As someone who has spent much of their lives in a hospital bed, I could identify with many of the characters in this book.
Yes, it is a romance, but a totally different take on the boy meets girl story.
The plot covers not only physical injuries, but the mental anguish felt by patients, staff and families too, whilst in hospital and then back in the big wide world.
The characters are well written, complete with back stories that grow as the book progresses.

I absolutely adored this beautiful debut and since finishing it I have often found myself thinking about these wonderful characters!

Before I Saw You is told from the alternating perspectives of Alice and Alfie who are patients on the Moira Gladstone rehabilitation ward. Whilst their beds are next to each other, they have never seen each other as Alice has been badly burned and cannot even look at her own reflection yet, let alone allow any of the patients on the ward to see the woman behind the curtains. Alfie had to have his leg amputated after an accident and has been on the rehabilitation ward for several months as part of his recovery. Therefore, when new patient Alice moves on to the ward, he is eager to make friends, although it soon becomes clear that it may be more challenging than Alfie first anticipated. But never one to be deterred, he slowly starts to find ways to encourage Alice to come out of her shell. And as the story progresses he begins to ask himself the question ‘Can you fall in love with someone you’ve never seen?’...

I loved everything about this story and Alice and Alfie are such incredible characters with so much warmth and depth to them. I have really enjoyed getting to see them grow and evolve in their recoveries and in their friendship, whilst also learning of their own secrets, heartache, their family and friends and the accidents that led them to be on the rehabilitation ward. Whilst they are the main characters, there are so many wonderful moments that they share with the other patients on the ward and the nurses looking after them each and every day. I really loved Nurse Angles and also the ninety-two year old patient Mr Peterson who Alfie had a really special bond with.

I also really want to highlight just how much of an incredible character I found Alfie to be! His kindness, warmth and humour made me smile constantly and whilst he may be fictional, I really hope I find my own real-life Alfie one day!

I honestly cannot recommend this beautiful and heartwarming story enough and am so grateful to have been a part of Alfie and Alice’s journeys. I have absolutely loved every moment and the final chapter for me was the perfect ending!

A hospital ward of strangers who are thrown together and become family. Alice is the newest inmate but does not want to face the others. Her gradual and gentle friendship with Alfie, who is in the bed next door, gradual builds and both become more involved with each other. Lots of painful emotions are explored and the reader it helped to see the point of view of the. character. The plot was good, but occasionally felt a little slow and at other times rushed, but then that is life for you, timings don’t always fit with expectations.

An interesting concept and a great debut into writing. I would love to read more from this author when the time comes

The premise of this book is very intriguing, great idea and very original.
I really enjoyed it, and enjoyed Houghton's writing style. However, I felt the pacing was a little bit off. Think it took too long to get going, and then ended quite abruptly. I think this book would have benefit from a cut of 100 pages!

it was nice enough - but didn't live up to the hype. Although I am very interested to see what Emily Houghton does next!

* Disclaimer I read this book prior to publication in exchange for an honest review, through NetGalley.*

I read the write up on this book and thought, “oh that might be quite interesting and a different way to tell the typical boy meets girl story!” Oh boy what I was not prepared for was the emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows, tears and laughter that this book sent me on.

Alice Gunnersly is a workaholic, very headstrong, independent woman. Alfie Mack is a popular , easy going, laid back, everyone’s friend PE teacher.

Both are involved in separate accidents that leave them with life changing injuries. They then end up in the beds next to each other on the rehabilitation ward with only a thin paper curtain between them. A curtain that Alice insists stays closed at all times and the only people who see her are medical staff.

I’m not going to give away too much of the book and it does eventually end up being a love story.

However the emotions and issues that this book dealt with meant I read this book in one sitting and got some very confusing looks from my husband when one minute I’m laughing to the point of hysterics and the next minute he’s having to supply me with endless tissues to mop up the tears.

I am a regular inpatient in hospital due to medical issues since birth so I don’t know if this made me feel more emotionally attached to this book. But I think I’d be hard pressed to find anyone who didn’t have at least one laugh out loud and one overly emotional moment at this debut novel.

If this is Emily Houghton’s debut novel, I can’t wait to see what else she writes in what I am sure will be a long and entertaining career.

I’m off to stalk her on social media so I know when her next book is out!

Life can change in an instant and everything that was once important now lands at the bottom of the list. Love and friendship exist on a deeper level when tragedy and healing are thrown in. I enjoyed the emotional journey beyond the eyes that this book took me on

After a fire at her work place seriously injured her, Alice finds herself in St Francis’s Hospital in a very poor state. She does not even want to look in the mirror for fear of what she might see, and she definitely does not want others to see the monster she has become. Thus, the patients in her ward have to live with the voice coming from behind the drawn curtains. At first, she refuses contact but over the time she realises that old Mr Petersen and especially Alfie Mack next to her are likable people who make staying in hospital a lot more acceptable. Alfie is the good soul of their small community, always funny and entertaining, spreading warmth and hope. At night, however, he is haunted by the accident which made him lose his leg and all the negative emotions he pushes back during daylight. Slowly, the two of them bond, yet, without ever seeing each other.

