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.

imagine opening the door and seeing yourself!
a book about family and belonging, about how different people may look the same but have completely different lives and where they fit in with each other.
it’s a book about finding yourself and finding happiness

The Woman Who Met Herself by Laura Pearson

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

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…

My Opinion

Laura Pearson has once again come up with an interesting concept for a book. I am always on the lookout for upcoming releases as I really do like the writing style. The Woman Who Met Herself was a very enjoyable read. Another uplifting read from Laura Pearson.

Rating 4/5

As a child I always fantasised I was twin. I cannot begin to imagine what it would be like to open my front door to a twin I didn’t know I had – when I was in my 60s!

I loved the premise of this book and enjoyed the way the story unfolded. I hadn’t previously read any of Laura Pearson’s books, and I’m looking forward to reading her earlier works.

4 stars

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance copy.

A book about finding someone you never knew you’d lost or needed. About making friends and facing secrets of the past.

If you’ve read the synopsis, you will already have a good idea of what this story entails, and you are in for a treat. Laura Pearson has once again pushed the boundaries and created a story that challenges the reader’s imagination.
When we first meet Debbie, she is determined to start afresh away from her memories and sadness at losing her husband. She rents a flat and applies for a job working for a charity, looking for people to subscribe by direct debit with regular instalments. She finds herself working alongside two college students with whom she soon forms a strong bond despite their age difference. I rather liked Debbie and enjoyed noticing how incredibly kind she was. Her willingness to bond with the young men she worked with and her passion for the charity. It wasn’t just a job to her; she truly believed she had found an opportunity to help others.
Ruth is an empty nester. She lives with her husband, bakes for pin money, and regularly visits her mother in the nursing home. Her life is unremarkably safe and repetitive. When her younger son returns home after losing his job, she begins to feel a moment of fulfilment that she perceives to be missing from her life. Ruth’s life has become smaller since her sons left home. She has her husband and sister, but nothing seems to be just for her. I found her husband to be a chore, and his manner spoke of misogyny and jaded tolerance.
The moment Ruth opens the door to Debbie, everything changes.
Like all of Laura’s books, this one will stay with me and be an automatic recommendation. The sympathetic handling of Ruth’s experience with her mother’s dementia was sad but not embellished, and I found that reassuring.
I do hope you take a chance to read this book. I found it to be cathartic, intriguing, and beautiful. I can highly recommend it.

3.75🌟

The Woman Who Met Herself is out of my usual comfort zone for books, but I'm glad I gave it a shot. It's more character than plot-driven, which I usually don't reach for, but this is done well. There are many layers to the characters. Debbie and Ruth are so different yet so similar, and both have a touch of feeling that the grass is greener on the other side. Some of the grief-related content was difficult to read for me, as it hit close to home.

Recommended for fans of heartwarming contemporary literature.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

The Woman who Met herself by Laura Pearson⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another great book from this author. Ruth and Debbie stumble across each other and they look identical. There unfolds a story of families. Loved all the characters. Such a lovely book.

A beautifully written story of family, of connection, of hope and love.
I’m a huge fan of Laura Pearson’s writing and this is another wonderful story.
Emotional and warm-hearted, this is a voyage of discovery for both Debbie and Ruth, of eachother, and of themselves.
It was fascinating seeing how both characters grew through the story as they realised what was important in their lives. Written sensitively and with love, this is a brilliant addition to the Laura Pearson bookshelf.

I loved the relationships between women in this book. Ruth and Debbie's different outlooks and experiences of life made for interesting reading and Ruth's husband had me shouting at the book, "Leave him!"
Laura Pearson's writing feels so real. I loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley.

A few weeks ago, I posted about an author I love and I said that I was genetically predisposed to love her books! I think that, having now read four of Laura Pearson's books, I am almost prepared to make that same declaration for her! I love her unusual ideas and the ways that she goes about writing them

When there is an unexpected knock at her door, Ruth Waverley has no idea that her life is going to be completely changed. Standing on the other side is widow Debbie Jones who is working as a charity doorknocker. When the door opens, they see a woman who looks practically identical to themselves. After the initial shock wears off Ruth and Debbie agree to meet to begin to discover each other's pasts. After all, it can't just be a coincidence that they look so alike.

