Cover Image: All About Us

All About Us

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Member Reviews

A new author for me, I struggle with some bits of the book and trigger alert there are sections that are emotional but an enjoyable read, if you love a Christmas Carol you'll love this too, it's a modern day twist on it that really works.

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A sweet Christmas story, heartfelt and full of important messages of making the most of every moment. I loved how this book dealt with grief, and gave our main character a second chance.

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Christmas reading at its best - made me cry 5 times! It's brimming with forgiveness, gratitude and self-love.

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This is a really lovely heart warming book. Will read again for sure.perfect Sunday afternoon reading

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I’m a sucker for a romance novel and I love the holidays - so stick the two together and I’m completely sold!

If you aren’t a believe of far fetched plots, this might not be for you, but for me I enjoyed it. Reading about Ben and his mother also made me very emotional.

Overall I really enjoyed this book.

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All About Us is a lovely...love story. It is warmth for the heart and good for your emotions.

The time traveling aspect gives a different and definitely interesting twist to the whole book.

The book is about the myriad of decisions we take and what life would be if we had made different choices. A sort of Sliding Doors type of novel, this is as interesting as engaging.

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Loved this book - a contemporary A Christmas Carol tale. Such a great book to read over Christmas, so much so that I re-read it over this past Christmas too. It’s such a lovely holiday romance and you’ll just want to hug the book. Great read.

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Absolutely loved this one. Gave me all the christmassy feels that you need.
It reminded me a lot of my favourite films such as Groundhog Day and Sliding Doors. And the TV programme Quantum Leap. Were certain points and choices in your life determine your path.

Ben had come to the conclusion in his life that he was hard done by and his relationship with Daphne had gone sour. I loved looking at things through Ben's eyes, and seeing his different outlook on things. It shows that hindsight is a good thing.

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A beautiful and really unique love story. I adored the premise and was immediately hooked. Excellent!

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A modern twist on a Christmas carol, it's refreshing to read this type of book through the eyes of a male lead. Tinged with moments of both humour and sadness, it's an enjoyable read.

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I really enjoyed this festive read with a twist. It was very reminiscent of Sliding Doors and In Five Years for me.
An easy, cosy read, but one that definitely got me thinking, if I could turn back the clock , would I have chosen a different life?

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Well, this was lovely! Giving me all the A Christmas Carol feels, I loved the concept of Ben being transported back to the past and the day he picked Daphne over Alice (my birthday incidentally and also my final year at uni!) to help bring the reflection and clarity he needs.

The fact this is a romance novel written by a male author written from a male protagonist’s perspective was a thumbs up from me: a refreshing and welcome change!

This was warm, funny and festive and a perfect tonic for people who may not appreciate live’s values.

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⭐ Interesting twist on A Christmas Carol
⭐ Refreshing to read the male perspective one, especially as it includes men's mental health
& the struggles they face opening up.
⭐ Fab blend of romance, comedy & a touch of magic
⭐ Enjoyable and heartwarming a love story with substance.
☆ I felt Alice's character was a bit one-dimensional.

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A nice easy read for the winter period. An interesting modern take on A Christmas Carol. Wasn't moved massively by it but wouldn't necessarily say it was bad either.

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aw man what can i say i absolutely loved it. This book is totally enchanting and many of us can relate im sure. What ifs are the story of my life. Lol.

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Beautiful writing. I was hooked!
A perfect read for the summer holidays.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this book in exchange for my feedback.

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Ben has been with girlfriend Daphne for a while, but the magic has faded and the relationship feels strained.
Following a weird encounter with a mysterious watch-selling stranger, Ben experiences what we would refer to in the romance world as a ‘sliding doors moment’ (Gwyneth Paltrow cira 1998) when he bumps into old flame Alice, AKA, the one who got away. Now he has the opportunity to change the past, he must decide which path to take. (Don’t mess it up Ben)
Tom Ellen’s novel is charming, witty and heart-warming. Like a hug of a book.

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I didn't expect to like this story so much. I'll admit I'm a bit sceptical about male authors trying to write romance. Not that they can't do it, they can...but it often reads 'forced' in some way, especially when they're writing the female perspective. Not the case here, and the protagonist is male, and the other people he writes, men and women alike, are given human depth and not made to be extended caricatures trying to pass for normal.
I couldn't believe how easy to read this book was - the prose just flowed. An hour into it, and I was already at the 25% mark, and it was all so captivating. Totally simplistic, really, but done in such a way that this very simplicity means there's nowhere to hide, no rock to climb under - the story and the characters have got to shine on their own!
And they do! They do so well! Ben is a bit of a jerk, yes, but the joy of this book was going with him on his journey through the past mainly, then the present and the future, and seeing him unfurl, reveal his vulnerability, the superb sensitivity that just made this character so endearing! That, for me, was the beauty of this book. I was rooting for him to find love, yes, but I wanted him to come into his own, realise that the future and also the present are what we make them to be, through our choices, our decisions, listening to our heart above everything else.
This is a beautiful, sometimes sad, sometimes joyful, but entirely satisfying read that will have you rooting for Ben (and possibly even fall for his best mate Harv - was it just me? Anyone else?) Such a precious journey! Make it a point to read this one, and please stick with it. It gets better with every page turned!

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It's Christmas Eve and Ben is being his usual grumpy, argumentative and unhappy self. His Mum died a while back and he is really missing her, he is unhappy at work and he is constantly snapping at Daphne, his wife. He meets up with his friend Harv for a drink but can't bring himself to discuss his problem, he really wonders if Daphne would be better off without him, and he wonders if he would be happier if, years ago, he had chosen Alice instead. A chance meeting with a watch seller changes his life forever. A great modern time take on A Christmas Carol.

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Firstly, I'd like to thank NetGalley for an eARC for an honest review. I also got the audiobook to listen along to which was a great experience. I really loved the narrator.

I was a bit dubious about this book going in to this one just because it's a modern Christmas Carol (yes, I read a a Christmas book in the middle of summer). I didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. Ben, the main character is such a great character and was funny with a great personality. I also loved Daphne, his wife, and was rooting for them the whole time.

I'd say this book is a rom-com but it definitely had me tearing up a few times. This books touches on some very important themes surrounding grief and self worth. I really loved everything about this book and definitely recommend it to romance readers.

*4.5 stars

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