😢Sad, painful hometruths as Jem stumbles her way through love and loss: emotions galore!😣

4-4.5🌟stars
This book provoked so many emotions, both good and bad. I loved the close relationship between heroine Jem and her ailing mother Val, and the supportive, overworked new mom Leanne. Maybe the best part of the story, though difficult and tear-inducing, was the handling of Val's illness. Jem's love life is a mess and it's clear that she takes full responsibility, even when she shouldn't!

I really found Jem's constant drinking made her a less likable character. Despite her eventually opening up about how her excess affected her life at crucial moments, I never quite understood why the people who loved Jem never forced a serious discussion about her excessive drinking. No wonder the new man in her life is able to indulge and exploit her weaknesses.

I was uplifted by the conclusion, but if you are a reader looking for a happy romance, this is not that book. I would characterize it more as a story of a woman in despair, thinking she's reached bottom, who learns that there's worse to come and she needs and has the inner strength to endure. By the end, I had grown to sympathize with her pain and respect her transformation.

Thanks to publishers Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an advance complimentary copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

In today's world, we find many examples of toxic relationships and narcissism. In The man I Loved Before, Jem has realized because of her own toxic behavior, she has lost the only man who ever really loved her, Ben. Shattered and heartbroken, she tries to heal by writing a letter to Ben which she plans to burn in a symbolic gesture of moving on. However, her mother finds the letter and thinking she is helping Jem, mails it to Ben. Jem is doing a lot better now but she panics when she thinks about Ben getting that last reminder of her. As she tries to sort that out, her mother, who was in remission from a rare form of cancer, gets sick again. While dealing with that, Jem meets someone new who she thinks she could actually love. But as she moves forward in her new life with her best friend, Leanne, helping her, she finds herself wondering if she is making the right decision regarding who gets her heart in the end.

I loved the friendship Jem shared with Leanne. As a woman, it is important to have a special friend who will always be there for you. Someone who you can tell anything without being judged. They each did that for each other perfectly with a lot of humor thrown in. 

Another relationship I adored was Jem's with her mother, Val. She referred to them as a team and it certainly felt like it. They were so close and when Val got sick again, Jem showed a strength that made me proud. Reading about Mitch, I saw some signs about what was going to unfold early. I guess it's because I recently experienced that myself so it was not surprising to see. 

This book was a beautiful book to read. I laughed loud at some points, cried at some and smiled at others. I got so angry at Jem sometimes but she grew so beautifully throughout this book that I found myself cheering for her especially nearer to the end. It was a truly moving  story to which many women would be able to relate. 

Suitable audience: This book is suited to women who love romance stories but it also has much more. It is definitely 'chick lit.'

Recurrent themes: Forgiveness. Lost love. New beginnings. Death. Cancer. Friendship. 

Violence: Two men nearly fight
Sexual Content: Sex is talked about very openly and is described in detail when it happens
Profanity: Many instances of obscenities
Religious Themes: None
Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking: The main character drinks a lot!

Wow....my emotions were all over the board with this book. I felt sad most of the time. The book had a very good storyline. Loss and love. They seem to go hand in hand.

In one word….wonderful.
I’ve loved Anna Mansell’s previous books, all so beautifully written.
It made me happy, sad and totally overwhelmed at times.
I finished this book with a tear in my eye. Every book by this author affects me massively and I always see a bit of me in her characters, especially in this one. The early scene in the Post Office queue could’ve been written about me, as I’m so clumsy.
I read some parts with a nervous eye, and I don’t want to give any spoilers. It shows the importance of family and friendship, and dealing with trust. All the characters feel very real.
I loved Jem’s relationship with best friend Leanne. I think Leanne knew Jem better than Jem knew herself. Jem’s Mum was lovely, and despite her illness her sense of humour was on top form.
Alcohol played a big part in the story and I despaired at the amount consumed, but I know many people’s lives are like this.
I read this with a different view due to one of my parent’s recent cancer diagnosis, I’ve never had to deal with an illness before and it’s made me think about how the future will look.
It was written at a very tough time in the author’s life, it is fabulous with great characters and written from the heart.I can thoroughly recommend it.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the review copy in which I give my honest opinion.