Ruth has been married to Nigel for many years. They have raised twin boys, and now she has a cherished granddaughter. She bakes cakes from her home kitchen - fancy birthday cakes and the like - but she doesn't really feel seen by her family, especially by her husband. She and her younger sister Kate are also dealing with their elderly mum whose dementia is getting worse. There are the clear days when she recognises her children, but other days she has no idea who they are.

Debbie has just started her job working for the charity. Her husband Richie died unexpectedly the year before so she loves that this job will keep getting her out and about and that she will be meeting people. She quickly forms a bond with her co-workers Jitu and Matty. She really is a people person. People are drawn to her. She also has a bit of an adventurous spirit.

As the two women try to figure out exactly how they are connected and what led to their separation, family secrets are revealed that have been kept hidden for more than 60 years come to light. We see the two women as they begin to form a bond, which brings challenging moments for Kate as well. It isn't only a book about looking to the past though. It is a chance for both women to reevaluate their lives and decide if they want to make changes going forward to be able to live their best lives.

I am someone who has a face that people recognise. Just last week a woman was looking at me as we walked past each other and asked if we knew each other to which my answer was no. She told me that I definitely have a doppelganger who lives on the other side of the city! The idea of actually meeting a doppelganger though...that would be quite freaky!

The previous books I have read from Laura Pearson all had an element of magical realism in them but this one doesn't. It relies on the unusual premise for the framework and it works! This is another fine book from Laura Pearson, a real treat on many levels! I enjoyed the way that she weaves serious issues through her stories, without ever feeling too heavy, and yet I get all the feels from reading her books too!

I do have a few more Laura Pearson books to read, and I will get to them, especially when I need something magical to take me away from my own life!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 4.5/5

What an amazingly unique story. I think my reaction when reading the scene when Debbie and Ruth first see each other was probably very similar to their own. I instantly had a million and one questions about how and why.

I really enjoyed getting to know Debbie, like other characters in the book I found myself drawn to her, there was an energy to her that came across even on the page. I liked how she connected with the young lads she was working with and how Jitu goes to her for help.

Seeing a life lived from two identical twins who were given different life choices was really interesting and I found Ruth to be interesting and after meeting Debbie she is able to be brave and take control of her life.

I really enjoyed reading this and watching the story unfold about how these two women grew up without knowing about the other. As with other Laura Pearson books, you really won’t be disappointed after reading it.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed reading this book.

We meet Ruth and Debbie, whose lives are so different from each other, for Ruth, she’s has her family to take care of and loves baking.

Whereas Debbie is making a fresh start in a new place, making new friends as she as she goes.

When they both meet, everything changes. Following which secrets that both weren’t aware of are revealed and because of this people’s lives are changed.

I recommend this book.

Debbie treats everyday like a new adventure and a new opportunity. Widowed a year ago she has recently moved to a new town to give herself a fresh start, including a new job collecting donations door to door for a mental health charity. Her first day is off to a great start, until she knocks on a door and sees her exact double open the door. Ruth’s life is going ok but she feels like with her children grown up and a disinterested husband she would like more in her life. And then she opens her door to see her doppelgänger.
I have yet to meet a @laurapauthor book I don’t like. I really enjoyed #thewomanwhometherself which releases May 25.
Both woman in this story are so incredibly different and so very loveable. Their own unique ways in which they view the world was wonderful. And the way they attempt to handle having the rug pulled out from under them both as individuals and as a team was great.
Thank you to @netgalley and @theboldbookclub for letting me be a reviewer for this one.
#bookstagram #bookreccomendation #bookreview #bookworm #bookstagrammer #booklover

This is the first book I have read by this author but certainly will be reading more. What a great writer and story teller. Not my usual genre of book to read but I’m glad I chose it. The main plot revolves around Ruth and Debbie who when they first meet are strangers to each other but have the strongest of connections. The plot follows their evolving relationship, personal histories and experiences. I was totally engaged in their stories and the author deals with relationships, loss, life’s disappointments, and mental health in a way that draws you into the lives of the characters in the novel. It was sad, funny, complex and simple so that the reader is taken through a range of experiences and emotions that make for a totally engaging read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a ARC of the book.

Well, this was just glorious. It's my second Laura Pearson book (I adored The Last List of Mabel Beaumont) and I can't wait to read all the others.

