I was lucky enough to be part of the blog tour for Hannah’s first novel, Very Nearly Normal, so I was excited to crack into this!

Nell meets Charlie in a coffee shop, where she strikes up conversation with him as they share a table. Despite the spark she feels for him, she doesn’t get his phone number, and they seem destined to go their separate ways. But the next day, Nell goes to her job as a telephone operator for Healthy Minds, a mental health helpline. When she recognises Charlie’s voice on a call, she throws caution to the wind, and risks everything to help him…

This book made me laugh, made me cry, and absolutely ripped my heart apart at times. It deals with grief, loss, heartbreak, death and suicide, and it manages to strike a balance between being compassionately and sensitively written, while also being engaging, entertaining and at times, very funny.

Hannah Sunderland is the queen of writing books that perfectly exemplify the messy, heart-wrenching, ‘life’s not fair’ type of relationships with main characters who somehow never slip over the line into whiney. I absolutely loved this book and am really looking forward to whatever Hannah comes up with next!

This is a sensitive portrayal of the pain of loving someone who is severely depressed and suicidal. If that is not a story you want to spend hundreds of pages reading about, this isn’t the book for you. I appreciated what the author is trying to do with this story, but I can see that it wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you picked this up for a nice, light, contemporary romance.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC of this beatiful book.
This is a story about heavy topics not easy to write the risk to fall in too much drama or being shallow is extremely high
The author does it homework awesomely
Nell meets Charlie in a cage and feels a spark then again at work in a helpline she faces another perspective of Charlie
Unconventionally beatiful
4 stars

An excellent read, not my usual choice but I thoroughly enjoyed it. All the characters were described well and the story line was good.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Not at all what I expected...
From the cover, I genuinely thought this book is going to be this light, meet cute, read. My fault for not reading a synopsis yet again.
It didn’t even cross my mind how many sensitive topics it’ll cover - death, grief, suicidal thoughts and many more... But the author managed to handle all of them in a such thoughtful, sensitive way. It’s rare.
I absolutely adored this book and the characters! All of them are very engaging and likeable (though, I must say, my heart belongs to Ned!).
Even though the book covers many serious topics, it’s still filled with so much warmth and hope.
For someone who’s been struggling with mental health issues for so long, this book was very relatable, heartwarming and healing.
You know when they say the right book finds you? This book found me and I couldn’t be more grateful.

This IS a a love story-but maybe not the one you are expecting...❤️

Two Strangers.
Two chance meetings.

The first in the Cool Beans Cafe, when Nell is forced to share a communal table, and she strikes up a conversation with Charlie, the sexy Irishman she is forced to sit beside. She is literally incapable of not making small talk with strangers when placed in intimate situations. In fact, she will know the names of an Uber driver’s wife, and kids after just a short ride!

There is definitely a spark but neither asks the other for their number or surname.
Much to Nell’s regret.

But, as fate would have it-they will meet again.

The second time-Charlie will call the Healthy Minds helpline. Destiny has connected his call to Nell, who works there. As she asks for a name, and hears the accent, she inquires as to the possibility that they had met the day prior at the Cool Beans Cafe. Breaking all the rules, she suggests that they continue the conversation in person.

She doesn’t realize that she will be saving a life.

Would you take a chance on loving a person who may not be willing to take a second chance on themself?

YES-this is a story that deals with grief, and suicidal thoughts but it handles the subject with sensitivity and ultimately it is a story filled with courage, humor, unconditional love and HOPE!

It is a “FEEL GOOD” story focusing on healing !

Nell is a delight, and her inner dialogue is honest and funny! She is a person that anyone would be lucky to have as a friend!

I was rooting for her!
I was rooting for Charlie!
And, I was rooting for Magnus the cat, to get a second chance at love too! 💕

Rated PG

You won’t have to wait long to read this heartwarming gem of a story!
Available April 1, 2021 from Avon UK books!

Thank You for my gifted copy! It was my pleasure to provide a candid review!

From the title I was expecting a light-hearted romantic comedy. What I got was a much deeper storyline dealing with loss, grief, suicide and mental health. Through the writing I was fully engaged with the characters feeling their pain, their compassion, their selflessness and rooting for them. Parts of the book had me laughing, others feeling sad for Charlie.
I raced through this book to find out what happens. The issues covered in the storyline will stay with me for a long time to come.

