I loved the idea of this book and was really excited to read it. However, it was confusing and hard to follow. I didn't care about the main characters and they were very one-dimensional.

The only things that stick out after reading were two of the names. One is Shosh, who is one of the main characters. Shosh lost her sister STEVIE BELL. Yeah. You read that right. I just think it was a very poor choice for a character name, considering there is an entire YA mystery series out with a main character named Stevie Bell. I found this to be very distracting while I was reading.

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. I will recommend it to everyone I know!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

In this book we follow two perspectives: Evan, a senior in high school who wants to go to Alaska after graduation for a wilderness study program, and Shosh, a 19 year old aspiring actress who is drowning in grief with the unexpected death of her older sister due to a drunk driver. We see how they both navigate life while dealing with their own challenges and each have their own "coming of age" story. Interspersed throughout the book are love stories of couples dating back to the 1700s and then forward into the 3000s that somewhat parallel Evan and Shosh.

I liked the writing style in this book. Not overly flowery, not too sparse and direct, but just right in between. There are some beautiful quotes about love, grief, family, and connection. Evan's younger brother is sweet and endearing, and his obsession with ET brings a nostalgic element I appreciated (what a great movie!), And Shosh and her sister loving the Frog and Toad stories also being a comfort/nostalgic element. Great characters, good scenes, interesting story.

However, I think some of the elements of these souls have continued to find each other across lifetimes may have been lost a touch on me in how they were executed. I wanted to love that part, but...it didn't feel fully formed. I did like this book and I'm glad I've read it, and I would recommend it. 3 starts for being a solid book.

Trigger warnings for sibling death, cancer in a parent, parent abandoning child, potentially autism representation

This book fearlessly tackled numerous important themes head-on, delving into the depths of mental health, relationships, family dynamics, sibling bonds, physical well-being, mortality, loss, divorce, grief, friendship, love, support, self-care, alcoholism, passion, art, music, and the essence of beauty. What made it even more enchanting and easier to navigate was the sprinkle of magical realism throughout, offering glimpses into the intertwined lives of two souls finding each other across multiple lifetimes. It was a tale that exuded magic, hope, beauty, heartbreak, and authenticity all at once.

While the book was remarkable in many ways, there were a couple of aspects that, if improved, could have elevated it to perfection. One area that stood out was the pacing of the main storyline, which felt a tad slow or overly protracted at times. Perhaps condensing Evan and Shosh's individual narratives slightly would have streamlined the overall flow, preventing it from feeling drawn out unnecessarily.

Additionally, the only complaint I have pertains to the language used in the book. If it weren't for the presence of curse words, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone, especially young readers. However, recognizing that individuals have different levels of comfort with explicit language, it becomes a hindrance when considering a wider audience. If it weren't for this concern, I would unhesitatingly give it a five-star rating and eagerly share it with everyone I know. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that some more sensitive readers may find certain parts too much to handle.

Despite these minor flaws, I wholeheartedly adored immersing myself in the world crafted by the author and surrendering to the power of his words. It became my reality for a little while, granting me a temporary escape into a realm of wonder. As a result, I'm now eagerly setting out to devour every other work that David Arnold has to offer, anticipating more captivating and thought-provoking experiences.

I'm SO interested in reincarnation, so I was very excited to read this book! After having finished it, I wish it delved into the reincarnation aspect a little further. Spoiler alert - we know through the context that reincarnation or some form of soul rebirth is happening between the two main characters, but they don't. I would have loved a little more understanding on their part to play into that part of the story. Overall, a good quick romance read!

Thanks to Viking Books for Young Readers (Penguin Books) and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book had so much potential, but it ultimately fell short for me. The main characters felt very one dimensional. They didn’t feel like real people so there was no way I could find myself invested in their relationship yet alone view them as soulmates.

It’s been a really long time since I’ve loved a book as completely as I did this one. David Arnold has truly mastered the art of creating vivid, imperfect, endearing characters. Shosh and Evan are no exception. They get into your heart and get stuck there.

One of my most favourite things about this book are the two loving families that surround Evan and Shosh. Both are going through some pretty traumatic stuff. Shosh’s family is grieving the loss of Shosh’s sister. As the family begins to heal, they show each other love in all the ways they know how. Evan’s dad left the family, and Evan’s mom is left working a bunch of jobs to support Evan and his little brother Will, whom Evan lovingly co-parents. But they stick together, and as busy as Evan’s mom is, she is always emotionally present and available for her kids.

Beyond characterization, the plot weaves together some seemingly disconnected threads, but as the story progresses, we begin to make sense of them, and a beautiful fabric emerges. As the universe, or fate, or whatever force you might imagine brings Shosh and Evan together, their connection gives them the strength they need to do brave and hard things. And they’re all the better for it.

Thank you David Arnold, Penguin Books, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. It was my privilege to read it.

David Arnold is one of my favorite authors.
I loved you in another life was good. Not one of his best and a bit confusing at times. BUT BUT David’s writing won me over. His prose and magical lyrical writing made the story for me. I enjoyed it. But like I said a bit confusing to follow.

4.5 stars Wow! I want to live in these words forever; reading I Loved You in Another Life was a visceral experience. The writing was rich and impactful. Quite often I ran face first into phrases and quotes that just sunk straight under my skin and took root in my mind. David Arnold has a way with words!

Then there were so many important things that this book faced head on: mental health, relationships, family, siblings, health and illness, death, loss, divorce, grief, friendship, love, support, self-care, alcoholism, passion, art, music, beauty... All of this was easier to handle with a healthy does of magical realism and interspersed glimpse into these 2 souls finding each other in life after life. It was magical and hopeful and beautiful and heart wrenching and real all at once.