Once again, Anna Mansell has evoked more emotions than I knew were in me while reading one of her novels! I just finished The Man I Loved Before which releases next week, and it was amazing.

Jem has lost the love of her life, Ben, because of a string of poor choices and her relationship challenges. When he couldn't take her crap anymore, he picked up and moved 6 hours away. Jem has since lost her job, her home, her money, and is living with her mom (who has been battling cancer off and on). In an effort to try to move past everything that happened with Ben, Jem writes a letter confessing everything she did wrong while they were together, all of the things that she still has not forgiven herself for. Jem plans to burn the letter as a symbol of letting go and moving on, however, her mother finds the letter and thinking she is being helpful, mails it to Ben. That very same day, Jem's best friend, Leanne, signs Jem up for Tinder, sets up her profile, and swipes right to a man, Mitch that they went to school with but haven't seen in years. 

This is not a lighthearted novel. Not at all. Mansell's trademark fabulous conversation and banter are scattered throughout, but the subject matter is pretty heavy. Topics covered in this book include alcoholism, cancer, emotional abuse, financial issues, miscarriage, and much more. There are certainly a ton of laugh out loud moments, but there are some moments that will you reach for the Kleenex also. What I love about The Man I Loved Before (and all of Mansell's novels) is although the plot is always unique and intriguing, her books are so incredibly character-driven. Which brings me to Jem.

Jem is such a fantastic character! Unfortunately, I see so much of my younger self (and some times my current self) in Jem. Don't get me wrong, she's funny, caring, attractive, smart, and so on. But she is also incredibly hard on herself, stuck in unhealthy cycles of self-sabotage, reaches the for the bottle a bit too much, and often times does not trust in herself at all. Whether it's from the things revealed in her letter to Ben or current things in the novel involving her relationships with Mitch or Leanne, Jem does some things that will make you cringe. Maybe you will feel bad for her or maybe you will be put off by her bad decisions. I assure you, however, that you will root for her. You will want her to find happiness in every aspect of her life. You will hate it when she is sad, and you will cheer when something good happens. 

Overall, this is just a beautiful, well-written, all-consuming novel. There was absolutely nothing about it that I did not love and highly, highly recommend this one. Anyone that has ever loved and lost, anyone that has ever tried to move on, and anyone that has watched a loved one battle an illness will find so many ways that they relate to this novel. But most importantly I recommend this to anyone that is still struggling to forgive themselves for the past and move forward with their lives.

This author blows me away every time!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion,

3.5 stars.

Jen is going thru a tough time...broken up from her boyfriend, Ben, she writes a letter to him pouring her heart and dark mistakes out as part of her healing. Her mom finds the letter and mails it, not knowing it’s only for Jem’s healing. Then her bff talks her into going on Tinder...enter Mitch, the answer to her problems?

This book seemed to drag at the beginning for me, taking off about 60% thru. I loved the relationship between Jem and her Mom, and between Jem and her bff, Leanne. Both were described perfectly. For the most part, I enjoyed Jem’s growing up before our eyes and learning to find her voice and stand up for herself.

Thanks to Anna Mansell, Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

***Will pose to B&N and Amazon on pub day.

It was truly an honor to be one of the first to read this! So many emotions are still swirling I'm not sure where to begin...
Initially, I have to admit I was unsure if I was going to be able to complete the book because of all the drinking. But, as with life, we all must start somewhere in order to get to our perfect ending. That is what I found as I continued to flip page after page...Jem, in search of her perfect ending.
I loved the characters, even Mitch!! I loved the language, so different from ours, and so dang precious I found myself reading with an accent! lol
Through this book. I revisited lost loves, actions, and friendships. I relived the loss of my parents. I laugh, I cried, I sighed , and I shook my head. This book brought so many feelings to life I found myself having to stop - to savor the feelings and emotions - so that I could move on in her life and not mine.
Anna Mansell all I can say is Wow! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this journey with you!

