Elena goes through a life changing situation whilst on holiday in Mexico. She goes through a lot of internal turmoil trying to deal with the aftermath and allows her life to take a turn she hadn't imagined. When she is invited to take part in a documentary 10 years after the moment that changed her life, she isn't sure whether it is a good idea. Will it open up issues she has tried to keep shut away ?

I loved the way the characters develop, leaving you part of the journey with your own opinion on whether she should be following her heart. It shows you that even if you have dreams about the way your life will unravel before you, there are lots of obstacles that could completely prevent you going down that path.

I was expecting a much lighter story, but loved being taken along with Elena. I was completely drawn in, unable to put the book down.

Elena is on holiday in Mexico with her boyfriend Harry but is feeling that maybe their relationship is at an end. While Elena is having a drink Harry goes off exploring and she offers a seat to fellow holidaymaker Alex.
Their worlds are turned upside down when an earthquake destroys the village and life takes a very different path for them all.
I don't want to say anymore and spoil the story, but it's a definite must read

I loved this book. I really like Debbie Johnson as an author. I really liked how the story unfolded.

When I started reading - the moment I met you by Debbie Johnson I wondered where it was leading up to as the first 10% is about a woman (Elena) on holiday in Mexico with her boyfriend (Harry) whom she’s not sure she wants to be with anymore as they have seemed to grow apart. She does the normal tourist things, visits churches, people watches the other tourists on her coach etc and it’s all very dull…. But then unexpectedly an earthquake happens and Elena is trapped underground with another of the tourists. The dark and mysterious Alex and I was absolutely hooked. I couldn’t put it down. Reading the horror that is happening all around to all the characters and the aftermath of the devastation draws you in.
Elana and Alex spend the hours telling each other about themselves and keeping each other going and then when they are finally rescued they spend their days together in hospital supporting each other through their traumas.
They realise that they love each other but fate is not on their side. With Harry seriously injured, Elena feels trapped in her relationship and unable to break it off.
The book then jumps 10 years and a proposed tv documentary about the earthquake brings everything and everyone back together.
This is a fabulous book, really loved the story once I was drawn In and would definitely recommend. Now looking forward to reading other stories by this author as this was a first for me but won’t be the last.

Elena Godwin and her boyfriend Harry are holidaying in Mexico. On the surface, their relationship seems perfect, but actually Elena is not so sure if she’s ready for a future with Harry. Then a tragedy happens and Elena, trapped underground with a fellow traveller, yet a stranger, Alex, opens up to him and they both develop a very strong bond and understand each other very, very good.
Ten years later, an anniversary documentary is being made and it re-opens wounds, truths, lies and secrets that Elena, and also other survivers, kept deeply hidden. She starts to question the choices she has made and she makes some discoveries that start to shed some other light on her life. Did she make the right decisions? And if not, does she still have a chance for her own happy end?

Even though Debbie Johnson changes her direction a little, leaving the most gorgeous and brilliant Comfort Food Cafe series behind and moving into more serious areas, and even though I miss the humour of the #Cafe series, I loved „The Moment I Met You“. I’ve never supposed it would be possible to fill a book with so many feelings and emotions, like Debbie Johnson has done here, turning the novel into a heart – wrenching and dramatic thought – provoking story that will keep you asking yourself what would you do if it happened to you…

I loved Elena, her personality, the way she was, so easy – going and uncomplicated and it pained me to see how much she had to sacrifice. How much of life did she lost. Thinking how her life could be different made my heart break. Yet she has never complained, she was so understanding – perhaps too understanding – loyal and fair. And it doesn’t mean that she was a bland, boring character, oh no, she was funny, fierce and sharp. She had to deal with tons of challenges and blows and the author wasn’t afraid to put her in some difficult positions, making it really complicated and hard for Elena, and I think she really did what she thought was best – though best for others, and not for herself. But it was the way Elena was, like it or not – I admired her for her choices. They were not obvious. And it’s easy to say she should have said „no“ – in such circumstances it was actually impossible.
Other characters in this book are also so well developed. There is depth to them and each of them has a huge personality. I loved Elena’s sister Olivia, her banter and one – liners about Harry – they were brilliantly funny and so sharp! Even the most background characters – you learn to love them and to grieve with them, you feel a part of their lives, as if you’ve experienced the tragedy with them, and they simply grow on you, quickly and completely.

