A story about long lost twin sisters. This is very sweet and charming from the beginning. The main characters are wonderful. I definitely recommend this book

This is one of those books that you think are going into one direction just to surprise the reader. I really really loved this one, and hope to read more by this author in future.

I adore Laura Pearson's writing. It's so very insightful, moving, and has a unique edge to it. In the book, we initially read about two women's lives and are encouraged to challenge our assumptions about them. The book is written from the alternating POV's of Ruth and Debbie, two 62 year old women living separate lives, with different personalities, until they accidentally meet and discover they look identical. I love the way Laura handles the subject matter and the complexities of human relationships. There are strong themes of family, friendship, and identity as well as self-discovery. The comparison of Ruth and Debbie's lives and personalities is really interesting and examines the nature vs. nurture theory. I love the side characters, too, which bring a richness to the story. This is heartwarming, uplifting, emotional and it makes you think. Another triumph from Laura Pearson.

“The Woman Who Met Herself” by Laura Pearson is a story of self-discovery after a family secret held for decades comes to light. Debbie is a 62-year-old widow, going door to door to solicit donations for a charity. Ruth is a 62-year-old housewife running a baking business from home. When Ruth opens the door to Debbie, both are astounded. It’s like looking in the mirror. How is such a thing possible? Answers are difficult to come by since Debbie’s mother is dead, and Ruth’s mother has dementia.

I quite enjoyed this book, and I liked seeing the character development of these women as they navigated new identities for themselves and confronted their pasts. I’m six years older than Ruth, but sometimes I felt that Ruth’s mindset with some of the issues that she was facing in life (particularly with her husband) was a lot more like my mother’s generation than with mine.

Many thanks to Net Galley and to the publisher for an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.

First of all…. What a beautiful cover for Laura’s latest release - isn’t it gorgeous.

Who would ever think that knocking on someones front door would take you on an unexpected journey of discovery and open a can of worms which may cause more harm than good?
When Rita, 62 knocks on a door to try and raise some donations for a charity she works for but gets a shock of her life when the person who answers the door is a lady who is identical to herself…
Rita, naturally is in shock and leaves the other lady standing there equally shocked but neither have any idea on who the other person is and what connects them - if anything.
The story continues where both Rita and her ‘doppleganger’ Debbie meet up to try and resolve this mystery but with neither lady knowing much it all leads to asking fellow family members - the first being Rita’s step mum who is in a care home and living with memory loss conditions.

Willl the ladies get the answers they seek or will it lead to more unanswered questions and heartache?

Every time I read a new release from Pearson I declare it as my new favourite...Guess what? This is the fifth book of hers I've read and another easily deserving of a five star rating!

It's an absolutely wonderful and somewhat moving story of sisters, twins in fact, both of whom have no idea of the other's existence.

Both Ruth and Debbie are fantastic characters; credible and engaging. Apart from their looks there was nothing that screamed twins. They were so different in personality and temperament.

Beautifully written and a delight to read.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Woman Who Met Herself' by Laura Pearson.

Another absolutely fabulous, beautiful, unique, emotive and stunning must read from this incredible author!!! Absolutely love, love, loved it!!! This book has fantastic descriptions that set you straight in the scenes. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this stunning, unique feel good page turner!! Well done Laura on yet another thought provoking page turning beauty! The storyline itself was absolutely unputdownable so make sure you clear your schedules before starting to read it!!

Laura does it yet again!! I mean, seriously lady!!! How can you keep coming up with some superb, unique and stunning storylines each and every single time??? I just absolutely adored everything when it comes to this book and it really is one of the most stunning books I have read this year!! Grab this book today and fall in love with Laura Pearson, Debbie and Ruth!!! Laura has such an absolutely amazing, creative and imaginative brain to come up with these absolutely beautiful, thought provoking and one of a kind storylines that she creates! I was fascinated watching how Debbie and Ruth's personalities, friendships and relationships developed and changed throughout the book. It was absolutely gorgeous watching the characters all grow, develop and change as they each went through their own heartbreak, dramas, life changes, romances and much more. I was rooting for both Debbie and Ruth throughout needing them to get their happy ever afters!!! If you are looking for a stunning read filled with romance, intrigue, friendship, family, feel good moments and so much more then this is definitely the perfect book for you!! Laura's evocative writing skills sucks the reader seep into the pages bringing the storyline to life along with all the amazing characters. While reading this book you will kept swept away and left feeling happy and filled with warmth. This book is an absolutely stunning and thought provoking read that is perfect to lift your spirits!! I think this is definitely one of the most, if not the most thought provoking and unique book that I have ever read, just an absolute treasure!!! The previous ones also being other books by this amazingly talented author. When turning the pages of this must read Laura takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions from heartbreak, happiness, love, sadness, bliss and so much more!! I truly felt like I was next to Ruth and Debbie throughout the book. I devoured this book in a few hours as it is one of those that I just could not put down. There were so many times that I told myself that I would just finish the one chapter and then go back to it but that chapter ended in a way that I could not put it down and then the next one did and then the next and so on until I came to very last page. I would absolutely love to see this beauty turned into a movie and I will be at the front of the queue to go and see it!! Laura's writing skills will absolutely absorb you into the book and whether you are in the world you will be devoured in the story in the blink of an eye.

