This book is Anna and Adam's love story. Anna and Adam's marriage has lots of ups and downs and the reader is along for the journey. This book is truly heartbreaking to read at times but isn't real life? I enjoyed this book and all the emotions it made me feel. I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

When it says "This is not a typical love story, but it's our love story" it is not a joke.

You will need a box of tissues and a full bottle of water this story deal with infertility, miscarriage, and the death of a loved one that some may find difficult to read about. I found myself rapidly turning the pages, I don't think there are words to describe how much this book made me feel. This isn't your typical romance this is a story with a lot of emotions and a couple that struggles with navigating life after the things that have been thrown at them. I can't wait to see what else Amelie Henley will write after this.


Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publishers for granting me an E-Arc in exchange for my honest review.

The Life We Almost Had by Amelia Henley is an unpredictable love story. It's hard to write a review without giving too much away. But I loved every page of this emotional story.

I wanted to like this book, but it seemed to take a different turn from what I thought it would be. It is a story of a couple who meet on vacation, fall in love, and get married. Like many couples, they face the challenges of day-to-day and the realities of getting past the honeymoon phase. However, this is where the story veered in a direction that I wasn’t expecting. The tone was heavier than the book description led me to believe, and I didn’t care for the direction the book was heading.

If you’re looking for a romantic, relationship development sort of book, then this may not be for you. But, on the other hand, if you are a little more adventurous and are okay with reading about an out-of-the-box relationship, you should be okay.

Swoon-Worthy Second Chance Romance, Amelia Henley's The Life We Almost Had
My Rating: 4 Stars

Goodread's Average Rating: 4.04 Stars

The Life We Almost Had is everything you want in a summer read! The main love interests, Anna and Adam both have chemistry that is perfectly highlighted by Amelia's writing style! This time of year is perfect to take this book on the beach with you! This is going to be a spoiler free review, but I'm gonna be reading more of Amelia's books and I will surly be making more posts on this author! I urge you to check out this amazing debut first!

This is not a typical love story, but it’s our love story.

Anna wasn’t looking for love when Adam swept her off her feet but there was no denying their connection, and she believed they would be together forever.

Years later, cracks have appeared in their relationship. Anna is questioning whether their love can really be eternal when a cruel twist of fate delivers a crushing blow, and Anna and Adam are completely lost to one another. Now, Anna needs Adam more than ever, but the way back to him has life-changing consequences.

Is a second chance at first love really worth the sacrifice? Anna needs to decide and time is running out…

A beautiful and emotional love story that asks, how far would you go for a second chance at first love? Perfect for fans of The Man Who Didn’t Call and Miss You.


The writing in this book reminded me of of Jenn Han and Colleen Hoover, it was all so lyrical and inspiring to read! Anna has a beautiful heart, and Adam see's all of it. Both of these character feel for each other so strongly, that a second chance at first love, is the best description to have going in.


"The inequitable truth is that I am hopelessly, irrevocably, lost without him"- Anna

Last time I heard the word irrevocably was in the Twilight days, and I felt the same feels of Bella and Edward as I did for Anna and Adam, true soulmates... There are some twists in this book, one of them being the twisting of a knife in your heart when these two have hardships, but the other twists challenge their love to how strong it is...trust me it's strong! I don't want to reveal too much and I won't include a spoiler aspect of this novel since it's an arc copy, but if you want to read about a couple feels like they have a connection, *Cough Cough I won't name the books that don't because this will turn into a rant, then go read Amelia Henley's The Life We Almost Had with the link down bellow!

- Liv

Amazon Link- https://www.amazon.ca/Life-We-Almost-...

Adam and Anna meet when Anna goes on a honeymoon with her friend after being left right before her wedding. Anna is not looking for love, but when she meets Adam there is a connection neither of them can ignore. The love story of Adam and Anna is filled with many twists and turns. There were many unexpected things that happened towards the end of book that I did not see coming, and I am still wondering about them. This was a very unique love story that makes you think about how far you would be willing to go for love, and what would you be willing to do to keep that love alive. I will be thinking about this book and those questions for a while.

This is such a tear jerker, but a well written one. It starts under the guise of a romantic comedy or at least a love story, but goes much deeper into love and loss. Definitely thought provoking, perfect for fans of Sarah Jio or Jojo Moyes. Perfect if you need a good, cleansing cry.

“The Life We Almost Had” by Amelia Henley is a touching story about love, connection and second chances. Emotionally gripping throughout, the book will break your heart and put it back together multiple times. Relatable on so many levels—especially for anyone who’s struggled with infertility—this contemporary love story is set to be a summer must-have especially for romance and womens fiction fans.

The story was told in alternating points of view (for the most part) between Anna and Adam. It’s such an intimate way in to each character’s minds as we get to see how they first fall in love, fall apart, and lose their ability to communicate with each other out of assumptions and fear. It’s painful at times because we see how the breakdown in communication is affecting them (and how wrong they are in their assumptions on what each other is thinking). The characters are real, relatable and compelling. You are championing them on the entire time, hoping for their happy ending.

Just about every chapter ends dripping with foreshadowing and while that kept me turning the pages, it also annoyed me. I like a little foreshadow warning here and there but to end nearly every chapter with it was overkill. The plot does move quickly and while it is character driven, it isn’t slow or plodding. It’s hard to put down.

