The Life We Almost Had by Amelia Henley, the pseudonym of psychological thriller writer Louise Jensen, is a romance novel with a difference. It’s about Anna and Adam who meet whilst they are both on holiday in Spain. She is reeling from being dumped at the alter by a man who she is quickly realising was nowhere near good enough for her. They had a romantic honeymoon booked on a Spanish island and has decided that rather than sit at home and mope she’ll go and will take her best friend, Nell, with her instead. It is on their first evening when she meets Adam, the man who is about to change her life.

Adam is also on holiday with a friend, Josh, but is making himself scarce whilst Josh, erm, entertains a young lady in their apartment. Sat alone in the hotel bar nursing a beer he see Anna and is immediately enraptured with her. They embark on a summer romance, for her it is a fling to get over her ex who didn’t treat her with kindness and for him it is a last hurrah before he goes travelling. But things become serious and they fall in love.

If this sounds like it’s a light-hearted romance book then you’d be wrong. Yes there is a love story at the heart of it but it also addresses some huge issues; abandonment, bereavement, grief, infertility and loss to name just a few. Told in retrospect, the book opens with Anna reflecting on her relationship with Adam. It is seven years since they first met and from Anna’s musings we know that they are estranged, but we don’t know why or how.

Amelia Henley does a great job in exploring a long term relationship and its ebbs and flows. The romance between Adam and Anna is incredibly fairy-tale in its beginnings and it would have been so easy to have made it quite a one note read but their relationship is really tested. I found it really refreshing to read as often romance novels end when the couple get together but in The Life We Almost Had we are privy to what happens after the Happy Ever After.

It explores what happens in a long term relationship when challenges are thrown your way and examines what happens when it is tested by something like infertility. This drives a wedge between Adam and Anna as they retreat further into their own thoughts. They each blame themselves, they fail to communicate and they gradually drift further and further apart. Amelia Henley also cleverly uses this subject matter to take a look at how female friendships change when children come on the scene. It is an insightful exploration of how there is a sense of loss, loneliness and isolation from both sides.

This is an emotionally overwhelming book, and I have to admit to finding it quite difficult to read in places. There was one plot point in particular which I wasn’t anticipating which I really struggled with, this is by no means a criticism of the book or the writing, it just really upset me. I don’t want to be all cloak and dagger but neither do I want to spoil it for anybody, so I’ll just say that you may need to brace yourself. This isn’t a light and frothy read and is really quite dark at times but is ultimately rewarding.

That’s not to say it isn’t enjoyable, because it is. It is well-researched and well-written and I read in two sittings because I had to know what would happen next. It is a real page turner and if you like your romance novels with a bit of meat then this could be the book for you. Just make sure you have some tissues to hand.

I requested this book as an ARC on Netgalley and I was lucky enough to be sent it.
It was definitely different to what I imagined it to be but I couldn’t stop turning the pages. 
Everyone wants love and a happy ending, will Adam and Anna become that old cliche or will something or someone snatch it away?

This is a story of love. Of Adam and Anna's relationship which is love at first sight when they meet as Anna arrives in Spain on her honeymoon. Without a husband who has dumped her just before the wedding. Anna and Adam get together and a beautiful love story ensues and continues when they get home. Life isn't all plain sailing and they end up back in Alricia trying to rescue themselves and their love, when it all goes wrong. We know from the start something ends their relationship but it wasn't in any way what I was expecting. What happens is maybe somewhat far fetched, or just love pure and simple, but it grips the heartstrings. A story of connection and true love. I loved the relationships with their friends too. #netgalley #thelifewealmosthad

It is no secret that Amelia Henley is the pen name of a well known writer who usually writes thrillers, so having read a few of her thrillers, I was interested to see how she would approach a different genre. Her writing is absolutely amazing and I loved the way that she took me to different places, introduced me to some wonderful characters and made me feel every emotion as it radiated from the page.