Clear your schedules and grab your tissues. I could not put this stunning, unique and emotive book down and devoured it in a few hours!!!

The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in Debbie and Ruth along with each and every one of the other characters and I already miss most of them even though I have just closed the pages. All of the characters are intriguing, unique, strong and I absolutely loved meeting each and everyone one of them. The only disappointment is that they are not actually real as I would love to sit down and have a cuppa with them and get to know even more about them all. It absolutely loved being able to see the characters develop their personalities, relationships and friendships amongst other things, seeing them grow in strength and empowering themselves and each other. An absolutely amazing collection of characters who will stay with me for a long time and I am already missing them. Laura's evocative writing skills didn't just bring the storyline to life but also this amazing group of characters so another huge well done Laura.

What are you waiting for?!? Pick up one of my favourite, unique and thought provoking page turners and get ready to get sucked in to this addictive book!!!

ANOTHER MASSIVE WELL DONE to Laura on yet another HUGE success!!! I loved every page of your book and I cannot wait to read more past and future amazing books. This is exactly why you are on my FAVOURITE authors list and I cannot wait for your next page turner. Here's to your next success 🥂!

Overall an unputdownable, unforgettable, unique book that will keep you hooked!!

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I absolutely loved this book! It’s so far removed from my usual picks of crime and psychological thrillers but I loved the cover, intrigued by the ‘blurb’ and keen for a different read.

The Woman Who Met Herself is as much a page turner as the fast paced, heart racing thrillers I’ve read recently. I honestly couldn’t put it down and was desperate to find out what was going to happen next to Ruth and Debbie, and those around them.

I found it an uplifting and heartwarming story, beautifully told. There were so many times I reread a passage because it was so insightfully written.

This is my first Laura Pearson book… it certainly won’t be my last! I’m off to scout out her back catalogue!

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to find this fantastic author.

Debbie lost her husband of many years and decided to move to Loughborough. Now renting a house and working part-time as a charity fundraiser, she is open to change. One day she knocks on a door and is confronted by a woman who looks exactly like her, but Debbie was an only child and had no family that she knew of. Ruth is a wife and mother who lives a comfortable, if rather demanding life, until the day a woman knocks on her door, a woman who looks just like her.
Laura Pearson writes light but interesting stories that have more depth than 'chick-lit' but are not self-absorbed like many. They appeal to a certain demographic and mentions in the text of 'Good Housekeeping' are pretty spot on. However, I really like these books as a bit of light relief. I know that when I sit down with a Laura Pearson book i'm going to have a couple of hours of pleasant, non-demanding reading that just relaxes and comforts. This book is no exception, an unusual premise, handled sensitively and thoroughly enjoyable.

This is a unique story of strangers Ruth and Debbie who met unexpectedly and discovering they are identical twins. The only person who can seemingly solve this mystery has dementia.

It is an emotional and extraordinary story of self discovery, family, love, secrets and sisterhood. This is a book on contentment and how the grass is not always greener and what might have been.

The author approaches this sensitive plot with grace and empathy. The main characters are related- same yet different, graceful yet unruly, brave yet afraid. She captured the essence and nuances of twins.

I loved how the story had a mix of the past giving an inkling as to what might have happened. It was an enjoyable read which will stay with me.

Women’s fiction lovers will certainly enjoy this.

It’s said that everyone has a doppelgänger but recently widowed Debbie Jones gets the shock of her life when she knocks on a door to find the woman staring back at her is her absolute double. Ruth Waverley is equally disturbed by the sight of a woman who looks exactly like her is standing at her doorstep. With this fateful meeting the lives of these two lovely women is about to change forever.

It’s an interesting scenario meeting a twin you never knew existed and this is explored in a really sympathetic way in a beautifully written story which gradually reveals the truth about both Debbie and Ruth and the reasons for their separation. Whilst the emotional impact comes from Debbie and Ruth’s reaction there is also the hidden nuances of those characters who are on the periphery particularly Ruth’s sister Kate and her elderly mother. There are hidden secrets which have been kept from both women and it was fascinating to see their lives placed under the spotlight and to observe how they each coped with the upheaval in their lives.