Emily Houghton tells the story of two people who have to go through a very hard time: the lives they had have ceased to exist from one second to the next and now, they find themselves in a kind of void between before and after. Quite naturally, sharing the similar experiences makes them bond easily, on the other hand, how can you open up to another person and make new friends or even more when you haven’t come to grips with your own situation, yet? The author gives her characters the time they need to adjust and to stretch out a hand.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Even though there is a lot of sadness due to the accidents the characters had to go through and the hardship they have to endure while healing, the plot is full of love and care which makes you believe in the good in mankind and - of course – in love. Beautifully narrated by highlighting the anxieties and thoughts Alice and Alfie go through which again and again keep them from doing what should be done but which is simply a hurdle too high to take at that moment. What I liked most was the fact that Alice and Alfie fell in love other without seeing each other, they can surely say that it is the character that counts and which attracted them.

A heart-warming story providing hope and confidence when life seems to be too hard to endure.

Who doesn't like a wonderful surprise? Whenever I approach a book by an unknown author I am always a little hesitant not knowing what to expect and whether it will be my 'thing'. Well, this was one of those rare and delightful surprises where the book totally exceeded my expectations and, in fact, quite blew me away! What a truly beautiful, charming and empowering story this turned out to be. I was thoroughly committed to it from page one right through to the closing sentence. Although taking place mostly in a hospital ward it never becomes tedious or predictable. The two lead characters are so easy to engage with. Alfie, having lost a leg in an accident is so lovable with his optimistic and uplifting personality and is always able to raise the spirits of other patients. In the bed next to him is Alice, a young woman with severe burns who is extremely traumatised and hides away behind her curtain refusing to c0nnect with anyone. Alfie, very gently and yet with much humour, very gradually begins to heal her. Despite never having seen each other they talk - through the curtain - and share their innermost fears and insecurities which help in the healing process. I loved the dialogue between Alice and Alfie. It was funny, poignant, heart breaking at times but so touching and believable too. Can a couple who have never physically seen one another fall in love? The answer can be found in the pages of this beautiful story which I loved.. I read it at every opportunity and couldn't wait to see the outcome. This is Emily Houghton's first novel and, based on this, I will be eagerly looking forward to reading more of her work in future. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

WOW WOW WOW ...... I didnt know what to expect from this book but I didn’t want to put it down ..... I really enjoyed it going from one character to the next was such a good concept and worked beautifully ..... I will be looking for more from this author ....... give yourself a treat sit back and enjoy ....... thank you Netgalley for the advance copy ...... wish I could give it more stars

Well this was a rollercoaster of emotions. My nerves. I devoured this book in two days. I couldn't put it down. It's very well written, I just had to keep reading to see how the story was going to unfold. I fell in love with Alfie. He was such a sweetheart. It just goes to show you how somebody making an effort with another person can have such a positive effect on them. His relationship with Alice, and all the other patients on the ward warmed my heart. Alice's story reminded me a little bit of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Also, we all need a friend like Sarah in our lives. Alice and Alfie.were.deep characters and wounded characters which is what made them so likeable and relatable. A brilliant, emotional and very worthwhile read.

I really enjoyed this book. It was gripping, easy to read and covered many important topics. Would recommend!

Not a book for me unfortunately. I just struggled to finish it. The character just didn't draw me in, but please this is only my thoigjts and don't let them discourage you if you feel like you .ight connect with this one. Was just not for me unfortunately.

I am so grateful for the chance to read this before release (4 Feb). Thank you, you know who you are.

Reading up the blurb sou dedicated intriguing and was quite excited to get reading and it didn't disappoint. We get to know the stories behind the 2 main characters, Alice and Alfie, Why are they in hospital for so long? As we read, we also get to know the characters before and after their life changing accidents. There are other lovely characters alongside these 2 on their ward. Lots of cheek and banter but also with a particular nurse, Mother A.

Heartfelt in places, tear jerking in another. Although it's not a gripping thriller, it is still a must read that holds your attention with a unique stage to fall in love. Will Alice overcome her new fears? What will happen to the pair once they leave the comfort of the hospital.

Very well done Emily! In my eyes, you have made it as a writer! I certainly look forward to your next book.

