Chic lit at its best. Predictable, enjoyable, laugh out loud on occasions & a few tears shed too. The characters are great and well written as well as being relatable. Perfect reading for an afternoon in the sunshine.

Will & Annie, how can I even begin?.

Both are stuck in a rut , Will feels like he’s missed his chance at life and is in a job he doesn’t want but he enjoys volunteering at a crisis phone line.

Annie is overwhelmed with grief and is in an underwhelming relationship plus her job is on the rocks.

I kind of guessed what was going to happen after reading the synopsis and the prologue but that didn’t take away from me thinking that the story was absolutely incredible and something really special.

The story highlights grief, mental illness and loneliness but it a tasteful and realistic way.

So many readers will relate to this beautiful story in so many ways, I know I did.

I finished this late into the night because I couldn’t go to sleep until I had finished every last page, the romance and angst had me on the edge of my seat.

Will and Annie will stay with me for a long time as me and my partner had a second chance at love too but ours was around 10 years later.

This book switches between the current day narrations by Will and Annie. And, a day in Paris 5 years before.
The characters were likable and I wanted things to work out for them. However, I thought the story was a bit predictable. I also wasn't keen on the bits in Paris which seemed a bit drawn out in comparison to the other timeline.
It's a nice easy read despite the themes of grief and mental health. Would make a good holiday read.

I couldn't put this page turner down, I was immediately absorbed into the storyline. Told from a dual perspective of Will and Annie, two thirty somethings consumed with their personal grief and floating through life. When Annie rings an anonymous helpline she begins to open up about her feelings and we start to learn about the events that bought her to need to reach out to a stranger. Will volunteers at the helpline as he is consumed by guilt and grief by listening to Annie he starts to open himself up to hope. I really enjoyed reading from both the characters perspectives, I liked and felt so much for them both. It is so well written I found myself sobbing while reading. The characters are relatable and loveable, faults and all. I found this an ultimately romantic and feel good read that deals really sensitively with the effects of isolation, loneliness and grief. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.

This was such a heart warming story based around the 2 main characters, Will and Annie. Told from alternating viewpoints and with a dual timeline this could have been a confusing book but I loved the flow of the story. I fell in love with the characters and the main theme which dealt with mental health.

A few pages in, I knew this book was for me. It focused on mental health, but the underlying humour, the incorporation of uplifting friendships and the tantalising promise of romance kept the story from ever becoming too dour.

The mystery as to what happened in Paris all those years ago hooked me, as I needed to know what could have possibly prevented Will and Annie’s obvious connection from turning into something more. Through both characters, the novel mined into the heavier emotions of grief, guilt and loneliness. They were allowed to express their deeper feelings to the fullest extent, but they were also able to grow from them. It helped that both Will and Annie were surrounded by such kind and supportive friends who they could rely on to lean on and parse through their feelings.

In large part, Will and Annie’s character development was due to their serendipitous phone calls. I liked how they were able to help each other through the simple act of listening. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, making it clear that their connection in Paris hadn’t dampened despite becoming two very different people since then. Will and Annie made each other braver in all aspects of their lives. As it was obvious how good Will and Annie were together, I was desperate for them to figure out who the other person at the end of the line really was.

Along with the need for Will and Annie to meet, the novel was propelled forward by its compelling and powerful final act. It ended on a hopeful and inspiring note, one which highlighted the power of reaching out and opening up.

OVERALL: This tender love story tackled the heavier topics of grief, guilt and loneliness. Luckily, its darker moments were buoyed by subtle humour, supportive friendships and a heart-warming romance.

A gorgeous and heartwarming read. The Lifeline follows Will and Annie as they unknowingly re-form a connection via crisis helpline Greenshoots.

We watch our main characters through the lens of today and five years ago, exploring not only their own relationship but also their relationships with those around them.

The story deals so beautifully with themes of grief, suicide and loneliness- you cannot help but love every single character. Although the subject matter is intense the book still feels so hopeful, it was almost soothing in a way to read.

In "The Lifeline" by Tom Ellen, readers are immersed in a poignant and uplifting story that explores the transformative power of connection and the courage it takes to rebuild one's life.

Will and Annie couldn't be more different: Will is stuck in a dead-end job, sleepwalking through life and avoiding his own problems, while Annie is meticulously planning her future until unforeseen circumstances throw her off course. Despite their disparate paths, they find solace and support in each other through regular phone calls on an anonymous crisis line.

Ellen's storytelling is masterful as he navigates the evolving relationship between Will and Annie. Through their heartfelt conversations, readers witness the depths of their loneliness, fears, and vulnerabilities, but also the sparks of hope and resilience that emerge as they challenge each other to be brave and confront their demons. The author skilfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and the importance of truly being seen and understood, creating a narrative that is as touching as it is inspiring.

What sets "The Lifeline" apart is its authentic portrayal of human connection and the profound impact it can have on our lives. Will and Annie's relationship, born out of anonymous phone calls, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for love to transcend boundaries and circumstances. As they navigate their own struggles and support each other through life's challenges, they discover that true connection knows no bounds.