I thought this was a fabulous read, with two strong women who are each facing a momentous change in their lives going forward. You can’t help but be absolutely absorbed in the minutiae of their lives, their growing attachment to each other which comes from a sense of recognition, and with lovely observations of them attempting to rekindle that unshakable bond which they must have once shared as babies before their lives changed forever.

Life can get boring, especially as you age, set in your ways the sameness day in and day out can wear on you. There's not much to look forward to.
But then, purely by chance two women come face to face with each other, they look identical but didn't know the other existed even though at one time they developed in the same womb, legs and arms entwined.
These women are similar but yet so different, having been adopted with different upbringings they are trying to adjust to finding each other and the consequences of not having had each other in their lives up until this point.
The storyline is eye-opening and interesting. We get a bit of a backstory, and this is really a very emotional read.
I will be reading more by the author.


I was given a complimentary copy of the book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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.

This is a gorgeous book, simultaneously full of heartbreak and joy. Both Ruth and Debbie were fabulous main characters and Laura Pearson has done a brilliant job in bringing them to life on the page.

It is no spoiler when I say that it quickly becomes evident that they are identical twins who were separated at an early point in their lives. Their lives have taken very different paths and observing how their relationship develops made for wonderful reading.

The author tells her story with skill. The result is this wonderfully uplifting and heartwarming story which was a joy to read. I highly recommend it.

Something a bit different in this story. When two women accidentally come face to face with each other they are seeing themselves in the other. At first they walk away but one of them feels she should find out how this is possible. Lovely story of finding a family and hearing a back story of the life you never knew you had. Very interesting

Imagine meeting - purely by chance - a woman who looks exactly like you. Same face, same voice, same age. Clearly, 62-year-old Debbie and Ruth are identical twins, but neither had any idea the other existed.

The Woman Who Met Herself follows Debbie and Ruth as they try to deal with this, to put it mildly, unexpected revelation, and to find out how the situation came about. They are the same yet different - Debbie, a widow, is less well-to-do but freer, while Ruth - married with adult twin sons - lives a more constricted life. Neither was adopted, as far as they know. As they grow to know each other, their lives will change in other ways, too.

A great read, and it's nice to see older women being centred for once.

I loved this book. It tells the story of Debbie and Ruth, two women in their 60’s, one is married with children, the other a widow with no children. One day they meet and are stunned to see themselves looking back at them. They must be related, even twins but one thought she was an only child, the other already has a sister. They start to investigate their family history and family secrets are exposed. Will they find out the truth, will life ever be the same again.

Laura has done it again, another great family story that you want to read but do not want the book to end.

The Woman Who Met Herself is an interesting story. The premise is engaging and the book is written in a way that has you wanting to keep reading to find out how the story unfolds.

The main characters, Ruth & Debbie, are very interesting and though similar have very different personalities and lives. There are also interesting secondary characters and storylines.

There are parts that feel quite emotional and the story tackles some big issues including motherhood, loss, abortion, mental health, divorce, homosexuality. There were parts that felt a bit repetitive - that the author did not need to rehash and that impacted my reading slightly.

Overall though, I enjoyed this story and would be interested in reading additional works written by this author.

3.75 stars

The Woman Who Met Herself was a sweet, heartwarming story about finding yourself, family and friendship. A chance meeting has Debbie and Ruth seeing each other and looking identical. With a bit of bravery, Debbie reaches out to Ruth, and together they try to work out what's going on, what happened and forge a relationship. Over time both Ruth and Debbie learn more about themselves and grow as people - demonstrating there is still chances for happiness whatever your age.
There is also the difficult topic with Ruth and Kate's (Ruth's sister) Mum having dementia and the heartache this brings.
I would have liked more about the extended family Debbie gained. The focus was soley on Ruth, but Debbie had also gained newphews in Ruth's sons, and a half sister in Ruth's sister. This was ignored completely.
The story pulled at the heartstrings and was well worth the read.

Can you imagine opening your front door and standing on the door step is someone who looks like you ? This is what happened when Ruth answers a knock on her door and standing there is Debbie who not only looks a bit like her it’s like Ruth is looking into a mirror image of herself as these two women are identical.
What follows is an absolutely gorgeous read of two people coming to terms with who they are and discovering themselves. As we progress through the book we get to know both women and their families and we slowly learn the reasons behind what happened to both ladies. This was at times an emotional read and I loved every chapter. The Woman Who Met Herself is yet again another superb read by Laura Pearson.