Loved this book! I've just been through a period where I couldn't concentrate much on reading but this has got me out of that slump.

A gorgeous read with gorgeous people, couldn't recommend it more!

4.5 Stars

Noelle Butterby is stuck, literally and figuratively. She is driving back from her college reunion when a heavy snowfall blocks the road. No one knows when they will be moving again, and the event was sort of a disaster. Heartbroken, lost, cold, without a working charger for her phone, and no battery, she wonders what else could go wrong. But then, Sam Attwood comes to the rescue.

Stuck in the car beside her, he offers her assistance, and they end up striking a friendship filled with sparks in the eight hours they are stuck together. When morning comes, and things start moving again, Noelle can't stop thinking about this kind stranger that feels like she has known forever.

When against all odds, Sam and Noelle keep bumping into each other, real-life decisions, pressures, and struggles will make themselves known. And to move forward, they both have to come to terms with what happened in the past.

I personally struggled with Noelle's character. I think Lia Louis did a wonderful job of giving meaning to her choices and explaining every detail that made Noelle remain stuck or afraid of living her life. However, it was difficult to not see her as an enabler, and I just really wanted to shake her sometimes and tell her to get a backbone.

But, her character arc is beautifully written and you can see her breaking out of her shell, slowly, and surely. And by the end of the book, you can't help but be so proud of her and her dysfunctional little family.

Sam Attwood is the swooniest. I'm usually not a fan of the "soulmates" trope. But, it works in Eight Perfect hours, because despite the instant connection between Sam and Noelle, both their lives are so entangled in the beginning that it doesn't feel like instalove, but like two characters working their way towards each other.

It's angsty, it's raw, it's real, and such a special little read. I couldn't put this book down.

Me and my friend both got approved for this book, buddy-read it, and had the same reactions in the end.

The story begins with Noelle as she finds herself stranded on a motorway, in the freezing cold, with no food, and a phone without a charged battery. Sam, a stranger trapped in a nearby car, offers help, and they spend the entire eight hours stuck in traffic together.

Noelle's character hit close to home. She's someone who gives too much of herself to the people she loves. She puts family first, carries their burden, holds them up, and on top of that, keeps them going. I loved that she's someone who's firm about being loved not only for the things one wishes to become, but also for the things that make them exactly as they are. And Sam...he knows his boundaries; true to his words and genuine in his actions.

This book isn't just about missed opportunities and later on, serendipitous events. It's about accepting the things you cannot change, braving to reach your fullest potential every day, and continuing to love in spite of the hurts. A beautiful story of fate and how exciting the unexpected can be.

I really loved this story - really sweetly and evocatively told with lead characters which gently brought you into this story. The way in which it was told gently brought round to the most lovely ending. Very enjoyable - thank you.

I really enjoyed reading Eight Perfect Hours! The characters all mesh well together, Noelle and Sam are so lovely and the deeper storylines on loss and grief are very well written.

Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis a five-star read I would love to be stuck with. Sam and Noelle are just simply so well written, their relationships with parents, their histories, the way lives entangle in the best manner possible. It all unfolds so well; it just keeps you reading no matter what is going on around you. This is one of those stories that will stay with me, even after I put it down, I found myself thinking of Sam and Noelle as well as some of the other characters. This really is a love story for the ages, it has a little something for everyone, and will definitely be the one I will be telling people about when they ask for a recommendation on something that will keep them hoked and keep them happy, there are sad moments, but they are done nicely so they are heart warming instead of saddening. Overall, I am sure this will be one of my favourite reads of this year.

When Noelle and Sam's lives collide one snowy evening, they spend eight perfect hours stuck side by side believing that they'll never see each other again. But soon their lives become entangled in ways they never expected - and it's going to change everything.

I will start on a bit of a negative and that is, if you are looking for an enthralling read that will have you gripped and intrigues as to what is going to happen then this is not the book for you. This book is a perhaps too obvious, the plot played out exactly as I thought it would, this is not a terrible thing but I think a little something extra would have really propelled this read. On a positive note, if you are looking for a beautiful, cosy read then this is absolutely the read for you!

'Eight Perfect Hours' begins on a cold, snowy night, Noelle meets Sam and everything else spirals from there. I found how they met to be endearing and special in that it quite quickly allowed the reader to develop a relationship with the characters and begin to get to know them. Once morning comes, they go their separate ways. From here, they are in and out of each others lives, but will they ever get together? I did really enjoy the ways Louis brings the two characters together, the coincidences are lovely and made for enjoyable reading.