Amelia Henley has said in interviews about The Life We Almost Had that it is not a conventional love story. She is right, but that doesn't mean it is any less engaging. From the very first page, I felt completely invested in Adam and Anna's story and I was willing for things to work out well for them. Both Adam and Anna are characters I could relate to easily, particularly as we find out more about their backgrounds and what leads them to Alircia on the day they meet each other. They are brilliantly drawn and it is clear that these characters have a special place in the author's heart.

There is a scientific element to The Life We Almost Had that doesn't often appear in novels of this genre. Science is not my forte, but I found the ideas that Henley brought to the story absolutely fascinating and she has clearly undertaken a huge amount of research to ensure that this aspect of the story works well.

The Life We Almost Had is set in the fictional resort of Alircia. Although it is fictional, Henley's descriptions of it are so vivid that I felt as though I was on holiday there myself. It provided a beautiful backdrop to this wonderfully emotional story.

I finished The Life We Almost Had as an emotional wreck and I have to admit that I ugly cried my way through the vast majority of it. It is rare that a novel touches me in this way so it is definitely one that will stay with me for a long time.

This wasn't what I was expecting from a love story. Its clear from the beginning that the love would not be sustained, and I liked that art reflected real life. Sometimes love isn't enough and real life is challenging. The story of how Anna and Adam fall in love was lovely and I loved how you can find love in the most unexpected place and time. Their love was challenged by their inability to have a child and it affected not only their relationship with each other but also their friends and family. This feel very real. 

However, the second part of the story felt disconnected from the first, and while unpredictable also required the reader to suspend belief. Without wanting to spoil the plot, something happens to challenge the couple over and above their childlessness and there were just too many holes and things that didn't make sense. After the big plot development, I wish the book had taken a different direction.

This is a beautiful story of love and heartbreak. Although there were times when the story was slow and I found myself skimming rather than reading the overall story leaves you emotional and feeling so many of the emotions you imagine Anna going through.

In case you didn’t already know, Amelia Henley also writes thrillers under the name Louise Jensen. As a big fan of Louise’s books, I was keen to check out her alter ego. The Life We Almost Had is about as different to these thrillers as it is possible to be, but it is just as captivating.

The instant connection between Adam and Anna was so perfect and beautiful, but knowing from the outset that somewhere something was going to go wrong meant I was reading with a sense of trepidation, my stomach full of butterflies.

Seeing how Adam viewed Anna in the early days of their relationship was a timely reminder that what we think of as our own flaws are seen from a completely different perspective by others, and are often considered our most endearing features.

The Life We Almost Had is a book that is so full of emotion that my heart actually hurt reading it. I don’t think I have cried so much at a book since reading Emma Cooper’s The Songs of Us.

This story is about Anna and Adam and this love story. centred around them and the people in their lives. Then one of the characters Is in an accident and the story continues with how they carry on.  I enjoyed the story and the characters were believable.  It is important to remember when reading this book that it’s about the life we almost had., not how you would like it to turn out.  Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to review this book.

Without a doubt one of the most powerful love stories you will read this year.

When Anna and Adam meet for the first time, you can literally see the sparks fly. A chance meeting where the odds are against them but this reinforces what real love is all about. It maybe a love story but as with any relationship, it has it’s ups and downs and we get to ride along this bumpy journey of which smashed my heart into tiny little pieces.

I don’t want to give to much away but the author touches on some quite sensitive subjects which made it a hard read in places. My heart went out to Anna and all that she is going through. She was such a realistic character and I have a feeling that women that have been through similar to what she has will be able to relate to her.

Adam definitely stole a piece of my heart. His love for Anna put my heart through the wringer. He is such the sweetest of characters of which at times I felt for this sensitive man who at times has to bear the brunt of his wife’s frustrations. I felt empathy for both of them. Even though their close friends Nell and Josh are in the background throughout, they play such a pivotal part in the story.

The Life We Almost Had is a story that broke me as well as my heart. I read the last part of the book through tears and heart wrenching sobs. For an author to grab my emotions in such a way is testament to what a wonderful writer they are. This is a love story and characters who will stay with me for a very long time. Heart-breakingly beautiful.