Indeed, we should be more open and talkative about subjects concerning mental health. Don't be fooled the patriarchy isn't hard on men as well.

I'm not supposed to share quotes from an ARC, but there was a lovely and funny scene mentioning a man-up attitude and tear ducts.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

I went into the book not expecting the story I read. I expected a light rom com based on the cover and blurb. At First Sight was more about grief and much deeper elements in a relationship. I started off flying through the pages as I was completely hooked on their story. It’s great to read a book that tackles different topics of a relationship.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

Nell works in a mental health charity as a telephone operator and is on a lunch break when she has a chance meeting with Charlie. Nell, being recently single and a compelling chatterbox, strikes up a conversation with the gorgeous Irishman. The two get along well and there’s an instant connection, but Nell can’t bring herself to get his cell number. Heading back to work, Nell suddenly decides to face her fears, but when she returns to where Charlie was sitting, he’s not there. Thinking she’d never see him again, she’s surprised the next day when he calls her helpline.

Sensitively written and meticulously researched, this unconventional romance must be paired with a box of tissues! Sunderland has beautifully addressed some of the difficulties those with a broken heart deal with as well as the difficulties of those who love and support them. She’s touched on suicide, mental health, grief at losing a loved one and the difficulty of finding love again. Sunderland has successfully raised awareness about topics not usually addressed in novels.

I’ll admit, when the publisher reached out to me after I had received a copy of “At First Sight,” and cautioned me about the trigger warnings prior to reading. I was upset and unaware if the synopsis had included any inkling about the sensitive subjects. I initially thought that I would return the book unread as I had enough on my plate emotionally. I’m embarrassed at my awful gut response. However, encouraged by my husband to try the first few chapters, I was glad that I hadn’t passed off a wonderful opportunity to be educated about something I knew very little about. I feel I don’t have the words to do this review justice, but I need potential readers to see this as an opportunity for awareness because this author has approached it with the sensitivity it deserves.

It must be acknowledged that the author has noted trigger warnings prior to chapter 1 and cautioned readers to proceed with care.

Published March 01, 2021.

Thank you to Hannah Sunderland, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and learn from this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Avon Books U.K. and NetGalley for this ARC.
There is but only one way to describe the experience I had with At First Sight and that is non-stop. I picked up the book sometime this morning and now, just before midnight I’ve finished and am writing my review.
I love the characters, I love the plot, I love how alive everything feels and how the themes are explored to frankly and without any sugar coating. Literally cannot fault this book.
I especially love how the descriptions within help you to visualise the perfect setting without being too overdone.
I’d recommend to anyone who likes seeing how a relationship that isn’t a fairy tale but a good old fashion tangle of human emotions can evolve. If you at all feel triggered by mention of suicide, or attempted suicide, I would suggest that this probably isn’t the book for you due to the heavy mental health content.

Author’s Note.

“This book deals with loss, grief, depression and suicide. If any of these subjects are sensitive for you then please approach with care. I hope I have dealt with these important issues delicately.”

I have included the above note at the start of this review so that you can decide whether or not Hannah Sunderland’s second novel At First Sight maybe more than you can handle emotionally. If you are feeling mentally robust then I can guarantee you will not be disappointed by this extraordinary love story between two wonderfully engaging characters. This author is proving how adept she is at approaching the traditional love story from an unusual perspective giving hope that however flawed her characters may be they are still worthy of love even if it doesn’t reach Disney style unrealistic proportions. And that means there’s hope for us all!!

Apparently writing the second novel, especially when your debut has been so well received, can be a huge challenge but this author need not worry about living up to the success of Very Nearly Normal. The opening pages of At First Sight exquisitely sets the scene and tone for much of what follows with a meet cute between Nell Coleman and Charlie Stone that is breathtakingly brilliant for capturing the ordinariness of everyday scenarios. Nell is on her lunch break from work at Healthy Minds, a mental health charity helpline, rushing to buy her lunch and find a space in which to sit and eat in relative peace in her favourite coffee shop. With seating at a premium she is forced to squeeze into a space next to a stranger who is staring forlornly into his teacup. Don’t many of us hate those situations in which we feel obliged to fill the silence and make polite conversation with a stranger? Well Nell is no different and in juggling her food and belongings drops her sandwich onto the unsuspecting stranger who turns out to be pretty boy, dishevelled looking and withdrawn Irishman Charlie Stone. Nell dazzles him with her sunshine smile and verbal diarrhoea but having been single since the ending of her seven year relationship with Joel is too timid to ask him for his number. A decision she will instantly regret but fate has a habit of working in mysterious ways as this storyline will show. A call to the charity helpline which Nell just happens to pick up is from no other than Charlie himself and so begins what is the most tender, heartbreaking and hopeful love story that you could ever wish for.