I have already touched on our main characters but I must emphasise that Noelle and Sam are two lovely characters to follow, they are easy to get to know and feel like they could be people you know. The other characters are really good too, in particular those connected to Noelle. Noelle's friends and family are very likeable and I loved how they have their own individual thread in the book, no matter how small it was, it was always perfect. Louis really fits a lot in during this book and it only added to the entertainment.

'Eight Perfect Hours' is a heart-warming read that is full of charm and fate. I really enjoyed reading this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orion for an advance copy.

🧡 Eight Perfect Hours was my most anticipated read of 2021 and gah I’m utterly obsessed! 🧡

Noelle Butterby and Sam Attwood find themselves stranded on the M4 where snow flurries and sparks fly! They spend eight perfect hours together filled with witty banter, emergency cheese sandwiches, and all the fuzzy feels!

After the motorway is cleared the following morning, Noelle and Sam go their separate ways with the assumption they’ll never see each other again. However, life works in mysterious ways and they soon discover just how much!

Things I loved:

🧡The story is told from Noelle’s perspective and I adored her! She’s an incredibly relatable protagonist who always puts other’s needs first and deserves all the happiness. I loved her growth and was cheering her on from the get-go!
🧡 Then there’s Swoony Sam! A handsome mountaineer from Oregon (you heard me right!). Despite his own personal battles, he’s a kindhearted soul who is delightful in every way possible, and I’m certain he will be making it to the top of book boyfriend lists!
🧡I especially enjoyed the buried time capsule element, together with the wonderful friendship between Noelle, Charlie and Daisy. It really gave me all the Crossroads vibes (a film featuring Britney Spears which I’ve watched countless times growing up!).
🧡The intricate threads of serendipity woven throughout this novel and how they are brought together is exceptional!
🧡 This book really sung to me in many ways. All of the glorious fate and romance for sure, but I like how mental health, anxiety, self doubt, grief and caregiving are so beautifully handled too.
🧡 Eight Perfect Hours is truly a must read that I’ll be forcing upon anyone and everyone, just as I have done and will continue to do with Dear Emmie Blue!

Lia Louis will forever be an auto-buy author, the magical stories she creates are pure perfection and they never fail to make my book loving heart happy!

All the shiny stars from me and now I desperately need book four in my life! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you heaps to Lia Louis, Orion and NetGalley for so kindly allowing me to read an e-ARC of this phenomenal book in exchange for an honest review.

Noelle and Sam meet in a traffic jam and spend 8 hours together.
Noelle can't stop thinking about him, and then fate has them meeting again and again, Are they meant to be together?
A great read.

Truly one of the best books I’ve read in such a long time. This is the perfect romcom that is for all fans of the movie serendipity. The writing and plotting is fantastic and the two main characters will have you rooting for them all the way through. I can not wait for the book to be released so that I can buy a copy for everyone I know. Especially perfect for fans of ‘This Time Next Year’.

I have read all of Lia's books to date, and I daresay that this is her best one yet.
Noelle is on her way to her college reunion to dig up the time capsule they had buried with their classmates 15 years ago. This is a bittersweet moment, as her best friend Daisy should be by her side, however she passed away in a tragic accident which took her life far too soon whilst in college.
On her way back from this failed retrieval of the items, Noelle finds herself stuck in a snowstorm and stranded on the motorway on her way home. With her phone battery about to die, and her anxieties about her mum being left alone for too long, Noelle has a bit of an emotional meltdown.
Enter swoon worthy Sam. An American man who has ended up stranded in the car beside her. After offering to help Noelle charge her phone in his car, they begin talking and they find themselves rather enjoying eachothers company.

When the snowstorm finally allows them to continue driving home, Noelle is certain she won't see Sam again, however life has a very different plan for her. They find themselves being thrown in to one another's path's time and time again, and Noelle can't help but question why. But with both of them having long term partners, despite their relationship being on the rocks, can they ever be more than friends, and has life really got a plan for us all?.

I adored everything about this story!. Lia has such a remarkable way of bringing characters to life for the reader, to the point where they quickly come to feel like a close confident. Noelle is a character you can't help but love! she has a huge heart, but doubts herself far too much. With all she has to overcome in life, she is left with rather deep rooted anxiety, something I am sure others can relate to. And then of course there is Sam, the handsome, kind American who I loved from the first meeting!. He has such a strong presence, and a calm and reassuring nature about him, it's impossible to not make a space in your heart for him.

