Portobello Book Blog

The Life We Almost Had is the first novel from Amelia Henley. But Amelia Henley is by no means a debut novelist. She is the alter-ego of successful psychological thriller writer Louise Jensen. Now I have to confess that I haven’t read any of those books as I thought they looked a bit dark for me. As Louise, she visited the blog back in December 2017 where she wrote a short story for a Christmas feature I was running. It’s called Turkey and Tradition and if you fancy reading it, click here. So can a psychological thriller writer make the switch to being a romance writer? Well, yes indeed she can and this is a memorable read.

This is one of those books that you really can’t say much about at all for fear of spoiling the plot for others. It’s the love story of Anna and Adam and as it says on the back, it’s not a typical love story. Adam first meets Anna when he is holiday and she is on her honeymoon. Except it’s not really her honeymoon as she was jilted before the big day and she is on the holiday instead with her friend. Neither are looking for love but we all know what love thinks of that! Despite their deep emotional connection though, as time goes by things happen which threaten their relationship and it seems that perhaps they are not fated to be together after all. And that’s all I’m saying about the plot!

My goodness Amelia Henley puts her characters and her readers through the emotional wringer. I was smitten with the Anna and Adam from the beginning and felt their love, pain and disappointment flowing through the pages. One thing I felt was a bit different about this novel, and this perhaps comes from the author’s thriller writing past, is that it is a fast paced book. the chapters are short, generally told in alternate voices by Anna and Adam and there’s a lot of foreshadowing. This makes it a really gripping page-turner – words I’d usually reserve for a thriller but absolutely true here. And if you think that won’t work for a love story, you are wrong. It works beautifully.

This is most definitely not a typical love story. There are things which happen which I am sure you will never have read about in any other book and will never be able to guess. It’s a very clever book and an emotionally engaging one too. Have I intrigued you? Then get yourself a copy and find out for yourself.

My thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for having me as part of the tour and for the review copy of the book from HQ Stories. The Life We Almost Had is available now in all formats. At the time of writing the Kindle edition is a mere 99p – treat yourself! You’ll find buying options for various retailers on the HQ website here: The Life We Almost Had

From the back of the book

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.

About the author

Amelia Henley is a hopeless romantic who has a penchant for exploring the intricacies of relationships through writing heartbreaking, high-concept love stories.

Amelia also writes psychological thrillers under her real name, Louise Jensen. As Louise Jensen she has sold over a million copies of her global number one bestsellers. Her stories have been translated into twenty-five languages and optioned for TV as well as featuring on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestsellers list. Louise’s books have been nominated for multiple awards.

The Life We Almost Had is the first story she’s written as Amelia Henley and she can’t wait to share it with readers.