At First Sight is a novel all about second chances in life and in love. Hannah Sunderland deals with such topics of loss, grief, depression and suicide with such sensitivity that if you’ve ever experienced these feelings either first or second hand you will feel you are not alone. Her writing exudes a kindness and sympathy reaching out to her readers who may suffer from mental ill health however mild or extreme their condition and makes them feel loved. Through the naturally caring empathetic characters that are Nell and her housemate Ned to the more complicated characters of Charlie and Jackson and Joel she raises awareness of the prevalence of male depression and suicide so that the line from film Castaway featuring Tom Hanks perfectly fits the narrative; “the sun will come out tomorrow and who knows what the tide will bring along”. Yes it may be cliched and verging on sentimental but these words do ring true even if not everyone can be fortunate enough to overcome their demons.

Nell and her work colleague and housemate Ned symbolise all the real life individuals who work in similar caring professions, yet the author thankfully doesn’t paint them as saintly do gooders. Nell and Joel are still unable to completely sever the ties of their relationship so in many ways suffer the inability to let go of the past just like Charlie does. With her messy eating, incessant chatter and desire to help improve people’s lives for the better, Nell is the ultimate caring character who deserves to find true love and happiness. Will that be with Charlie or is their mutual attraction destined never to get off the ground thanks to the ghosts from this Irishman’s past? I found these characters to be utterly enchanting and fell for Charlie instantaneously, his dark soul hiding a charm and beauty that Nell recognises in a heartbeat but for all her skills in the workplace dealing with troubled individuals, is this man beyond saving? Although the humour in this novel is subtle it compliments the more harrowing aspects so that you can’t forget you’re witnessing a love story unfolding before your very eyes. Whether it’s destined to reach new heights or doomed from the outset is up to fate to decide.

Love and loss and all the complex emotions this state of being engenders is examined in a thought provoking way as Nell and Charlie negotiate uncharted waters. “Love cannot last forever. It’s slain by poor decisions, lack of compatibility, selfishness, greed and eventually death.” This statement made by Nell relates to all the relationships that exist upon these pages and whilst it sounds rather negative it is also full of wisdom. There is always hope though, second chances at love and life which both Nell and Charlie will come to recognise, so amidst the grief and loss, tragedy and heartache is a message of hope. I thought I could predict how this storyline would conclude from the very beginning but the author surprised me by keeping me guessing until the very last pages. From start to finish you are swept away by a tsunami of emotions whilst reading this moving love story, touched by these characters lives, hoping for a happy ever after which is by no means guaranteed. Although there’s plenty of sadness to endure I left the company of Nell, Charlie and co feeling emotionally lighter and my eyes just about managed to stay dry! I actually think this novel is better than the author’s debut and without hesitation is easily deserving of 5 stars. My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.

“Having the guts to ask for help was a strength that all too many people didn’t possess and the social stigma around anxiety, depression or other mental health issues often deprives people of that final ounce of courage to seek the help they need”

Two strangers. Two chance meetings. One extraordinary love story.

Nell and Charlie feel a spark when they meet by chance in a cafe. But they don’t trade numbers, or surnames, so there’s no way they’ll meet again. But the next day, Nell’s phone rings at work. Somehow, impossibly, Charlie is on the other end. And he needs her help...

Thank you to @hannahsunderland, @avonbooksuk and @netgally for allowing me to read this one before it is released on April 1st. What an absolute treat because I LOVED this book!
I will quickly add in some TWs though: loss, grief, suicide and mental health.

This story is about fate, second chances, struggling severely with mental health, empathy, the grief process, forgiveness and falling in love in such an unconventional way.

This story was absolutely brilliant and I read it in less than 24 hours! At times it was heavy to read as it was surrounded in some challenging topics (suicide) but @hannahsunderland wrote it so beautifully and really captured what it is like to be that deep in grief and pain.