With a beautiful storyline that takes you through a huge range of emotions as the story plays out, this is one of those books I will be telling everyone about. I sat and devoured the entire book in one sitting as it was impossible to part with.

I’m a huge believer in fate and this book is all about it, fate and love and friendship as well as tragedy. I really enjoyed this book although the amount of “accidental” meetings did feel a bit far fetched, but I loved the characters, especially Sam who seems such a darling and I found myself willing Noelle’s mum to get better and get out in the world and for Noelle to be able to live her life and follow her dreams.
Iv not read any of this authors books before but I will definitely be seeking them out now as I really enjoyed her wring style and wit.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy of this book.

A novel novel, with coincidence piled upon coincidence. Perhaps a few too many links between the past and present and near misses to prove that our couple were meant to be - but an excellent romp through a growing relationship.
After a very long time trapped in a car during the closure of a motorway, Noelle and Sam part ways without sharing contact details. They meet again and dont keep each other’s numbers....this goes on until they have to sit up and notice the universe is telling them. Although both are looking elsewhere for their happiness and have a lot in their plates with family and friend issues and interference. Will they ever be in the same place at the same time emotionally as well as geographically?

I loved everything about this book. I’ve not read any of Lia Louis’ books before, but I’m going to be hunting them down now....... she will definitely be on my ‘must read’ list. A book about grief, family, friendships and fate........ Absolutely delicious story telling and likeable characters. I fell in love with Noelle, Sam, Charlie, Theo, Ian, Belinda and Daisy. Highly recommended feel good book! Snuggle up in your favourite chair and enjoy.

I absolutely adored this & will be recommending it to everyone! Thanks fir for opportunity to read and review this book.

Well this is just as good as Emmie Blue.

Devoured in less then 24 hours and two sittings wow just beautiful and amazing.

I love Lia's magical way with words and I loved this so much.

Such a wonderful read one you will definitely want to pick up.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Well this was a few perfect hours of reading. A story that was packed with all the romantic clichés and weaved in so perfectly.
Not afraid to tackle the difficult subjects such as mental health, grief, bereavement and panic. Makes Sam and Noelle more rounded characters and you feel more invested.
This really tugs at the heart strings and pulls you in. Adorable, delightful, gives you that warm fuzzy feeling,

Headlines:
Palpitations and angst
Kismet
Banter score 100
Down-to-earth relatable heroine

Eight Perfect Hours landed on my kindle from netgalley at 6pm and I opened at at 6:01pm, all other bookish plans cancelled (best decision ever). How long did it take me to get into it? One. Hot. Second.

Now that I’ve got the gushing over, here are some non-spoilery thoughts to encourage in new and those who are already Lia Louis fans. Noelle Butterby was one of the most relatable heroines I’ve ever read. Noelle would call herself boring and insignificant but this story was anything but. It started with a snowed up stationery motorway and a circumstantial meeting with Sam. Then they kept meeting one another. Now I want to say this is not some prolonged missed opportunities trope (which I do not gel with) it was something else.

"Every time I’m near him, I want to stop the hands of all the world’s clocks. I never want to leave."

The characters in this book navigagted grief, ex-es, commitments and dependents. There were characters who annoyed the heck out of me (side entrance: Ed the Ped) and others that brought light and hope. All of this had me totally stuck to the page, I devoured this book, inhaled it really and I have no regrets.

Lia Louis keeps her streak for creating fantastic stories and characters but my actions on picking it up immediately, showed that I never doubted it for a moment. Do yourself a favour and grab a copy.

Obviously it was fantastic. OBVIOUSLY.

The characters, the dialogue, the serendipity. The real, raw story and imperfect families and tough times. Everything. Bloody loved it.

Once again Lia writes a book filled with so much heart, humour and relatability. I hung on every word and devoured it in less than 24 hours.

Where’s book 4? 😂




CW:
Stroke, death by car crash, death by suicide, adultery, post natal depression, poor mental health, severe weather, death of a child, divorce.

An absolutely beautiful story about missed opportunities and heartache leading to true love. This is one of those books that will always stay with me and I’ll read again and again.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest and unbiased opinion.