywhere – but life’s good, and she’s doing just fine.
Ruth bakes and decorates cakes for every occasion – it’s turned into a small business, but also an escape from the tedious monotony of her life. Her sons have left home and have no time for her in their busy lives, her husband takes her for granted and can barely bring himself to keep up a conversation – thank goodness for her sister who, as well as always being there for her, takes it in turns to visit their mum (who has dementia) in her nursing home who rarely recognises either of them.
Then comes that pivotal moment – when Debbie knocks on Ruth’s door, and they’re both stunned to realise that they have the same face. And it’s not just a similarity – they’re identical. They’ve both followed very different paths in their lives, but there’s more to come. Debbie’s already living her best life, ready to enjoy every new adventure (a night at the students’ union – why not?) – and Ruth needs to find the courage to make changes in her life too, and finally live a little.
The whole story is quite beautifully told, as you share the lives of both women, get to know them so well, and really hope that the things they discover, their newly found friendship, and the changes they make will bring them both happiness. They’re both extraordinarily real, women you soon feel you know really well, so easy to identify with when you’re a similar age – and I certainly found plenty I recognised in Ruth’s visits to her mother with her occasional heart-rending moments of clarity and understanding. The whole story’s gently told, and there are so many moments to bring a smile or a tear – the author’s emotional touch is just perfect.
There’s a great deal more to this book than I’ve covered in my brief summary – secrets and family complications, a few real surprises, more than a touch of heartbreak, a bit of stepping into the unknown, grasping opportunities when they offer themselves, even a touch of romance – and I loved every single moment. The book’s premise might be unusual, but the author has built around it a gorgeous, uplifting and life-affirming story that will remain with me for some time. One of my books of the year, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
About the author
Laura Pearson is the author of seven previous novels. The Last List of Mabel Beaumont was a Kindle number one bestseller in the UK and a top ten bestseller in the US. She founded The Bookload on Facebook and has had several pieces published in the Guardian and the Telegraph. Laura lives in Leicestershire, England, with her husband, their two children, and a cat who likes to lie on her keyboard while she tries to write.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter Sign Up | Bookbub
