loved this romance and finding oneself after a break up . loved her friends and finding love. Loved that she was able to move past lenny.

Learning through life experiences who you are is the best gift to be given. In this story, finding your true self and accepting that after a breakup was a nice change of pace for this type book. Love it!

I really enjoyed this book from Tonge because it wasn’t your standard post-break-up novel, instead offering something with a bit more edge to it. I felt invested in how Violet coped after she is dumped by her boyfriend and I thought it was interesting how much of Violet’s past has shaped the present day narrative.

The story occasionally flashes back to Violet’s childhood and the more you read of Violet as an adult, the more you realise how events in the past continue to impact her. She was particularly lonely as a child and I sympathised with how little understood she was by her mother. This lack of understanding appears to have continued into the present and this explains why she latches on to her new flatmate, Bella, who drives Violet to reinvent herself.

However, this reinvention is not just a reaction to her relationship ending. Bella is trying to show Violet that her actions all lead to self love and becoming a happier person. Violet cannot help but agree, even when it comes to acting underhand in her career. This was another aspect to the book that I really enjoyed: seeing Violet work in the publishing world.

Tonge presents this environment as cut throat as agents are fighting to get claim on the next big book. Violet’s publishing house is presented as rather accepting yet, Violet’s personal nemesis, Beatrice, seems to use any trick in the book to get the authors and agents she wants. This triggers Violet’s own reinvention and whilst it drives Violet to step out of her comfort zone, it is evident she does not have all the facts that she thinks she does.

This was a well-written story where I felt drawn into the narrative to see how Violet would evolve. Although she seems happy at the start of the book, it is her break-up that encourages more drive and even some ruthlessness. However, even Violet begins to realise that what she thought was making her happy was not a true reflection of who she was. Ultimately, the key to happiness is being true to yourself.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a wonderful book. I loved the friendship aspect of the book!

Samantha Tonge's 'If You Could See Me Now' is an engaging and emotional novel that explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the intricacies of trust. The story revolves around Violet, a lovely woman who, following a painful breakup, chooses to regain control of her life and reframe her happiness.

The premise is understandable: Violet, who starts off on the road to a blissful life with her ideal job and good-looking boyfriend, hits a roadblock that compels her to re-jig. Her self-transformation, with some help from her new roommate Bella, is a story of empowerment and control.

The author's writing style is compelling and empathetic, drawing the reader into Violet's story. The novel strikes a balance between moments of empathy and even humor, so that the characters become real and their relationships plausible.

Generally, 'If You Could See Me Now' is a good, compelling novel that delves into the strength of the human spirit in the aftermath of heartbreak and the value of authentic connections. It is a self-discovery journey with possible turns and twists, and hence an engrossing read for those who love women's fiction with depth. Fans of books that explore friendship, assertiveness in one's life, and rising above past obstacles will find this book a good read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review.

This was a fun chick lit novel, and I enjoyed it a lot. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

If You Could See Me Now by Samantha Tonge is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story about self-discovery, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Violet, a kind-hearted woman who’s finally achieving her dream of working with books, is initially content with her life—until her relationship with her boyfriend Lenny unravels. Hurt and lonely after their breakup, Violet decides to take control of her life, transforming herself with the help of her new flatmate Bella. Ready to show the world she doesn’t need Lenny, Violet embarks on a journey of self-reinvention, starting with a makeover and newfound confidence at work.

The story takes a turn when Violet meets the magnetic author Casey, and she begins to wonder if the perfect life she’s been striving for might have more to do with external changes than internal happiness. However, as Violet’s relationship with Bella deepens, she uncovers a secret from her past that could change everything she thought she knew about herself.

Tonge’s writing is warm and engaging, with a great balance of humor, drama, and emotional depth. Violet’s journey is relatable and empowering, showing how the quest for happiness and self-worth can sometimes lead us down unexpected paths. The narrative flows smoothly, keeping readers hooked with intriguing twists and a strong, empathetic protagonist.

The characters are wonderfully developed, particularly Violet, whose personal growth feels genuine and inspiring. The story’s exploration of identity, love, and the choices we make is both moving and entertaining. If You Could See Me Now is a charming read that will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned what it really takes to be happy in life. It's a perfect pick for fans of heartfelt contemporary fiction with a dose of romance and self-discovery.

This is one of those books that I am not entirely sure about how to rate as I have very mixed feelings about it in general.

For what I loved it was how engaging this story was - the empathy, the humor, the endearing characters - it all was incredibly well done and kept me engaged and reading this in one sitting. I also absolutely adored the relationship between Violet and Bella - they were just both so real and flawed which made for them being so much easier to read about. I loved how overall relatable this book was - such an overall good story of relationships and how they grow and change.

I struggled a bit more with the repetitive nature of this book - it felt like it was the same thing over and over with just different wording. The pacing was also really off for me - sometimes it all rushed by and other times I felt almost bored reading.

Overall I feel like this would make for an excellent read by the pool - it's light enough and just engaging enough that you can still soak it all in and relax.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

In this emotional new novel, readers follow Violet, who loves her job working with books and her life with her handsome boyfriend Lenny, but the collapse of her relationship sends her on a different path. With her flatmate Bella’s help, Violet decides to take control of her life and work -- and change her image -- to live her best life, especially when it means she meets magnetic debut author Casey. However, not everything is as it seems, and these changes might mean that Violet’s new life may collapse in ways she didn’t see coming. Readers should be advised that characters’ struggles with mental health and eating disorders feature heavily in this new release although the struggles that Violet and other characters go through are deeply relatable. An emotional rollercoaster of a novel, readers will love this new release and the complicated changes and growth that Violet goes through. Challenging yet emotional and heartwarming in places, readers will enjoy the romantic tropes and the friendships at the core of this story, while the character development will really bring readers into the heart of the story. A straightforward, emotional read, fans of cozy fiction with serious character growth will love this new release.