Wow what a wonderful, heartbreaking, heartwarming tale of facing your fears and battling your scars, both mentally and physically and how with people who support you and care about you, you can create your own family. I loved both Alfie and Alice, both characters have gone through one of the most traumatic and life changing events in their lives and we see how each of them deals with it in their own way. At first we see a less than confident Alice, someone who has always felt herself to be strong, independent and not needing anyones help, now finds herself needing it more than she likes we assume that Alfie who has been there a bit longer and though has something bad happen to him is dealing with his damage better, but as in most things in life that is barely the surface of the story. I love how the author delves into each characters mental thoughts and even goes into their darkest moments which highlights our own mental health issues. People have to go through these traumas everyday and its not the physical that can be mended we also need to think about the mental scarring that can last well beyond the physical has left only a trace. This is a powerful and moving story, but its not just that its also a love story and a rom com, and there are so many characters which we grow to love alongside the main characters. This is a fantastic novel and I am excited to see what the author does next.

This is an ama,ing debut novel and such a compelling novel of how life can change in a flash. This is so far my top read of 2021 and a book that will stay with me for a long time. This story deals with live death and trauma in a very sensitive way and looks at how hope and friendship can be found out of a traumatic and life changing situation. The characters were so easy to warm to and every hospitAl ward needs a mother Angel and everyone needs a hospital visitor like Alfie mum. Alfie and Alice are both very brave characters whose trauma and road to recovery journey brings them closer together. This aS a heartwarming and heart breaking at times roller coaster of a read. Am looking forward to the author's next novel.

Alfie is the sole survivor of a horrific car crash that has broken his mind and body. He is in a rehab ward, trying to come to terms with the loss of his leg and the emotional scars of losing his two best friends.

Alice survived a fire, but has 40% burns over one side of her body, and refuses to speak or be seen by anyone on the rehab ward she has been taken to.

But Alfie knows what it's like to feel alone, and he engages with all the other patients until they form a close group of friends. Determined to engage Alice in conversation, he takes his time and shows such sensitivity to her feelings, that gradually, she finds herself opening up to him and they even hold one another's hands through the hardest days.

But when they are discharged, the real battles begin for them both. Isolated and depressed, they cannot stop thinking about one another. But Alfie has never seen Alice's face, nor she, his. Can Alice overcome her fears and let herself be seen? Stumbling across a gift Alfie gave her before he left, Alice finds the courage to face her fears, and the ending will have readers reaching for the tissues.

A truly beautiful story of courage, of kindness, of friendship and love.

I received a copy of the book from Netgalley. Thank you so much for the opportunity.
A really sweet and lovely story. I really enjoyed seeing the characters slowly develop their relationship and themselves as there was plenty of character development. The writing is good and I liked that the author chose to write a character with a burns injury and felt that she did so sensitively.
At times, the writing was a bit blunt and rudimentary. I would have liked more complex and descriptive prose.
On the whole a good book.

This is one of those books that gripped me. I had to keep reading because I simply had to know what happened.
Alice and Alfie are an unlikely couple, yet they work. Alice is fully focused on work, to the detriment of any kind of social or personal life. She’s estranged from her family and her best friend has moved to Australia. Alfie is haunted by the memories of his friends who lost their lives in the crash where Alfie lost his leg.
Alfie is a lovable, happy go lucky character. He’s made a lot of friends on the rehabilitation ward where he is recovering from an accident that claimed the lives of his best friends. His jokey nature hides the torment that fills his sleep as he relives the crash, every time he closes his eyes.
Alice has a long way to go in her recovery, she can’t bear the thought of anyone seeing her face, the damage done by the fire, that she was caught in, mean that she can never be seen in public again.
As the synopsis explained, Alfie is determined to help bring Alice out of her shell. He’s been warned by the nursing staff that he should leave her alone, but it’s not in his nature to ignore somebody.
This is a gentle story which examines the effect of major trauma on mental health. It certainly meets the requirements to be considered a romantic comedy, but it certainly doesn’t shy away from the important, heart-breaking aspect of the mind’s vulnerability.
It’s difficult to review this book without risking spoilers; the premise of two people communicating through a hospital curtain doesn’t necessarily sound gripping. All I can do is ask that you give this book a chance because you will love it. It left me feeling positive and hopeful which, in the midst of a third lockdown, takes some doing.

This book was everything i wanted and more in a story. We follow Alfie and Alice, both in hospital after receiving life changing injuries after been in live threatening accidents. All Alfie wants to do is get to know his neighbour on the hospital ward but Alice wants to be shut off from the world. This is a story of friendship and looking out for each other when times are tough. Before i saw you made me laugh and cry and it was perfect,

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
As much as I enjoyed it, I found it to be more of a women's fiction than romance. It was more of a story about life, and the unexpected turns it can take, and how we deal with the fallout. I really enjoyed the interactions between the family and friends of the patients in the ward, and the descriptions of how Alfie and Alice were feeling.
It would've been just a bit better if the ending wasn't quite so abrupt. It would've been nice to see how both characters managed their lives after the accidents.
3.5 stars