I went into the book cold - I had forgotten the blurb I had read - and so really wasn't sure where it would go. There's always a hint of magic realism in Laura's books, so there were so many tangents this story could have taken. Not immediately seeing the direction of the story is testament to the writing standard; it wasn't obvious or easy to spot the path I was being taken down. Even after the large reveal, there are so many intricacies in the situation that came to light bit by bit, meaning it's never boring and keeps you engaged.

The characters' reactions to finding a twin they never knew existed in their 60s were so believable. I found myself constantly thinking 'Yep, that's how I would have felt too' or 'I would've asked that as well' and I think this is one of the things that I love about Laura Pearson's writing, she presents genuine ordinary people tackling huge life events and this allows for humanity and vulnerability to always be visible. It's a wonderful story that will make you gasp and laugh, and cry in equal measure.

There's social commentary throughout too - women giving up their sense of themselves for family and others has happened in both Debbie and Ruth's lives, even though the lives themselves have been completely different.

This book is a a reminder that it's never too late to craft the kind of life you want.

The Woman Who Met Herself is a touching and heartfelt novel about identity, family, and rediscovery. It follows Debbie and Ruth- two women leading separate lives until a chance encounter reveals they are long-lost twins. As they uncover the mystery of their separation, both women embark on emotional journeys that lead to healing, self-discovery, and love.

Laura Pearson delivers a sweet and moving story with relatable characters and emotional depth. Perfect for fans of contemporary fiction that explores the bonds of family and the power of connection.

Laura is a reasonably new author to me but I think this is the 4th of her books I’ve read now! I find them so well written and easy to relate to with her characters.
This is a tricky one to review without giving too much away but just what connects Ruth, a steady mother of grown up children, with Debbie, a widow who has moved to her deceased mother’s home town on a whim?
I devoured this book, such an engrossing read.
Would highly recommend.

I was really excited to receive an ARC of The Woman Who Met Herself, especially since I absolutely loved one of Laura Pearson’s previous books. She has a gift for writing deeply human stories, and I couldn’t wait to dive into this one.

That said, it took me a while to get into the story. I spent over two weeks making it through the first 50%—a classic case of "it’s not me, it’s you." I even jokingly referred to it as the midlife crisis woman book while reading. But then something shifted. I decided to give it a fair shot and ended up finishing the second half in under two days.

This book is about so much—family, new friendships, relationships, grief, mental health, miscarriages… you name it, it’s in there. But somehow it never feels like too much. Reading it feels like having coffee with a friend and listening to them share the story of their life—intimate, real, and deeply moving.

I did miss the touch of magic I’ve found in some of Pearson’s other work, that extra spark that made them unforgettable for me. Still, The Woman Who Met Herself is a thoughtful, emotional read that I ultimately quite enjoyed. I’d recommend it, especially to readers who appreciate stories about personal growth and the messy, beautiful complexity of life.

I love Laura Pearson's books; this is my sixth read by the author. I Wanted You To Know and The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine were five-star reads for me, while The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up, Missing Pieces, and The Many Futures of Maddy Hart were four-star reads. Laura Pearson continues to deliver as one of my favourite writers of women's fiction. She always has unique plotlines, but she tells every story about self-discovery and family secrets. They're always very touching and thought-provoking.

This story is about Debbie and Ruth, who meet by happenstance and discover they are identical twins. Imagine meeting your twin for the first time at age sixty-two. The author brilliantly weaves a story so heartfelt and real that I felt like I was friends with these ladies. What I found interesting was that even though Debbie and Ruth are similar in looks, and they started out together yet their lives took such different paths. Debbie loves adventure, Ruth likes the comforts of home and routine. Both are interesting and compelling, just in different ways. I loved how they were both game to get to know each other and try to find some sort of connection. It was such an emotional journey for both of them, and I was so glad to be along for the ride.

This is so much more than a book about two women who look alike, it's about learning something new about yourself while learning about someone else. It's about putting your needs first, as you're no good to anyone if you're not good to yourself. It's about life's surprises, making the most of every day, and most of all, it reminded me that it is never too late to

is more than just a story about look-alikes; it's about finding oneself, forging unexpected bonds, and discovering the beauty of human connection. Pearson's writing is both poignant and uplifting, reminding us that life is full of surprises and that it's never too late to reinvent ourselves. I highly recommend this book and everything else by Laura Pearson. She writes the type of beautiful stories that stay with the reader long after the final page.