At its heart, "The Lifeline" is a story about courage, resilience, and the transformative power of love. Ellen's sharp wit and deft storytelling make this a captivating read from start to finish. Whether you're laughing along with Will and Annie's banter or wiping away tears at their poignant moments, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.

"The Lifeline" is a captivating and heart warming novel that reminds readers of the beauty and importance of human connection. Tom Ellen's insightful exploration of love, loneliness, and the journey to self-discovery makes this a must-read for anyone searching for hope and inspiration in the midst of life's challenges.

Having really enjoyed Tom Ellen’s previous book, All About Us, I was looking forward to diving into his new one, The Lifeline.
I think the set up at the start of the book was quite good, but for me, it very quickly became obvious what had happened in the past and therefore, exactly where the story would go, so I found myself not particularly excited to dive back into the book each day as I felt I knew where the story would go. This wasn’t the case with his previous book, so I was maybe a little disappointed with this one. The writing was good, I just wish the story had a little more in the way of twist & turns to really keep me engaged.
Correct rating 3.5

I loved this book. It grabbed me from the first paragraph and I could not put it down. I loved both main characters and the supporting ones too. It was fabulously written and a real page turner.

This was a simple, fun, easy and quick read. The perfect type of book for your holiday, beach, pool kind of read. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

This is my first Tom Ellen book and I really enjoyed it. I like reading stories where the people connect before meeting and this one didn't disappoint. I cared for the characters and I raced through the book to find out how they would come together. I liked the back story of the two characters and the flashbacks. A great read.

Wow, what a book absolutely amazing read! Make sure you pick this up and read, you wont be disappointed! It’s funny but at the same time it makes you think and it’s also heartbreaking. There is trauma, love and friendship with two points of view.

This book exceeded my expectations as I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
Strong believable and relatable characters and a storyline told from both of their points of view delivered an engaging read with warmth and feeling.
I was rooting for Annie and Will and crossing my fingers that past hurts did not continue to impact on their future lives.
The book is not all sunshine and roses as it does touch on loss, grief and loneliness, and who hasn't lost somebody in their lifetime, but just keep on reading and enjoy the book.

I thought this would be a nice light-hearted easy read - I was expecting clichés all over the place but it's not like that at all.

We meet Annie, still reeling from her father's death from cancer, feeling stuck in a dead-end job that doesn't fulfil her and a relationship that's going through the motions at best. Will is in survival mode after the fallout from 5 years ago, working in his spare time at a crisis call line called Green Shoots.

I enjoyed the dual POVs, I thought this really helped to tell the story in a sensitive way. I wanted to dislike Will but ended up wanting to give both him and Annie a hug - the author has masterfully crafted a story covering big themes of grief, trauma, loneliness and depression without resorting to lots of drama.

The story feels very real and is thought-provoking without being in any way preachy, there is humour throughout and the underlying messages around friendship, relationships and allowing yourself to grow even when change feels terrifying will resonate with most people I think.

Definitely give this one a read.

When i read the blurb to this book, i just knew that i was going to enjoy it and i definitely was not disappointed, it was wonderful and i am so glad that i took a chance and read it.

I loved the two main characters, Will and Annie and really enjoyed getting to know them and finding out how their story unfolded.

This book had me going through all of the emotions and i felt as though i was on an emotional roller coaster - of course in a good way!!

It was a wonderful, heartwarming romance but with a bit more depth to it too…….

I really enjoyed this author’s previous book, so was keen to give The Lifeline at try, and I was not disappointed. Despite dealing with some fairly serious issues, this was ultimately a hopeful and heartwarming read. Annie is a former music journalist who is having trouble moving on after the death of her father. Will was lead singer in an up-and-coming indie band, but now works in a failing electronics store and volunteers for a crisis helpline in his spare time. The story is told from Annie and Will’s perspectives, both in the present and five years before. A large part of the narrative takes the form of phone conversations which come across as very natural.
Five years ago, Annie went to Paris to interview Will and they went on to spend a wonderful day together. She thought they had a real connection, but when he did not turn up to meet her after the gig she assumed the worst. Five years later in London, she is supposed to be contacting the band to write an article, but cannot track them down. Purely by chance she phones the helpline, Green Shoots, and speaks to Will, but neither of them know who the other is as they are using the names Jack and Pia. They make a connection and start to look forward to their weekly conversations. We have to wait until quite far into the story to find out what happened on that fateful night in Paris, but this is good as we have come to care about Annie and Will by then.
The Lifeline is much more than a romance novel, though there is a romantic element to the story. It is really about all forms of love, and the importance of having someone to listen and talk to. The writer does not shy away from serious and distressing topics like loneliness, grief, depression and guilt but handles them with a sensitive touch. The importance of friends and family runs through the narrative, along with forgiveness. There is humour as well to stop it getting too dark, and I particularly enjoyed the pop culture references. This book has left a lasting impression on me – I won’t forget it in a hurry and look forward to reading the next book by this talented writer. Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.