Debbie Johnson’s writing is exquisitely good, vivid and rich, bringing the places, events and characters easily to life. The story simply draws you in and you desperately want to know what’s going to happen – you have your own scenario in your head and you’ll keep everything crossed that the book is going to end just like you’d like it to end, but will it? The author isn’t shy of adding twists and turns that make you feel frustrated (because the story doesn’t run like you want it to run!), be prepared for it. Also, the disappointment in one of the characters I have felt at the end of the story was so huge and overwhelming, I think I’ve never experienced something like this before – which is brilliant, as it only shows that I’ve been living and breathing vicariously through the characters’ lives. I’d love to tell so much more about it, and what I felt for the another character, but I don’t want to spoil the reading for you, so please do excuse me my vagueness.

“The Moment I Met You“ is not an easy read, as it’s really poignant and moving, sometimes shocking, yet you will find yourself simply devouring it. It will chew you and let you loose, leaving you a teary mess, moving you to the core. It doesn’t mean that it’s upsetting or depressing, because it isn’t, there is an overwhelming feeling of hope.
It is a romantic and emotionally charged read with a depth to it. The storyline is well thought – over, it’s dramatic and sometimes full of tension. You will find yourself cheering the characters and keeping everything crossed for them, going on an emotional rollercoaster journey with them.
It is a bit different, yet it’s perceptive, touching and evocative story about second chances, about living your life as if there was no tomorrow, about opportunities and chances, very raw and very honest. I loved every single moment of this book and I will be highly recommending it!

If you have read and enjoyed The fabulous Comfort Food Cafe books by Debbie Johnson, you need to know that this book is not lighthearted and feel-good like they are. This book is far more dramatic and emotional and definitely not lighthearted. However this book is also fabulous, just different to her earlier books.
I was gripped by this book and didn't want to stop reading. I had to know how the book ended. When I did finish it I couldn't stop thinking about it. It is so well written and thought provoking. It is such a good book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

Thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

It only takes a moment to change lives forever.....

I'm not sure where to start to be honest. I have read a few of Debbie Johnson's books previously and I think I was expecting something akin to the Comfort Food Cafe. This isn't the Comfort Food Cafe, not by a long way but I absolutely loved it and devoured it in a day.

Elena and Harry are on a coach trip whilst on holiday in Mexico little knowing that in a few hours, everything will be different. It's hard to say more as I don't want to spoil anything!

Wow, where to start. This book takes you on a journey. This is not a light read. I personally felt like I’d been on an emotional roller coaster reading this story.

I’m a huge fan of romcoms and don’t massively enjoy sad stories, or stories of loss, etc. However, this book gripped me.

I would recommend the author and will look out for her work in future.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 📚

Well what can I say, I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book, after reading other books by Debbie it was quite a shock, literally, but I am so glad I kept on and in the end I couldn't put it down, the characters are amazing and so well written, I have been through a rollercoaster ride of emotions, at one point I had to put it down at work because I could feel I was going to cry.

Give yourself a treat and don't miss this book.

I can't put into words what a great read this is. Debbie Johnson has not shied away from difficult themes here. For me the read was extremely poignant.

Harry and Elena are on holiday in Mexico when, in an instant, life changes forever. Difficult choices, loyalty, commitment, love and desire - all themes this fantastic novel explores. And it does it brilliantly.

Read and enjoy!

Perceptive, insightful, and beautifully written. The story is deeply touching and emotionally intelligent. Refreshingly honest and raw.
Elena is on holiday with Harry in Mexico, they go on a coach trip to experience the real nature of Mexico away from the luxury and air conditioning of their hotel complex.
The descriptions were so real I felt I was there, watching humming birds in the Mexican heat.
No spoilers here!
Such a brilliant book from the first page to the last. Fascinating and amazing!!
Totally absorbing and intriguing.
Loved it!!
Thank you for the opportunity to read early NetGalley.

Wow. I have just finished this amazing story. I was expecting just another stereotypical romance story in all honesty but boy was I wrong! I feel like I’ve been through an emotional rollercoaster, this story was so tragic but the ending was uplifting and all that I hoped it would be. I felt great empathy for Elena as a character but I’m not sure I would have made the same decisions as she did if I had been in the same situation. I couldn’t warm to Harry as a character even though I really tried, I found him quite calculating and untrustworthy right from the offset. If you want a beautiful story that will have you smiling one minute and crying the next as you go through an emotional journey I can highly recommend this. Beautifully written.