This is my first read by this author and OH WOW, What a read this one has been.
This has definitely stayed with me, it has stirred so many emotions and I have devoured the book in one sitting.
I've been torn from wanting to shake the main character and wanting to hug her. I have definitely been along on the journey with her.
This is a book with so many realistic themes. I have loved the friendship in the book, definitely a positive for me.
I have to say I was initially attracted to the romance element of the book. However, this has been a complete rollercoaster of emotion

This was a beautifully written drama that really made me think. Impressive character development along with a fascinating storyline make this book a success.

This book had many emotional sections in it and I really loved the friendship between Jem and Leanne. They were always there for each other, no matter what. The mother/daughter bond between Jem and her mom who was battling cancer was very touching as well. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

Wow what an emotional heartbreaking read, had me totally engrossed and enthralled! We could all learn from gem and how despite losing her home her job her boyfriend and then ultimately her mum, she bounces back and learns to love herself and in doing so mends bridges, opens herself up to love and finds happiness once more!
This book covers sensitive topics such as death and dying, alcohol abuse and narcissistic relationships but in a sensitive informative manner and just illustrates how easily anyone could find themselves in that situation but with good support, friendships and strength of character you can bounce back and start living the life you deserve to live!
Thank you netgalley for this early read.

Ben is the man Jem loved before and is trying to get over when this novel starts. She now realises their love was unique but that, because of her many issues in life, she simply could not totally commit to and love in a way she knew he deserved. He’s been out of her life for a while now, living miles and miles away. But still she feels that before she can become ‘that woman’ and build a mutually loving relationship with no holding back she must contact Ben one last time to explain why she behaved as she did and kept secrets from him. It wasn’t a letter full of excuses though, it was a letter full of truths so that he would finally understand that she did love him dearly, but couldn’t let go of all the terrible betrayals she is so ashamed about and that he didn’t deserve. Only then, when she is unburdened by her confessions, can she put her baggage behind her and build a successful relationship full of love, trust, loyalty and give her whole heart to another man.
Then her best friend Leanne persuades her to join an internet dating club and Jem meets an old school friend called Mitch who is also looking for love. They hit it off almost instantly. They have some very successful dates and Jem begins to have very strong feelings for him. He is also very keen to take the relationship further, but it is bad timing for Jem, already very fraught and emotional. Jem’s mother is very poorly and Mitch is so helpful it warms her heart. Jem already lives with her Mum, after splitting up with Ben, so Mitch moves in with them. He is welcomed by both mother and daughter. It stands to reason as Jem certainly needs some support. Mitch is kind and attentive. She is beginning to think he’s her soulmate and at last she can see her happy ever after.
I enjoyed reading this heart-warming story of one love lost and another found. It was beautifully written and with a cast of interesting characters. I liked Jem’s mother best of all. She was a perfect mother in every way and she doted on Jem, guiding her through her problems gently and gradually making her feel more self-confident. Leanne was also a pearl; she always made time for Jem and understood her frailties. She was a true friend; she listened to Jem carefully and advised Jem wisely. This novel dealt with a lot of different issues, love, loss, alcohol abuse, betrayal, secrecy and lies, emotional abuse and even more. These issues were laid bare, with honesty and understanding. This was a great strength of this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher Bookouture through my membership of NetGalley and in return for an honest review. These are my own honest opinions without any outside influences. I thought this novel was very readable. The plot was interesting, quite complex and had some shocking and unexpected twists and turns. It is a good read for lovers of Romance stories and Women’s Fiction. The writing was engaging and this author certainly understands what the reader wants from a novel within this genre and has delivered. I’ve read a few of her novels in the past and have never been disappointed.

This was one of the most different books that I have read this year. The story evoked all my emotions. There were times I wanted to scream at the main character and times when I wanted to hug her. I didn't do any of those things. But I did cry with her in some of the chapters in the end and cheered her on when she stood up for herself.

Anna Mansell has written a book, direct and real, covered in truth, without sugar coating it. The book started with a letter Jem wrote to her ex Ben which was never meant to be posted. It then told me her story as she got back to life and Tinder dating and found someone who seemed to treat her well. Her mum was fatally ill, and only her friendship with Leanne kept her sane. Until she got to know a few truths. About herself. About others.