The Lifeline by Tom Ellen

If I learned one life lesson from Tom Ellen’s lovely romance novel, it’s that I’m not the only one who has a weird celebrity crush on Richard Ayoade. What a relief! Usually I get quizzical looks and questions so I felt vindicated. I often say I don’t like romances, but I really did enjoy this story about Annie and Will. They met one day in Paris when Will’s band The Defectors were the next up and coming Indie band. Annie is sent out to interview them before a gig and hits it off with cute frontman Will Axford, who I was imagining as my Indie crush Damon Albarn. Annie finds his floppy hair, dimples and the gap between his front teeth very sexy. He seems to be clicking with her, but she’s still surprised when he catches up with her after the interview and suggests they spend the day together. Later as they watch the sunset from the Pont Alexandre III bridge, he asks if they can meet after his gig on the same spot. So, Annie is standing there at 11pm waiting for Will to arrive but when he still isn’t there at 11.30pm she gives herself a good talking to, fancy falling for the patter of a rock star. He’s probably with another girl already or tries this on every girl he meets. How stupid to think he would genuinely like her! As she pays for an extortionate last minute hotel room on her credit card, she’s already mentally writing up her interview full of anger and disappointment.

Fast forward five years and Annie works for an internet magazine, one of those that suck us into a blur of what 1980’s celebrity’s look like now or the best one hit wonders. It’s not what she wanted to do when she started out, with a pile of short stories and novel proposals, but it pays the bills and she loves her colleague Lexi. So, when she’s asked by her boss to write a new “Where Are They Now?’ series to go with some very lucrative advertising revenue, she jumps at the chance to do something more interesting. Then her boss asks her to track down The Defectors. Behind the scenes Annie is having a hard time. Her father died just over a year ago and her different approach to his cancer diagnosis has left her estranged from her mother and sister. Her live-in boyfriend Dom isn’t her dream man, they’re just muddling along while friends are making huge life changes like marriage and baby. The thought of losing Dom or her job scares her, but maybe a big change is exactly what she needs? As she tries to track down The Defectors she sees one of them has shared a phone number on a black background, which stands out in the usual technicolour of Instagram. It’s for a lifeline called Green Shoots, a listening ear for those who are bereaved, anxious and lonely. Annie needs someone to listen to everything that goes round in her mind, so decides to call using her middle name Pia. When Jack answers she finally feels she can open up.

Jack volunteers at the lifeline as often as he can but he doesn’t use his real name. Of course he has regulars and I fell in love with these callers, perhaps because they reminded me so much of my own work in mental health. Work I’m not well enough to do at the moment. I understood that fondness for certain callers, because it’s hard to avoid clicking with certain people. There’s Eric who calls and often makes hilarious commentary on whatever he’s watching. Some of these programmes, despite his advanced years, are things like Love Island and Made in Chelsea. I fell in love with him straight away and those times when he called feeling low I was heartbroken. Then there’s the breathing lady, who calls just to have someone to breathe with, until she feels calmer. Jack and Pia hit it off on the phone straight away, there’s energy between them. So when she says she’ll call back, he finds himself looking forward to her call. I really felt for Jack because working with peoples deepest emotions can forge strong connections, it’s hard to be detached from some callers. I loved that his friend and colleague Tanvi felt the same way too. He had been avoiding the get togethers and catch ups with other volunteers, mainly because he’s struggling with making friends and being social. Years before, there was a friend that Jack wished he could have been there for and he finds the guilt is crippling.

I felt for Annie too, especially her journey through grief and the struggle to cope when her father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The author presents beautifully how even the closest people can grieve in their very different ways. There’s a need to give each other space and respect what they need to do in order to cope. It’s so hard when someone is terminally ill and perhaps their wishes don’t align with our own. It’s hard to let go of someone we love, even when we know they’re ready. I thought the author paced the story perfectly and the misunderstandings on the road to romance were believable, rather than formulaic ones that make me groan. Also I really liked and understood the characters, so I was into the story and not noticing the ‘scenery’ as much. Equally, I loved the revelations along the way. This was a lovely bittersweet novel about love and the people we lose along the way, and I read every word hoping these people would find each other.

This is the first book I have read by Tom ellen it won't be the last.

A beautifully written Romance that wasn't predicatbale boy meets girl.

I just picked it up and couldn't put it down

This romantic comedy is an absolute gem that has captured my heart with its endearing storyline, lovable characters, and insightful messages that have left a lasting impact on me. It is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that I never expected at the start, and I can't help but feel grateful for discovering such a beautiful book that has enriched my life in more ways than one.

Along with the captivating love story of Will and Annie, the narrative is profoundly contemplative and insightful, encouraging readers to ponder on life's complexities and nuances.

This exciting book will take you on an emotional journey that will leave you feeling both broken and whole. It's captivating storytelling will keep you completely invested from start to finish, and you'll find yourself flying through the pages, unable to put it down. With its message of love and warmth, this book will stay with you long after you've turned the last page, leaving you feeling moved and uplifted. I found it to be a truly inspiring read, and I'm confident you will, too!