'The Moment I Met You' is such a beautiful and heartwrenching book. You'll hurt, you'll fear and you'll question decisions as if you were living the story alongside Elena herself!

I received an advance copy of, The Moment I Met You, by Debbie Johnson. I usually like books by Debbie Johnson, but this one is not a favorite of mine. The characters were ok, the book was a little depressing.

I loved this book from the get go. I found Elena relatable and I was emotional from the begging. This one of the best second chance emotional books I have read. Below is my goodreads review

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3874679446

Three and a half stars.

Elena Godwin was on holiday in Mexico with her long-term boyfriend, after two weeks away she has come to the conclusion that they are no longer in love and don't have very much in common. An innocent conversation with a fellow tourist at a tour stop creates a frisson of excitement and a hint of something more, when a tragedy changes her life forever. Ten years later, her life changed irrevocably, Elena is approached to take part in a documentary about the events that took place. As Elena recalls the events of that day, she also uncovers a number of secrets that lead her to question the choices she made.

I've been deliberately vague so as not to spoil the story which unfolds through flashbacks and interviews. However, it reminded me strongly of the film Cousins and TBH I pretty much guessed all of the 'reveals' pretty early on. I have a feeling that I've read something similar before but I've looked and can't find the book(s) I'm thinking of.

Anyway, it's Debbie Johnson so the writing was good and the story drew me in, but I wouldn't say it was heart-breaking. I think Elena was just too perfect for me to truly relate, not a doormat precisely but just too nice, too good, too uncomplaining.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

The story of Elena, Harry and Alex whose lives all changed one hot night in Mexico when an earthquake struck. As they deal with the aftermath of the earthquake, the futures they choose are not necessarily the ones that they wanted. With the tenth anniversary of the quake on the horizon, can they put right the choices they made that night?

From the first page to the last this story takes you on a rollercoaster of a ride. An excellent book which I recommend.

WOW. It’s not often something moves me as much as this did. Outstanding, even now a couple of days since I finished this book, I can’t shake how it made me feel and I’m not sure I have the words to do this one justice.
I devoured it in record time, not because I wanted to get it finished but I was so caught up in the story, the characters, and the emotions it brought out in me.

Elena’s world is turning upside down, she’s realising that her life isn’t exactly how she pictured and those in it aren’t making her as happy as they should. On her dream holiday in Mexico, as this realisation slowly dawns on her, Elena’s life is changed in an instant and suddenly her destiny isn’t in her hands.
As time passes Elena doesn’t like to think back to what could have been, although she’s thankful for the one person she had by her side that helped her through everything, she also can’t help but wonder what could have been. When she learns the truth about events ten years ago, Elena decides it might be time to put right the wrong decisions she made.
I want to be very careful in what I say as I don’t want to give anything away because I think that adds to the drama and emotion. Elena is nice character; she’s dealt some shocking blows and has bad timing, but I think she is put in a difficult position. I think she truly did the best she could and in the same position I may have made the same choice, but it was never going to be the one that made her happy.
Harry is Elena’s boyfriend; he sounds gorgeous, charismatic and perhaps a tad overconfident. Fair play to him over the course of the book he works hard, does well and is successful, Elena and Harry have a connection that stems from so many years together.
Alex is the mysterious stranger from Mexico. He is from Sweden and I really liked his character. Some of the light funnier moments came from him not understanding their English turn of phrase i.e. “penny for your thoughts.”
I have been a huge fan of Debbie Johnson for a long time, and this one just feels different somehow. It is romantic, it is funny in parts, but it is deep and evokes such a feeling. Her writing is as great as ever, the storyline is dramatic especially at the start, maybe intense at times too but it takes you on a complete emotional rollercoaster.

I cannot recommend enough. One I will be thinking about for a long time.
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an advance copy to read and review.