Cover Image: The Day We Meet Again

The Day We Meet Again

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Member Reviews

A feel good book easy to read especially as I was on a beach relaxing at the time. characters  were well defined but the plot a bit less so.   Only a minimum of research would have put a London to Edinburgh train at Kings Cross as I see other reviewers have pointed out.
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This is a feel good romance in which delays to trains at leads to unexpected heartache.
Sam and Phoebe have plans – he is going to Scotland to find his family; she is taking a tear out to travel and find herself.  When they meet the attraction is instantaneous but as circumstances force them apart they agree to meet one year later, same time, same place.
Two stories intertwined with breath taking scenery, engaging characters and hope of a future together.
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Phoebe and Sam meet by the Betjeman statue in a very crowded St Pancras station in London when all the trains have been delayed for hours. They feel an immediate spark between them, slipping easily into conversation as though they have known each other for years. The snag is that both are about to head off on grand adventures which will see them apart for a year. Despite only knowing each other a few hours, they sense that they are just right for each other and agree to meet in the same place exactly a year on.

‘We’ll meet again at St Pancras station, a year from today. If we’re meant to be together, we’ll both be there. If we’re not, it was never meant to be . . .’

Oh how I loved the part of the book where Sam and Phoebe meet. It was just so romantic, the idea of them falling in love at first sight and feeling that strong connection so immediately just had me melting. I also loved their agreement - if it was meant to be, it would all work out for them. While they were apart, they agreed only to contact each other once a month. Well, that didn't last long and I did so enjoy their text messages as they began to get to know each other more.

Sam was off to Mull for a year, the island where he was born, and part of what he wanted to achieve on his year out was to try to find out what had happened to his family way back when he was little. This is a place like many island communities where everyone knows everyone and Sam is sure that he will be able to uncover the mystery. I don't want to say too much about that so as not to spoil the plot, but will say it was quite an emotional journey that ends up bringing him right here to Edinburgh. It has been a long time since I have been to Mull but after reading Miranda Dickinson's descriptions of the island, it's very tempting to hop on a train myself and find a wee pub with a cosy fire and some folk musicians playing. And maybe get snowed as happens at one point although admittedly that's not likely this fine Autumn day!

Phoebe's journey was rather more adventurous as she was spending a whole year travelling and working in Europe. This was a real challenge for her, and one many of her friends thought she wouldn't have the courage to do but she proved them wrong. It sounded like a great way to spend a year but also a bit scary. Her job restocking a library in Italy sounded idyllic. I liked the way that Phoebe seemed to grow more confident with each challenge she faced until one which just proved too much - I'll say no more!

The author managed to keep up the whole 'will they, won't they' idea throughout the book, throwing in a few surprises along the way. I do feel that this would make a fantastic film, the kind that would have starred Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan when they were younger. It's a gorgeously romantic story to warm your heart and make you believe in the possibility of love at first sight.
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A poignant love story like no other that I have read.  Romance is not usually my genre, but this is beautifully written.

Phoebe and Sam are both held up waiting for their delayed trains in St Pancreas station.  It is literally love at first sight.  They only have a short time together before setting off in different directions.  They connect and share as much about themselves as they can.  

Phoebe is embarking on a year's travel and exploration in Europe to experience it as some of her favourite authors have.

Same is returning to his birthplace, Mull, to see how he feels about the people and the place.  He needs to feel that he has a history he can explore.

These two characters draw you in and you cannot help but wish happiness is going to be for them both.  The descriptions of the places they visit are very vivid and well documentary.

