Cover Image: The Sight of You

The Sight of You

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Member Reviews

‘I think the universe might want us to give this a go...’

For most people, the future is a prospect full of wonder. For Joel, the future is terrifying. Since childhood, he has had prophetic dreams about those he loves; now, he lives his life on high alert, constantly fearful of glimpsing suffering and misfortune in the future of those closest to him. His only hope of protecting himself from this pain is to live his life according to a simple mantra: steer clear of love. But everything changes when he meets Callie, a grief-stricken young woman who desperately dreams of a bigger and brighter future. They might not have been looking for love, but their chance meeting sparks something neither of them saw coming. What follows is a heartbreaking and unique love story that will leave you breathless...

Oh my gosh this was beautiful. I actually put off reading this for several weeks just because I wanted to be able to really savour it and enjoy every part of it, and I'm so glad I did, as it really is a beauty of a book. The premise is obviously a bit bizarre, but similarly to The Time Traveler's Wife, it is explained and explored in a thoughtful and though provoking manner that showed just how well thought out the idea really was.

Following on from that, I must say I was amazed to find out that this was Holly Miller's debut. To have such confident and assured writing in a first novel is a rare thing indeed, and I found it completely awe-inspiring to see what a beautiful roller-coaster of a book she had managed to create. Callie and Joel are both wonderful characters, vivid and unique and full of life, and the plot is just bizarre enough to be wonderful without being daft. Finally, The ending is perfect. Beautiful and moving and exactly what it should be.

All in all, a beautiful book that is a must read for anyone who enjoys romantic fiction, magical realism, or just a book with a touch of wonder. Definitely an author I would recommend, and I for one will be eagerly awaiting her next novel!

Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reading copy from NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way and all opinions are my own.

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I never really connected with the Time Traveller’s Wife. When everyone else was devouring it and declaring it a masterpiece I just shrugged my shoulders. It was a good story but it really didn’t speak to me. Reading The Sight of You I think I finally understood what everyone else saw in that other book. It didn’t just speak to me it shouted in my ear and forced me to sit up and take notice.

Callie runs a small local cafe. It’s not her dream job but it makes her pretty happy and she gets to have her dog Murphy by her side all day. When she has a customer walk out without paying she’s prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt although her colleague insists it was deliberate. Proving her right Joel returns to pay for his coffee and they strike up an unlikely friendship. He’s a sleep deprived, unemployed loner who goes everywhere with his notebook while she is a bright ray of sunshine who revels in the beauty of nature. An unlikely couple but soon they are inseparable. But Joel has a secret and it is one that he finds it incredibly difficult to share.

Holly Miller has created the most perfect of love stories. One that will soothe the soul before ripping the still beating heart straight from your chest. It’s not a book to read in public. For the last hour of the book I had quiet tears streaming down my face. Bizarrely, it was only after I’d finished the book that it actually hit me. Standing in the shower thinking about the story I was suddenly sobbing. Not pretty little tears either, big lip quivering sobs. I haven’t been touched like that by a book in a long time. One of the best fiction debuts of the year so far.

Supplied by Net Galley and Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review.

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Joel has a secret. Sometimes when he dreams, he has premonitions about the people he loves. Visions of what's going to happen - the good and the bad. He's sworn off romance for this very reason. Until he meets Callie and they find themselves drawn to each other. From that first moment, it feels like the start of something beautiful. Until Joel has a vision of how it's going to end...

Well, this was an emotional rollercoaster! I read a lot of romantic fiction but there was something special about this one. The pace was a little too slow in places, but I thought it was well-written, and the characters were likable. I was surprised to learn this is Holly Miller's debut novel, as I never would have guessed.

I'd recommend this book to people who enjoyed The Time Traveller's Wife (or similar). Just make sure you have a pack of tissues nearby because it will probably make you cry!

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Wow wow wow. This was nothing short of perfection. I am trying to type this through my tears! Only the 3rd book I've ever read to make me cry, and cry like a baby I did! I loved every second of this book. A heartbreaking story of true, all consuming and devastating love. I am 100% going to pre order it right now and know I will be reading again . #CallieandJoel4eva !! Thanks so much to netgalley for sending me the ARC in exchange for my review. And huge Congratulations to Holly Miller on writing such a beautiful story

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Wow! This is such a beautiful story, I don”t know where to start.
From the very beginning, you fall in love with both Callie and Joel. The blurb tells us what’s going to happen and although I spent most of the book holding my breath, I still wasn’t prepared.
Joel and Callie will break your heart; they are two of the most loveliest characters I’ve come across.
This book is really well-written and if you like ‘One Day’, ‘The Songs of Us’ or ‘The Man Who Didn’t Call’ then this is a book for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.

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I loved this heartbreaking love story between Callie and Joel. They were both well rounded characters and it was as if I was one of their friends, living every moment, cheering them on. I really wanted Callie and Joel to stay together. How fortunate that Callie had a second chance at love.
The basic premise is that Joel has dreams in which he sees future events in the lives of those he loves. Unfortunately, heartbreakingly., Joel sees the death of his mum when he is only a young boy. Allowing himself to fall in love with Callie he also sees when Callie will die, but she doesn't want the information,and the knowledge drives them apart.
I was hoping for a twist in the end but it wasn't to be. Loved it.

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I liked the sound of this however I was concerned it might sound good but fall flat however that could not be further from the reality. This is a truly beautiful and engaging read featuring two memorable characters. Callie and Joel are both such gorgeous characters and I loved reading each of their perspectives equally. They both have interesting backgrounds, Joel more than Callie and the gradual attraction between them both is so compelling to read. This book is somehow both heartbreaking and heartwarming and I loved every word of it.