One thing I’m not seeing in reviews is the splash of magical realism you’ll find in the book. It wasn’t expected or alluded to in the synopsis and that can be bad or good depending on your reading preferences. If you’re a fan of magical realism like myself, then it’s a treat when you stumble across it (quite the twist that I’m still wrapping my head around), but if you aren’t a fan, you may chuck the book out the window. So be warned that there’s definitely a splash of that in here and will affect your take on the book. 3.5 stars.

This book was good, I’m glad I got to read it early and can’t wait to tell others about it .
I think they are gonna enjoy it just as much
Thank you

Quick Summary: This was one of the most moving books I have read this year.

My Review: The Life We Almost Had by Amelia Henley is, without a doubt, one of the BEST books I have read all year. I was moved so deeply by it. I was invested in Anna and Adam's story, pulling for the more. It seemed that I was either boo hoo crying or on the verge of tears at every turn. All in all, I will just sum things up by saying that I loved, loved, loved this most unique love story.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience A
Keeper: Yes
Re-read: Yes

A sincere and heartfelt thank you is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who granted access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own and have not been influenced by the aforementioned in any way.

Below is my review as found on my Goodreads, with a few extra notes included!

If you're looking for a book that will warm your heart and then shatter it, leaving you bawling on the bus, look no further than this beautiful piece by Amelia Henley.

The Life We Almost Had is a love story...and yet so much more. Anna and Adam meet each other with no intention of pursuing a relationship, but cannot seem to stay away from each other. We see them grow together, exploring the nuances that come along with any relationship. Over the years, life's obstacles begin to put pressure on them; after a certain event, their love is truly put on the line.

This book was nothing like what I expected - for one reason or another, it touched me to my core. It deals with very deep, real and raw emotions that stem from struggles that are not really talked about. There is a bit of "sci-fi" included, but that label is debatable since there has been research and theories on the particular plot point. Although I was invested enough in Adam and Anna to suspend my beliefs, and just accept what was written on the page.

I would also like to note that the transitions between paragraphs felt choppy at times - I could not really tell when a flashback stopped and the present time began, until after a few sentences. This may also have been affected by the fact that I read it as an e-book; hopefully there is better spacing in the physical copy

Overall, I cannot wait to see how others enjoy Anna and Adam's story!

This book takes you on an intense journey! I laughed, I cried, my heart broke. We follow the story of Anna and Adam - they meet while on vacation and have an instant connection. Then we follow their life when they're back home and I really appreciated how realistic their relationship was. Not everything is always roses and daisies. I couldn't put this one down. Such an emotional ride but I was here for it!

“The Life We Almost Had” is a poignant novel about true love and whether it survives the passage of time.

Secondary school teacher, Anna, was left at the altar, but with encouragement of her bestie, Nell, she goes on her honeymoon where she meets Adam who teaches her falling in love does not have to lead to a broken heart. Anna and Adam start a long distance romance, but Adam gives up a luractive promotion to move closer to Anna, and the two marry. But instead of living happily ever after, Anna and Adam’s romance hits some snags as real life gets in the way. Their bond is further tested when Anna struggles to get pregnant. Unfortunately, when the characters reflect more than one that “when you love someone, you have to let them go,” it’s not surprise when tragedy strikes.

Anna and Adam were both likable characters so it was easy to understand how the two fell for each other so quickly. It was also quite relatable how difficult it is for a couple to stay in love year after year. I always appreciate when a novel takes a few turns I was not expecting, but the way Anna finds a way to connect to Adam is slightly baffling. I think the novel could have tugged the heart-strings enough without the science fiction turn, but I applaud the author for thinking outside the block.

Thank you Amelia Henley, Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to give this an early read.

I was not expecting such a deep and raw story when I read about this book. Even though it is absolutely heartbreaking, it is a must read. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever.

I loved The Life We Almost Had. Trigger warning- pregnancy loss.
The book was an unexpected favorite. An engaging story that will touch you heart and break it all at the same time. I fell in love with characters Anna and Adam. Both characters likable and flawed. I felt genuine heartbreak following the story of their courting, path to start a family and marriage. An interesting premise that is unique and demonstrates the power of love living beyond the conscience mind.
4 stars a great read.

"This is not a typical love story, but it's our love story."

And most definitely it is! A unique, beautiful and powerful story.
Amelia, swept me away and I was completely in a trance, hooked to the words, to Anna and Adams story.
While devouring their story my emotions were all over the place.
All I have to say is this was seriously one truly heartbreaking yet heartfelt, touching the most realist read I've read in some time.
Most definitely, this isn't a typical love story, but it's their love story.
And a captivating one at that!
A binge-worthy book that had me finished in two sittings!

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Forever,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my platforms, blog, B&N and Waterstone closer to pub date.

So everyone keeps saying that this is a love story, not a love story, Adam and Anna’s love story, one that will stay with you long after you have closed the last page of the book
We fall in love, we fall out of love, we want second chances, we all want true love, this is the book for you!

Beautiful and touching love story that will test your emotions. Be sure to have a box of tissues next to you as you fly through this book. Read it in 2 days. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I’m not sure I’ll ever be the same after reading this book. Heartbreaking and yet beautiful. One of those books that you will keep thinking about days, weeks, and even longer after you finish reading it. Such a powerful love story. I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the arc!