There were just a couple things that might have made it the perfect book. I think the main story line actually went a bit slow or a bit long. Evan and Shosh's individual stories could have been a bit more succinct, it felt just a bit more drawn out than necessary.

And then, the only complaint I would have is about the language. If there weren't curse words I would be able to recommend this to any and all, especially youth, as I know that some are more comfortable with cursing than others. If I could offer this up to everyone I know without hesitation I would give it 5 stars, but it just might be too much for some more sensitive readers.

Overall, I loved living in this world and having these words be my world for a little while and I will now go read everything else David Arnold has to offer!

The title of this book drew me in and I was so happy to be able to read it. The writing was beautiful, and the characters were complex. It took me a few chapters to get into it and figure out what was going on, but stick with it and it will all be worth it. The story flowed beautifully and is one of those that will stick with you.

This book was good. I highly enjoyed it. It is a YA book though, which I read so that's ok. I loved the story line in this book so much! So amazing.
I just reviewed I Loved You in Another Life by David Arnold. #ILovedYouinAnotherLife #NetGalley
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I loved this book. I don’t normally read many contemporary stories but something about the description of this book really grabbed my attention. Everything from the snippets of history to the imaginings of the future were perfect and Evan and Shosh were perfect main characters. I loved that this book showcased all the forms of love. It made me laugh, it made me cry. And it made me feel every emotion in between. This book hit all the right notes and I can’t wait for everyone else to read it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was a solid read; it does have dual point of views with an occasional side of historical context thrown in. In my opinion this did make the story a little harder to follow because of the alternating points of view. There was poems and song lyrics scattered throughout which I thought was a nice touch and I overall enjoyed the story between the two main characters.

3.5/5 stars

Reviewed for NetGalley:

I could not get into this one. I tried multiple times to progress, but never got past 20 percent, unfortunately.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Almost a quarter of the way through the book, I was confused about what was happening. The formatting of the book also turned me off. I was really hoping to love this book, but unfortunately DNF it.

I want to thank NetGalley and Viking books for giving me the chance to review this eArc.

The premise, title, and cover of this book are all home runs. And while I can tell that the writing has potential to create a beautiful story, in its current state it misses the mark for me.

At about 30% into the book, I’m not sure I have any idea what’s going on. And I know that might be part of the point, but it makes it hard to get invested enough to push through. One of my biggest struggles was the actual formatting of the book. While fighting the uphill battle of understanding the plot, to not be able to smoothly move from one word to the next was just another roadblock.

Ultimately I DNFed at about 40%, it became to difficult to push through. My rating reflects the potential here, as I went forward to read some of the later passages which seem to live up to my initial expectations a bit better than the early stages of the story.

A poetic love story about two teens who come together through the songs of a mysterious singer.

Evan Taft has plans for his future, until his dad abruptly leaves his family, ultimately leaving Evan to take care of his mother and younger brother.
Shosh has big dreams to head into a career of performing arts, until her sister is killed by a drunk driver.
As both teens are feeling lost, sad, unfulfilled and unmotivated for their futures, they hear a voice singing; one that no one else can hear. "You hear her too," I say. She looks around, quietly hums a now-familiar song..
Author David Arnold tells the story through an alternating POV from both Evan and Shosh and incorporates poems and song lyrics to connect the two souls together through time.

I will admit it took a few chapters for me to understand what was happening with the story, as it was confusing at first knowing how all these characters were related. But, once I understood the structure of the story, I fell in love with the plot. If you're struggling with it, I encourage you to keep going. Ultimately the book is about how souls connect through time, present, past and future.

I'm a sucker for love stories, and this one hit the spot. It was just the right amount of "sappy" but different. I have yet to read a book that's like this one.

A passage from the book that stuck with me (please note that I am quoting an ARC of the book and therefore I am quoting uncorrected text):
"Hot Take: if therapy were a universal mandate, the universe would be improved by orders of magnitude."

I love that author David Arnold allowed himself to be vulnerable in writing this book. So much of this book revolves around his personal life - I encourage you to read the acknowledgements and gain a new perspective on the book.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me this arc.

I really expected much because I loved the cover and the title of this book but oh my, I'm sorry but I don't really like it after reading it. First of all, I don't actually know what's going on, it's all like puzzle pieces here for me. Second, it takes too long (half way through the book) for the main characters to meet. Third, it's kinda boring so it takes me a lot of time to convince myself to finish this one.

Pub Date: 10/10/23
CW: panic attacks, alcoholism, cancer diagnosis

As always, thank you to NetGalley Viking Books for the approval and eARC. this was one I had been looking forward to reading, as anything with soulmates has me in a chokehold.

I anticipated this one hurting, as one usually does with anything soulmate related but I was honestly very confused throughout the entire book. It took me forever to get through it, the pacing was slow and unfortunately this book didn’t have me in a chokehold like some others have.

At 35%, the main characters still hadn’t met yet, which was mildly frustrating, to say the least. I didn’t really understand the concept or how the author was trying to convey it. I thought I did, and then something would happen and I’d be like “wut???” all over again. Evan would be “speaking” but he wasn’t really speaking (at least I don’t think he was), and another character would respond anyways and overall it just didn’t make much sense, which, again, was unfortunate cause this had the potential to be a great book and concept.

I was very excited to be picked for this arc but I had a hard time immersing myself in the world. I would pick it up but I struggled to finish. The characters needed more life to them. The pacing of the story was also hard because it was very slow in the beginning. The plot kind of dragged along and I needed more from the characters.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.