It's not often I turn away from the crime thriller to open the pages of women's fiction or anything that might be described as a 'love story' - typical or not. And, to be fair to the author, and to the books billing, this really is not your typical love story. From the very beginning you have the sense that the story will fall far short of the normally anticipated happily ever after of your 'typical' love story. That there is a sense of inevitability about what you are about to read. What you won;t be prepared for is just how far from the norm you are about to journey, and about how much of an emotional rollercoaster the author is about to take you on. Be prepared though as just as fates is often kind to our protagonists Anna and Adam, she also proves time and again what a cruel and twisted mistress she can be. You may need tissues. You have been warned.

Anna and Adam's story begins as Anna is on her 'almost honeymoon' and he is on a holiday with his best friend. I say almost honeymoon as Anna is a jilted bride, whose betrothed left her for another woman right before their wedding day. From her descriptions of him, she has had a very, very lucky escape. Still heartbroken, she won;t come to realise just how lucky until she meets Adam. It's not quite love at first site, but it is damned close, two soul mates brought together by fate and an errant undercurrent in a tempting Spanish sea.

Chapters alternate between Adam and Anna as we hear the story from their perspective. Adam is far more open to the idea of romance than Anna to begin with, absolutely certain from the start that she is his destiny. Anna is far more reticent, understandable under the circumstances, but it is clear from the off that this is far more than a simple holiday romance and Amelia Henley does a brilliant job of portraying the uncertainty that Anna feels, but the gradually blossoming link between the two of them. It is no surprise that they finish the holiday as a couple, even less that they are destined to spend the rest of their lives together. But, as we have already been told, this is not a normal love story and given the speed of their romance, it would be a decidedly shorter book if it were.

Their story is typical of so many couples. The one thing Anna wants is a baby and her struggle to fall pregnant and the resulting dischord in their marriage will resonate with many people. The tension, the misunderstanding and the inability to share their true feelings was so authentic. It is no wonder that Adam feels the need to make one last romantic gesture in order to salvage their relationship, although no-one could foresee what a change this will make to their lives as tragedy strikes. From what we have read before it would be easy to assume that what comes to pass is all Anna's fault. The actual truth of the matter may surprise you. Take nothing you have read for granted because whatever you are expecting, it probably won't be this.

It is hard to say much more about the story than that without giving too much away. This is a book that examines how far people will go to recapture a moment of happiness with a loved one, of the sacrifices that one person will make for another, and looking at what what really defines both love and strength. One of the key themes that runs throughout is that of the old adage 'if you love, someone let them go.' Easier said than done, as this story demonstrates with beautiful clarity and emotional results. It also moves beyond the basic premise of a love story taking readers in a surprising direction, challenging you to think long and hard about how you would react in similar circumstances and whether you would take untold risks if it meant you finding your way back to the person you love most.

This is a story beset with loss, with an underlying sense of sadness that is offset by a sense of hope too. The final chapters, whilst emotional, will also make you smile, that twisted sister Fate, playing her hand once more. The very final chapter, told from Adam's point of view is poignant and emotional, leaving me with a rueful smile and a tear in my eye. It will take a truly hard heart, even harder than mine, not to be moved by what Amelia Henley has written and the closing sentiments that she leaves us with. 

Emotional, thoughtful and beautifully written, Amelia Henley takes us through the highs and lows of Adam and Anna's lives in a story that will linger in your memories for quite some time.

Wonderful book, packed with emotion.

Anna and Adam prove that there is such a thing as love at first sight. Unlikely timing and place still doesn't stop them falling in love but can live be enough. 

Book touches some difficult subjects and trials of the relationship / marriage and teaches us that sometimes to love is to be able to let go too. 

I think I held my composure quite well for pretty much the most of the book but when I hit 89% I simply couldn't hold my tears. 

Very unusual love story everyone should read, definitely thought provoking.

This is not your conventional love story... to begin with.

Anna and Adam fall in love on holiday, as you do. That's as normal as this novel gets. I don't think I've read a story which plays with your emotions so completely as here. Heartache, joy, and back around again, and again, makes this not an easy read at times. though that's mainly because the author really knows how to knock the reader for six! This was a breathless read and now? I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us!