An emotional rollercoaster of a book which draws the reader in from the start and causes real life to be put on hold !
One night in Mexico an earthquake causes Elena, Alex and Harry to have their lives changed for ever. This book explores their lives and relationships . The plot is strong with many twists and turns the reader cannot imagine , along with a colourful cast of supporting characters,, and vivid descriptions of locations .
I have enjoyed Debbie Johnson’s writing over the years but this book is in a class of its own .
A gem of a book, I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley, Orion Books and Debbie Johnson for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

Wow what an emotional rollercoaster of a story, this a story of many layers with many emotions to process as you read. These people are thrown together through tragedy and through this they find unexpected friendships and live lives they never anticipated.

A story that will stay with me for a long time, I found it raw in places and the descriptions were so vivid the words jumped off of the page. The research into this story is evident with the detail provided and the weight of the emotion it carried.

Once you pick this up you will want to keep reading as you are immersed in the tragedy and the aftermath of destruction it leaves behind. Elena was a character who I loved, she was kind and compassionate and always thought of everyone else's needed ahead of her own.

A wonderful story that I recommend you clear a day to read as I didn't want to put it down once I had started.

This is the second Debbie Johnson book that I’ve read that just hasn’t done much for me. Maybe I am expecting too much magic after the fantastic ‘Comfort Food Cafe’ series? Or perhaps I just haven’t been in the right frame of mind when reading them.
I think I’m in the minority with the view on this book, but I found it a hard slog to get through; the characters were unlikeable, and my mind just kept wandering. I’d pick the book up after a break from reading, and it would take me ages to remember what had happened previously as it just wasn’t holding my attention.
There were a few moments throughout that I did find emotional and poignant and had the usual Johnson allurement. However, overall I found it mainly a little too slow-going for my liking.
I think this might have to be the last Debbie Johnson book I read for a while, as I’m just not finding them as engaging as I once did. I’m really sorry that this book wasn’t for me.

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

WOOOOOOW!!!!

What an emotional rollercoaster of a book, that to from start to finish, absolutely loved every minute of it.

A time that’s long past, Elena and Harry, on holiday in Mexico and then, in a minute their works was turned upside down.

In that minute, everything that Elena had planned to do in the future was torn apart.

Now, after that bad time, there appears to be an interest in Elena and Harry, mainly due to what happened. This makes those buried thoughts and feelings/emotions come up again.

Thoroughly Recommend This.

oh wow ... what a book! I wasn't expecting this even for one second! I thought i was going to read something light and fun with a bit of drama... this was all the contrary! But it was excellent! This book is nothing but light and fun. It's very dramatic, extremely dramatic and it gives you a lot of food for your thoughts. I kept asking myself what would i have done if it happened to me... I won't tell you what happened. This book is very very very good and super well written but please be aware this won't be light and full of fun! 4 stars out of 5 for this book!

I truly enjoyed this book. It surprised me with the intensity of emotions, good amd otherwise. The descriptions that take the reader into places that could be the stuff of nightmares and also places of haunting beauty.

It is the story of Elena and Harry who travel to Mexico which, in Elena’s view at least, is a make or break journey for their relationship. As they, and their fellow travellers, tumble out of the tour coach in a small Mexican village, little do they all know that their lives will, within hours, be be literally turned upside down.
In the subsequent chaos, and the inevitable glare of the media spotlight, life takes a turn that Elena never really feels comfortable with. Especially after being trapped with the secretive Swede who is also on the tour.
Debbie Johnson has taken me on a journey with Elena, a journey of discovery of self and of others.
Ms Johnson is an articulate, talented writer with a superb eye for detail and the reity of life.
I thoroughly recommend this book.

I’ll be completely honest, I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book when I first started it but once I got past the opening I was hooked.

Elena and her boyfriend are on holiday in Mexico and she’s trying to decide what she wants out of life. Does she want to stay and get married and settle down or is there more out there for her? A huge event changes her life completely though and she has to make some really hard decisions.

It’s really hard to review this book without giving too much away. It’s one of those books where you want to discover the twist for yourself and follow the characters in the story. What I will say though is that this book is full of great characters, not just Elena and the story was amazing. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster of a plot and just when you think you know what’s going to happen, it all changes!

The Moment I Met You was such an emotional read but one that I enjoyed a lot.

What a fantastic read, I loved this book from beginning to end. I loved Elena & Alex’s journey, sharing the intimate moments as they learn about each other in such terrible circumstances.

I would recommend this book to all of my friends.

5 stars 🌟 from me