It is an uplifting and realistic story that will leave you laughing and crying throughout the book. It’s weird to say that a book surrounding grief and mental health can also be funny but it definitely was! I seriously recommend you get it when it comes out on April 1st! I read this book in early January but I still think about it often now 🤍

Another beautiful book from Hannah Sunderland. I was hooked on this clever, heartwarming novel from the opening chapter. There are some tough themes throughout this book but they are handled with knowledge and understanding. I loved the characters and thought the descriptions of the Ireland visit were beautiful, I could picture the surroundings with ease. One thing I loved about this book was the none traditional friendships/ relationships. Nell and Ned for example. I think this made the book a lot more believable and relatable. I’m sure this novel will be a huge success

This was a really enjoyable, not your typical at all contemp fiction and I read it really quickly. It drew me right in and Charlie's story was heartbreaking.

I requested this book as a challenge, I thought it would be educational. And it was very satisfying.
Nell is a twenty something young girl who's just broke up with her longtime boyfriend. She works at
Healthy Minds, and helps talking to people struggling with suicidal thoughts.
She meets Charlie while looking for a seat in a coffee shop and he gets blindsided by her warm smile. And the story starts to go on.
While this book could be catalogued as a romance dealing with the subject of suicide, I'd like give what I think could be a more accurate comment about it. It's about salvation. Everyone struggles, perhaps not about the same missed things, but there's always something missing, or some ideal mind state usually looked for but unfound. This book brings light about how when someone opens up, the light gets inside. How accepting is the key of healing and why patience can be the welcoming to a bright future. The characters are absolutely lovable, but mostly they are human trying to grow and get wiser in the process.
It's a beautiful story and the author did a magnificent job. I'd love to read more from her.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

At first sight is not a typical romance read and is more about second chances at finding yourself.

Overcoming grief, depression and relationships and how they all bind us to the present. Deliving into the darker side of life.

Meet Nell, she works as a caller at Healthy Minds and speaks to those who call in and try to help them with their problems. She adores her job, you can tell she has a true passion for it. Yet she also knows she is stuck in a rut herself by not fully ending it with her ex as he is her safety net which is understandable.

Meet Charlie, after losing his wife, his grief overwhelms him. To the point where he has contemplated suicide a few times previous.

A chance meeting, a chance phone call bring these two together. Or could it be fate as they both help each other figure things out.

I think it is sensitively written, but the story didn't grab me fully. I do think the cover misleads the reader into thinking it is a love story. I liked it, but a abit slow and labourous in parts.

This was not at all something I expected but I LOVED IT.
We follow Nell, who works as an operator at a mental health charity; and Charlie, a suspicious man who captures Nell's attention.
This journey was bittersweet and unexpected but very enjoyable!
This book talks about suicide, mental health, grief and loss, so may not be for everyone but if you think you can take it, this book won’t disappoint.

I didn't like the writing style. Also, I found unethical how she asked him out, I was uncomfortable after that and I couldn't believe anything that was going on. But on the bright side, it was funny and the main character was witty and charming.

TW: Suicide, bereavement, mental health illnesses.

Nell is a telephone operator at a mental health charity. One lunch time chance leads Nell to meet Charlie in a cafe. They both feel a spark but regrettably don’t exchange numbers. After leaving the cafe and heading back to work Nell does a u-turn, as she rushes back to the cafe in hope that Charlie is still there. When she realises he is not, she accepts she will not see him again.

Fate has a funny way of bringing people together and that is exactly what happens to Nell and Charlie when the next day Nell’s work phone rings and Charlie is at the other end of the line. He needs Nell’s help.

At First Sight is beautifully written and heartwarming but is like no other romance story I have ever read as it delves into some of life’s darkest moments as it centres around themes such as suicide, mental health, depression, grief and finding love after bereavement.

Having been recently bereaved by suicide myself, I thought that the book was written in the most sensitive way, with an aim to break surrounding stigmas and raise awareness, and you can tell that Hannah Sunderland had researched the themes very thoroughly.

The pace of the book felt right and I felt fully invested in all the characters. Whilst, as a reader you want Nell and Charlie to live happily ever after, I really appreciated that the author didn’t include romantic cliches. I found this emphasised the difficulties those who have been bereaved, and those who support them, face and that these things are never a straight line.

Overall, a really emotionally rewarding book, which is very different from anything I have read before.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.