I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased.  My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
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The story between Phoebe and Sam starts at St Pancras station, when they accidentally bump into each other, and found out love at first sight does actually exist, but they both have to leave for a year! Sam is going to Scotland to find information about his father and find out where he lives/or if he is still alive . 
Phoebe is going travelling to Paris and Italy to help find herself and gain confidence. When the 12 months are up, will Phoebe and Sam arrive back into St Pancras, and meet up? Or will someone end up with heartbreak?
It took me a while to get into this book, as I was only interested in Phoebe’s travels (sorry Sam!), however I still got annoyed how attached they got to each other even thought they have only met once!. 
The Last 40% of the book, I got really into and was racing to see what happened at the ending, and I wasn’t disappointed. I would really recommend reading/going to buy the book This book is perfect if you read One Day in December!
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Two and a half star rating.
Train troubles take strangers Sam and Phoebe on a trip of a lifetime.  A frothy, chic lit kind of a story.  What I can’t get round is why someone who lives in London would be going to Scotland from St Pancras when literally just across the road is Kings Cross station and a direct train service - doesn’t make much sense!  Then again, neither do the actions of this pair who were pretty tiresome to say the least, as we “chuffed” along to the end.  I’d expected far more from this book, so it was quite a disappointment.  The idea was great and I loved the description and the way it was written, but it all fell a little flat in my opinion.
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The Day We Meet Again by Miranda Dickinson is a beautiful contemporary love story that will enchant from the start.
Do you believe in love at first sight? A love that blossoms and takes over your whole life is a beautiful sight to see. “It feels… like my world just exploded into colour.” Due to Miranda Dickinson’s ability to weave her words, the reader ‘feels’ enveloped in an atmosphere of love. We can sense the depth of feeling and feel the invisible tie that binds.
The whole novel is beautifully written. The reader feels part of the action as we get caught up in the emotions.
The novel is so much more than just a love story. It is an exploration of roots. A character wants to know if they are a product of their genes or their upbringing. We all want to know where we come from. “Where you come from is rooted deep within.” We are not our parents. “You’re not him… you don’t have to repeat [his] mistakes.” We are unique and not destined to repeat the sins of our fathers.
The past may be a cruel place. Life deals blows. Trust is hard to come by. Fear not faith rules lives. Fear prevents us from living fully. We are alive but only going through the emotions. We need to take a risk and learn to trust again. “Where love is, hope is there too.” 
Miranda Dickinson masterfully uses her words to paint scenes. The novel is in two halves – on Mull and in Edinburgh, and travelling through Europe. These two contrasting locations spell freedom in contrast to stifling London.
The novel is written in the first person from the points of view of both Sam and Phoebe. Their voices alternate in the chapters. We come to know them intimately. They are both realistic and likable. The dialogue flows effortlessly between them.
I adored The Day We Meet Again. Love oozed from the pages, swirling around me. This was my first book by Miranda Dickinson but I shall be hunting out more.
I want to leave you with my favourite quote:
“Kindness has power and your words have the potential to change the world.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
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A chance meeting at Sir John Betjeman's statue in St Pancras station seems serendipitous, but Sam is on his way to the Scottish Isles and Phoebe is off to France for the trip of a lifetime. Both are searching for something, their journeys more emotional than geographic, but something happens at the station, but will it have a happy ending?

The two main characters are lovely, but also frustrating, they both have emotional damage, and anxiety, which in some ways increases as the story progresses. The setting and cast of characters for their travelogue is wonderful and gives the story authenticity and depth, as they start to realise the true purpose of their year away from their everyday lives.

The twist stops this story from being predictable. The last part of the book shows how the couple have developed emotionally but is it enough for them to live fulfilled lives?

A story of self-discovery, friendship and love, with just a hint of magic.

I received a copy of this book from HQ in return for an honest review.
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This is a book that I could imagine as a Netflix romcom that I'd put on for background noise but secretly love.

Sam and Phoebe meet by chance at St Pancras station when their trains are delayed. Sam is going to the Isle of Mull in search of his dad and Phoebe is spending a year between France and Italy. They get to know each other well in a few hours and agree to meet back at St Pancras in a years time, once they've done what they've set out to do.

With most romance books, I always need to suspend belief and just go with the cheesiness. I love the characters of Sam and Phoebe and their individual stories of their adventures during that year are really well written but it seems so long. When the year is up, it feels like everything is a little rushed and how the story goes in the last 30% of the book irked me a bit.
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When I started this I had a feeling it was going to be a cringey meet-cute story but it wasn’t, i felt like it went on a bit but it wasn’t cringey like I expected. I loved how after Phoebe and Sam met they didn’t give up on their individual plans and continued with their journeys and how they both sent postcards to each other on their journeys. I loved everyone Phoebe met on her journey and I particularly loved the pebble idea, such a lovely way to spread joy and leave a little message for people to brighten their days. I think that’s something I may get do in the future so thank you Miranda for the idea. Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this, I enjoyed it even though I thought I wasn’t going to 😂.
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Good escapism!  I found the descriptions of places fantastic; evocative without being overly described. Fairly predictable love story with a great premise. Can love at first sight last a year with little contact?  Lovely descriptions of minor characters, finely drawn but so realistic. I really enjoyed the idea of the pebble painting. Sunny afternoon on the beach read.
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32 year old Phoebe Jones is off on a European adventure, travelling for a year. She’s having second thoughts which are only made stronger by the delay of all trains at St Pancras. Sam Mullins doesn’t do complications and he’s taking a year to go back to his childhood home on the Island of Mull. They have an instant connection and share as much as they can about each other while waiting to go their separate ways. Even if you don’t believe in fate you will believe that this was meant to be. 🙂

I loved both narrations and was engrossed in their separate lives as they learn about themselves, where they belong and life. Phoebe making new friends and experiencing the life of a local in the places that she stays and Sam on his quest to find out more about his childhood really is compelling. Phoebe’s burgeoning confidence is awesome! During the first half of the story I think I identified more with her purely because Sam had his barriers up and wouldn’t let us in.