The story was a journey of revelations and emotions. The characters were all different, some were genuine, some wore masks, but it was Jem and her mother who caught my eye. Their relationship was loving, their bond was deep and filled with humor and tears. They were so strong, even they never saw it for themselves. I could see it.

It was the last 20% of the book which made the story sparkle. I went through a gamut of emotions along with Jem. I smiled through my tears seeing how far Jem had come in life. My respect for her increased, and I was so happy I got to read her story.

A heart wrenching read in some ways, a delight in all ways.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This was an emotional read for me liked the characters and the storyline. Would recommend.

Loved this book!!! Wow! Talk about relatable characters! Being in love, losing the relationship, being lonely, looking for love again, thinking he’s a prince but really he’s a frog... such a great story. Finished it in two sittings. Anna Mansell has a new fan!

Loved it!! Such an emotional book. I loved the friendship between Jem and Leanne. They were always there for each other. Jem helped her friend out more with the new baby than Leanne's own husband. Leanne could definitely tell when something wasn't right with her friend. Alcohol played too big of a role in Jem's life. Mitch was always there opening up a bottle or two. Jem's letter was so heartbreaking. Why didn't she open up to Ben when everything was happening? I liked Jem, but she could be very frustrating at times. I don't think it would have been that easy for her to just give up alcohol. It was the one constant in her life besides attracting creepy/scary guys. The book definitely took a twist I wasn't expecting. Mitch definitely wasn't what I was expecting. The worst part was when Jem found him sitting on the bed reading the letter. I was glad when Jem finally opened her eyes and saw what was really happening around her.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, story and writing style. The book made me laugh and cry. At times Jem was quite funny. Huge fan of the author and look forward to reading more of her books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I had some preconceived ideas about what this book would be about but I couldn't have been more wrong, It was brilliantly written with great characters and covered a multitude of subjects I will be recommending it to everyone I know.

“A compelling tale of our time” is how I summed up Anna Mansell’s new book to a friend.
That was only after I had spent the previous, what felt like, 30 minutes trying to relate just how gripping and powerful I found it using a lot more words – some of which I will share again now.
The Man I Loved Before is brilliantly written to the point it actually made me physically uncomfortable at times.
It doesn’t shy away from some difficult themes, in fact, it shines the brightest spotlight possible on them.
In places, it was almost like watching a car crash about to happen but being unable to look away.
At the same time, it also manages to be entertaining, funny in parts and even romantic.
I don’t want to give away any of the more salient plot points but I will say it is perfectly paced. It also keeps you second guessing yourself – and even questioning things that have happened in your own life - right to the end.
After I finished I couldn’t pick up another book for a week because I found myself stuck in this story.
Jem is such an interesting character, it’s like she wants us to dislike her but it’s just not possible.
Her best friend is definitely someone you’d want on your side and her mum is wonderful. There are some truly touching scenes between the two that made me want to give my own mum a big hug.
This book might not be for everyone but, if anything, that’s a reflection on how GOOD the writing is - it just feels too real.
I don’t imagine it was easy to write - just as it's not always easy to read - but the hard work has definitely paid off.

This was my first book by Anna Mansell. I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend. I think all us can remember our first love and what we would say to them if we had the chance. Thank you for the opportunity to review.

"The Man I Loved Before" is the first book I have read by Anna Mansell.
Jem is the main character in this book. You follow her over a period of time and you slowly learn of her past and future. Her mum's illness comes to the forefront of the story and brings a little reality check for all of us.
I first felt like the book was definitely chic-lit, It had me laughing and smiling a lot at the situations Jem got herself into. Then Mansell turned serious and had a little psychological thing going with Mitch. But it was Ben who had me burning for more with Jem. Her letter, when finally revealed, was heartbreaking. There were more than a few passages that I felt like Mansell had written just for me. Jem's mum gives some great advice.
Overall, I liked the book. I got a little bored in the middle and was kind of wondering where Mansell was taking us with the Mitch story line. But it all clicked after a while. Mansell did a great job making Jem so likable and Mitch an unlikable man. I liked her writing style and read the book fairly quickly. I would recommend this book to others and will definitely look for her other works. Special thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Anna Mansell for the advance digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

#TheManILovedBefore #NetGalley