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My thanks to Netgalley for my copy of The Sight of You. My goodness, you will need a boxful of tissues for this one. Holly Miller most skilfully and beautifully uses rich, evocative language throughout which is hugely engaging, you won't want to miss a word!
Heartbreaking but ultimately deeply satisfying, you really must read it.

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

Pre-Order this book is a must.

This boom is the normal soppy romance or full of sex. But, it’s a purely remarkable sad but uplifting tale.

Self sacrificing of love.

Yes it will make you cry big tears, but you’ll also have a smile on your face.

I read it in one sitting, as I sure had a job to put this down.

I really recommend.

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I have just finished this book and I am full on ugly crying. The kind with the snot bubbles.

If you dream about people that you love, some good dreams and some awful dreams, perhaps even knowing when the people that you love more than anything in the world are going to die, would you actively avoid any kind of relationship?

Joel has been having these dreams all his life but only about the people that he actually loves. Due to this, he's now a loner. He tried to speak to someone about these a long time ago but the reaction that he received was the kind that he has never forgotten and keen never to repeat.

Joel given up work and does his best to stay under the radar. So, when he meets Callie in the local cafe, he does all that he can to avoid falling for her. Callie is a breath of fresh air. She and Joel like each other pretty much from the minute they meet and after a few false starts, they fall in love. Joel even tells Callie about the dreams. Everything is wonderful until one night, Joel dreams of Callie.

What should Joel do? Should he tell Callie where, when and how she will die? Should he even ask her if she wants to know?

The love between Joel and Callie is actually tangible. Both characters making sacrifices that you hope will come good in the end.
This also goes to show just important it is to be able to be honest. Not only with yourself, but to have people around you who you know won't judge you. They might find you hard to believe, but they still have your back. NEVER underestimate this kind of friendship.

I adored this book, am stunned that it is a debut novel by the author and can see this being made into a film.

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The premise of this story is really interesting. Joel’s dreams allow him to see into the future...but the impact that knowledge has on him is often overwhelming. He meets and falls in love with Callie but can they live a normal life or will Joel’s dreams consume them.
I enjoyed this book. There were times I felt it dragged on a bit but the ending won me round. A lovely story!

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the last few pages had me wiping away some tears.. What a book! I really don’t know where to start... it’s a slow burner as Miller builds the characters of Joel and Callie... but when it hits the middle of the story you will want to know what happens next fairly quickly and this is when I was hooked! It’s not a fast paced book, it is a love story of so many proportions, heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.

Thanks to netgalley for the advanced copy of this book and opportunity to read and review prior to release in July.

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A heart-breaking love story you won't forget

Joel and Callie are made for each other, but they can't stay together. Joel has the mixed blessing of seeing into their future and doesn't like what he sees. He tries to change the future. Beautifully-written, heart-breaking and uplifting, a book you'll want to read in one sitting. Holly Miller's first novel surely won't be her last. The most moving love story I've read for a long time. Would make a great film.

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What a wonderful book. The characters were delightful, and so easy to like. Really enjoyed it from start to finish. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.

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The Sight of You is such a well written debut. Be prepared - it will break your heart! But ultimately, it's worth it. This isn't your average love story, but it is beautiful and I would definitely recommend it.

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This book is billed as “the love story of 2020 that will break your heart” and I think it’s safe to say that it lives up to this description!

“The Sight Of You” tells the story of Joel and Callie, from the very first moment they meet. Joel is reluctant to get close to anyone because of his ability to see the future of his loved ones in dreams, instead he prefers to live his life alone. Meeting Callie throw this all up in the air though...

This is not your usual romcom, it’s a beautiful story written in a way that allows you to perfectly connect with both the character. Written using alternating viewpoints from Joel and Callie the story flows and you will want to keep reading all the way to the end.

Having just finished this I feel like I’ve gone through a rollercoaster of emotions and that last chapter will break your heart. This is a book that everyone can probably relate to and, however much we’ve probably all wondered what the future will bring at one stage of our lives, should remind us how important living for today is.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC copy.

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A beautifully written debut novel by Holly Miller. I loved it. At times its heartbreaking to read - but I found the theme of self sacrificing love also made it feel quite uplifting too?!

I adored the language Holly Miller used. From the lyrical way she described emotions to the use of the changing seasons to echo Callie and Joel’s journey.

This is not your typical boy-meets-girl story. Bring tissues!

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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awwww, my heart! It was such a heartbreaking story. So well written, I was hooked all the time and couldn't wait to follow these 2 characters.
Beautiful story and beautiful writing. 5 stars!

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Beautiful, heartwarming, funny, and full of romance without the cheese. This had me hooked, right from the start. I loved how Joel and Callie’s relationship blooms following those awkward first encounters. I love how Miller is able to write such damaged characters without them coming across as unlikeable. Joel and Callie bring out the best in each other, even when they’re apart and it’s just beautiful. I won’t spoil it for you, but the ending really hit me hard; so emotional - you’ll definitely need tissues. One of my favourite reads of this year and a fabulous debut. I’ll be looking forward to more books by Miller. No pressure!
READER CAUTION: this covers mental health and references suicide, so beware.

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What a really lovely book! I didn’t want to finish it!

Although a romance, it isn’t a conventional romance or full of sex and lust,. It’s unusual, sad and uplifting and gives a different meaning to love. The characters were very well drawn and believable and it will most probably make you cry.

This book was so well written, I had a job to put this down at times and I couldn’t wait to get back to it.

I’m sure it’s a bestseller and what a fabulous film it would make!

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