Thank you Boldwood Books for providing this ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review!

This was a heavy book with strong character development. Readers may find the individuals characters’ stories as enlightening and healing, or could be triggered by the heaviness of the topic.

Powerful, emotive story which handles some heavy trigger topics. Really not where I thought this book would pan out. This is a 're released book. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

This book wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I thought I would be reading a funny slice of life type book. Maybe about a woman who has just been cheated on and finds a new life. It had a little of that, but this was a very heavy story. Mental illness and anorexia are huge part of this book. While many will take something away after reading this, it didn’t for me. The writing wasn’t that engaging and I couldn’t find myself liking the characters. A good message but when I was looking for light hearted, this story needed not being for me.

I recently finished reading this book and I must say, it was a captivating and refreshing experience. From the moment I started the book, I was hooked by its grounded and relatable portrayal of romance.
The plot is incredibly realistic, which is something I truly appreciated. The love story unfolds at a pace that feels true to life—there are no unrealistic twists or melodramatic moments that often plague romantic novels. Instead, the characters face real-life challenges, personal growth, and emotional struggles that anyone can relate to. The story touches on themes of trust, vulnerability, and the importance of self-discovery before fully opening up to someone else.
What stood out most to me was the character development. The protagonist evolve throughout the book, and their emotional growth is depicted with such care. Their flaws, strengths, and vulnerabilities are portrayed in a way that makes them feel like real people, not just characters on a page. It’s rare to find a romance where the characters' emotional journeys are as important as their romantic connection, and [Book Title] does this beautifully. Their interactions felt authentic, and the relationship built naturally over time, making it all the more rewarding by the end.
This book made me reflect on my own experiences and left me with a sense of hope that love can grow in the most unexpected ways. It's a novel about finding love not just with someone else, but also with yourself. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance that feels real, with characters that are fully realized and a plot that keeps you invested from start to finish.

This is an arresting book which is will take you by surprise and shock you with the direction it takes. Violet is a complicated character with huge issues around self esteem which only really emerge as the story unfolds. The Violet we meet at the beginning is a sensible sort whose kindness and empathy towards others sets her apart. She works in publishing as a children's book editor and is passionate about her authors in her care.


Violet is terribly hurt after her long term relationship breaks up and this leads her to act in a determined and blinkered way. Some of her scruples are pushed to one side. You see the range of friendships in the story, from intergenerational relationships to some newer and toxic ones. There are some serious messages in the story but also a heart-warming message with uplifting moments and a sense of hope. This is a book which will challenge you as well as entertain.

In short: two sides of friendship laid bare

I absolutely adore Samantha Tonge's books, so of course I jumped at the chance to read this one!.

Although the story is set in the modern day, we go get to venture back into Violet's childhood at points, something which I absolutely loved, and found it really allowed us to connect with the character on a much deeper level.

Each character is well developed and has their own unique personality, alongside a perfectly paced storyline that had me reading well into the night!

*Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.*

I love a story about not fearing being who you are and the role friendships play in our strength. It started off with a lighter feel but the second half went deep and heavy. But I appreciated the dive into difficult topics. Look forward to more from this author.

This is an interesting book as it sort of changes partway through and becomes something else.
Starting off as a story of a relationship break up. Violet decides to show Lenny what he is missing and overhauls her life.
So far, so predictable romance type story. Will she get Lenny back or find someone better. But then it starts to become darker. That really hooked me in. It became something a lot more deep and complex.

When a book like this comes along it simply has to be devoured in one sitting, no ifs or buts...it was waaay to good to leave half finished.

It's a pacey read set in modern day with glimpses back to Violet's childhood. I found it quite unsettling in places and heart warming in others.

The characters throughout are brilliant, diverse and full of depth. Violet was such an easy character to become emotionally invested in, and I found her relatable in ways.

Violet's story is addictive reading and Tonge took me down the rabbit hole into a darkness I wasn't expecting...as the old adage goes 'Never judge a book by its cover'. I went into the book blind and had no idea what lay in wait!

*FYI - If You Could See Me Now was previously published under the title Knowing You*

I really enjoyed this book and it was certainly not what I expected. I had no idea where it was going and because of that I was hooked.

Violet finally feels her life has settled, after a difficult time at school and growing up she now has her dream job and is living with her boyfriend, Lenny. Then Lenny ends their relationship, in his place Violet gets a new flatmate, Bella, and uses Bella’s help to have a makeover and take her life into her own hands. This seems to have worked when she meets new author Casey but not all is as it seems with Bella.

Violet’s character took me on a rollercoaster. At the start I felt sorry for her when her boyfriend leaves her and we get to see her insecurities but as the book goes on I started to find her frustrating, like I wanted to shake her. But as we unearth more of Violet’s past the way she is acting and is so easily led become clear and I went back to feeling for her.

The subjects that are tackled in this book are hard hitting but I found told so well. This was enhanced by the supporting characters, especially Bella and Kath.

I liked how this was told in a dual timeline, by revisiting Violet’s childhood we could see how this has affected her and it’s through this that we get a better understanding of her character.

I enjoy Samantha Tonge’s writing style in this as with the other books of hers I have read. She will definitely be a must read for me.

A story about friendships, trust and honesty.