The settings feel so real. I’ve been taken to Montmarte, Rome and Puglia with Phoebe. Sam has taken me to Edinburgh, Scotland and the Island of Mull. With both, Cornwall and London. What an itinerary!

So I’m reading along, absorbed in their lives when bang! Woah. I didn’t see that coming. One decision really does change everything. Such an emotional read for the rest of the story. I wasn’t really sure where Miranda Dickinson was taking us. But I had quite a few tears. And what a tense run up to the ending! Totally wrung out emotionally and a sobbing wreck at the final scene. Perfection.

So much to love in this story but especially:

The gift from Luc and Tobi and how it is used
Square Jehan-Rictus and the moment of epiphany
The gift from Giana and the effect it has
The musical/creative theme

The Day We Meet Again isn’t your usual will they/won’t they romance. There’s so much to experience on this romantic adventure that you don’t want to miss. Highly recommended.
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Loved this book, told from the perspective of both Sam and Phoebe, I adored the characters and felt like I was with them the whole way through the book. Highly recommend
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This would probably be a good choice for hardcore romance fans, but not enough layers, depth or conflict for me, unfortunately.
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Well what can I say. I've not read any miranda Dickinson for a little while this one did not disappoint this was read whilst sunbathing in one day. certainly wont be the last one I read. I just wanted to keep reading to see what happened. one bit did give me a teary eye thankfully I had sunglasses on.
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The day we meet again was more complicated than I first thought it would be, as the initial plot - boy meets girl just before they leave London to separately travel for a year, seemed to be coming together too easily.  

There are plenty of twists and turns along the way, and each character is also on a metaphorical journey to discover who they are.  However while it was interesting enough at the time, the whole thing felt full of romcom cliches.
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I enjoyed this story very much.  Phoebe is going off for a year, travelling round France and Italy, to visit places she has always longed to see.  She is terrified, she has never done anything like this before, and keeps having second-thoughts about going, none of her friends think she will be able to stay away that long!  When she gets to St. Pancras station she nearly changes her mind, the station is closed down, nothing will be leaving for six hours at least.  She wanders around deciding whether to go back home when she bumps into someone, right beside the statue of Sir John Betjeman. Sam has also decided to go away for a year, he is catching a train to Glasgow, but will end up in Mull, where he was brought up.  He is planning on finding his father, who deserted the family when Sam was just six years old.

There is an instant attraction between them, and they spend the entire delay time chatting about their lives, and their plans.  They agree to keep in touch, postcards and one telephone call a month, then they will meet again at the Betjeman statue one year exactly from that day..  of course, they keep in touch far more often, with FaceTime and texts as well as telephone calls and postcards.

Phoebe meets new people throughout her travels, she has a wonderful time.  She writes everyday in a journal, her honest feelings about everything, the only person she plans to show it to is Sam.  He mostly spends his time with friends, but with Phoebe’s encouragement he does look for, and find, his father. Their long-distance relationship remains solid, both are looking forward to being reunited on the anniversary of their meeting.  But this is a story, it wouldn’t be so interesting if everything was just plain-sailing, would it?  I was surprised at what happened next, and how it eventually gets resolved

A lovely story, I felt I was part of their lives whilst reading it.
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This book was not for me, unfortunately. I enjoy a good romance, but this was just too saccharine for my taste. I do not feel that the characters were well developed enough to be convincing, and Phoebe particularly was very  irritating for a woman of 32 years old. 
There were several inaccuracies in the text which was disappointing. Trains to Scotland leave from Kings Cross station in London, not St Pancras. The long, light summer nights in the Hebridean islands are legendary, with hardly any darkness in July. These details, and others, would not have taken much research to check, so it’s either lazy writing or lazy editing. 
The two characters appeared to live charmed lives, encountering no real difficulties in their year apart, and their extensive travelling, which seems unlikely. The ending was a bit too long drawn out and over dramatic, it could have been wrapped up much more speedily.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book. I just wish I had liked it more.
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I this book was such a good read I enjoyed the what if ideas and how paths and plans can change and what you want to happen isn’t always what we get.
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Big fan of Miranda Dickinson and this book did not disappoint.  Greatly enjoyed, with a good cast of characters and an interesting plot line. Would recommend.
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