I loved Tom’s previous novel, All About Us, so was really looking forward to getting lost between these covers.

In The Lifeline we meet Annie and Will, two people who met in the course of their respective jobs. Now, five years on, we meet them again in their separate lives. Outwardly, they may seem to be fulfilled, but their realities are different. Both feel that life is passing them by.

The story is told in a dual narrative, with dual timeline chapters to give more detail on the backstory of what happened on that day, five years ago. Slowly, we start to learn what has shaped them to be the people they are today.

This is such a lovely book, but it is far from saccharine sweet. Most of the characters are dealing with modern life’s pressures, in one way or another. Some issues are bigger than others, grief, loneliness, depression are all within the pages.
It is a tale of how life can change for the better, when we allow ourselves to open up to others. How being a little brave, can have a positive impact on ourselves, and those around us. It is also a reminder to look out for those around us, and that a little kindness goes a long way.

I always read the acknowledgements at the end of a book. I think it’s says so much of the author themselves. In this instance, it really shows how much of him himself Tom put into the book. I loved this kind, cosy book, I feel like I’ve been wrapped in a warm hug since turning the last page. It’s 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.

Nice easy read with engaging characters. Alternative chapters from Annie and Will, as well as backwards and forwarding between the present time and five years ago, which nicely gives you the back story of these two. The story deals with some important issues too, such as bereavement and mental health, family friction, loneliness and relationship breakdowns but also has an uplifting spin. Would recommend.

A wonderful story of love, grief and heartbreak. Hard to put down, ideal reading for a cold winters day.

5 stars (emotionally 6 stars)

*Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

There is so much I could say about this book. Stunning

Heartbreaking but felt like a long needed warm hug.

With dual timelines and dual perspectives, this book had me immersed from the very beginning and sobbing by the end.

I cannot recommend this book enough (may have also cheekily pre-ordered a physical copy just to have and share)

Be brave and pick up a copy, you won’t regret it.

I absolutely loved this book. Great characters and story telling. Great balance of emotions. Just perfect!

Moving beyond words this book was an instant five star read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a review.

I’ve just finished reading #thelifeline and it was one of those books you find yourself jumping right in to as if you were there. You’re rooting for Annie and Will to sort their lives out, but you’re also captivated by the supporting characters - Eric, Dev, Maya, Lexi, Tanvi - all of whom have a backstory too. I absolutely loved it. It’s made me think about helpline volunteering - that’s how good it was. Thank you to the publisher and #netgalley.

I really enjoyed The Lifeline by Tom Ellen, It’s a well written, emotionally warm tale of hope. Mixing flashbacks from five years ago with the present the characters are relatable and coincidences that occur are believable. A core part of the story focuses on the helpline that Will volunteers at and deals with issues of loneliness, grief and suicide. The story shows the powerful impact that talking to people can have. It’s my first read of a Tom Ellen title but I will certainly look out for more.

The Lifeline is a lovely, heartwarming and immersive book which follows two characters - Annie and Will, flipping between their two points-of-view seamlessly. I loved all the characters and the conflict and romance. Highly recommended!

This was a book that ripped my heart apart and put it back together again, piece by piece, I absolutely adored it! So much to enjoy, the dual main characters and timelines which aren't afraid to tackle difficult issues, I will be heartily recommending this book when it is released - a 5 star review from me!

My second read of a book by Tom. Enjoyed this emotional story despite some tough storylines featuring grief that I’ve had to deal with personally recently. Sensitively written and characters to care for. There are some laugh loud moments too. Happy to recommend this thought provoking book and I look forward to reading more by Tom in the future

A really great read.I thoroughly enjoyed this story loved the characters Will and Annie they first meet up when Will is an upcoming pop star and Annie is a budding journalist but due to a tragic event Will fails to turn up after a gig and Annie never hears from him again. Years later when Will is volunteering answering phones at a crisis centre he finds himself taking a call from a lady who is going through some problems of her own and the past suddenly starts to catch up with him again in the most unexpected way. This novel is beautifully written and really emotional at times with some lovely friendships but also family problems that test them both.I loved everything about this novel

Haunted by the past, Will volunteers at a charity lifeline where people can anonymously call. Journalist Annie stumbles across the number while researching for an article and calls in... This story follows two main characters with their POVs as they each come to terms with loss and deal with the associated grief. It tackles themes of grief, family problems, loneliness, suicide and breakdown in relationships.

I really enjoyed this authors previous book so I was keen to pick this one up and I am glad I did. I really enjoyed the POV of will and the support that the crisis lines provided to many people as its something I had not often considered. I quickly became invested in both characters storylines and found myself completely immersed in the book.

Thank you netgalley & HQ for my review copy, I will be recommending to many family and friends!

I really wasn't sure about this book initially but I really got hooked after a couple of sections and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The main characters Will and Annie developed as the book unfolded and all the other characters contributed to the tapestry.
The book deals with love and loss and made me appreciate the importance of telephone helplines

There was something utterly compelling about this, it was such a heartbreaking journey for both characters and I loved the way the story was split between the different time lines. It was a really emotional read, and I loved the relatability of Annie and Will, both of their stories had depth and warmth. Definitely a must read on a day when you need a literary hug.

I was very engaged immediately by this story- by why two people who clearly liked each other in all the right ways somehow failed to meet back up, when and where they had arranged to, on a Paris bridge.

Finding out this back story while exploring the lives that both Will and Annie have settled for several years later was intriguing. Both characters had grief (and guilt or anger )pulling them down and making their worlds smaller than they should have been. I was so pleased to see them break free of some of that burden by the end.

I loved the helpline, and the stories that were pulled out of it. This was a lovely book- and I’m grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my thoughts. A very solid 4* from me. I’ll certainly look out for more of Tom Ellen’s books!

The Lifeline is a romcom that touches on some serious issues, perfect! I found it a bit slow at the start but then the pace picked up and I became so engrossed I was rationing myself as I didn't want it to end. Thoroughly recommend.

Loved this book.
A book that makes me remember that we never can fully know what is going on for any other person, and how quick we are to make judgements and assumptions about others.
Pia and Jack are not who they say they are, but their stories are so linked from the past.
Really recommend this story

Initially this was a very sad story but as the story unfolded it got better and better. Some really good characters and a brilliant storyline. I was in peices towards the end but it finished on a crescendo!

I enjoyed The Lifeline, both the main characters were likeable. The story focuses on the issues the characters faced in their past, and their journey through this. I liked the focus on mental health, and it was a journey rather than one day there are issues and the next they are fine.