Thank you to HQ and Netgalley!

OMG don’t read this beautiful love story in public unless you don’t care about your mascara running down your face to join the snot from your nose!  I cried in so many places that I soaked my pillow.  I confess I don’t usually pick up love stories as I prefer psychological thrillers and police procedural books but every so often I take a break from my usual genre and go off piste.  I’m emotionally drained and a wreck but weirdly I thoroughly enjoyed the story.

The story of Adam and Anna 
This is not a conventional love story and I loved that about the book. It’s not all hearts, romance and happily ever after so very much real life.
The characters were strong and I loved the relationships between them all.
The scientific bit I found a little far fetched and whilst I get that it added to the story it made it 4* not 5* from me.
I did love the book though and it has made me feel emotionally drained at the end.
Will definitely read more from this author.

nna is devastated at the break up of her relationship so decides to head away on a girls holiday with her best friend Nell. 
She has no plans to find another man in her life but that is until she meets Adam. 
The two of them hit it off immediately and a holiday romance blooms between the pair of them. At the end of the holiday they both have a big decision to make. 
Fast forward to now the two of them are married and trying for family. The pressures of life and what that entails are getting the two of them and the cracks in their relationship are beginning to show. 
Anna is beginning to question her love for Adam when they decide to get away for a while to make sure they can ride out this difficult past of their relationship. Anna has some big news for Adam and needs to share it with him. 
While they are away disaster strikes and Anna realises how much she loves and needs Adam. 
Anna's need and love for Adam is obvious so when she is given the chance for her love to return she grabs hold of it and doesn't want to let go. 
Will Anna and Adam get a second chance at true love?
This is such a heartbreaking and engaging read that I simply could not put down. 
The writing of the story flows well and I enjoyed how the story was told from the past, and how it went from being told by Anna and Adam. 
I found all of the emotion and twists and turns within the book really enjoyable to read even if at times I was reaching for a tissue. 
The love between Anna and Adam is clear to read from the very beginning and I enjoyed getting to know them both too. 
Anna has a great best friend in Nell and has a great relationship with her mum. But Adam doesn't have a good relationship with his parents. This resulted in him growing up living with his best friend Josh. The two of them stay close friends too. 
This is such a wonderful read full of romance, love and heartbreak too that will really keep you engaged from beginning to end. I adored reading this book.

Wow! Anna and Adams love story is not a traditional love story, but it is their love story. I fell in love with Anna and Adam from the first page and as I joined them on their journey I felt their joy and heartache, shared their laughter and tears. What a wonderful, heartbreaking yet heartwarming story. I wish I could give it more than five stars.

Absolutely loved the story. Absolutely heart wrenching and heart breaking. The story line fitted the characters perfectly. So emotive and a joy to read.

THIS BOOK...
Henley has ripped through my emotions leaving only a husk behind in addition to the biggest book hangover ever. I have no idea what book to read next. I don't even know how to classify it other than to say if you like writers such as Dani Atkins or Cecelia Ahern you'll love this. 
Simply put it's a discourse on love but love stripped back to its baser elements. The first flush. The routine. The rows. The making up. And then there's that ending... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Life We Almost Had jumped out at me not only because of the author who writes amazing thrillers under a different name (Louise Jensen) and I was interested to read a romance by her but also with the line, 'this is not a typical love story, but its our love story' and I loved that. Everyone has a unique love story and I was interested to read more. 
This is one of those stories that you have to read without any spoilers, more so than others as it is so good so I wont say to much about what the story is about other than Anna and Adam fell head over heels for each other but years on questions begin to appear.
Amelia sure knows how to tell a story. This is gripping but not in the Louise Jensen thriller kind. This is a different kind of love story that delves into the truth of true love and I loved this take on a romance. When you sit down to read it be prepared to finish it in one sitting.    
I'm excited to read more by Amelia Henley.

Absolutely breathtaking, I cried so much at this book. Absolutely beautifully written, beautiful characters and really an unpredictable ending. Fabulous would 100% recommend