Let's set the scene, shall we?
The story centres around Emma and Leo, a couple who seem to have the perfect marriage. Leo is a good husband and father who writes obituaries for a living. Emma, a marine biologist, adores her job exploring coastal areas searching for rare crabs and other marine life. They share a daughter, Ruby and their dog, John Keats.
The story starts with Emma waiting to get her results after she's gone through cancer. It's a nerve-wracking time for the couple, but thankfully, the results came back fine, she's in remission and life seems perfect again - for now.
It's only by accident that Leo stumbles across some paperwork which Emma has hidden away from sight. It states that Emma didn't graduate from the university he thought she went to study. This leads to a whole can of worms opening up and Leo questioning Emma's past and questioning others about it.
As Leo tries to divulge all this information about his wife's past, we also see another subplot of a TV personality's sudden disappearance - does this link in with Emma's past?
I can't tell you much more as it will give the whole story away! But it's an intriguing read!
Would I recommend The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh?
Absolutely! This domestic thriller really leaves you questioning a lot about this couple's marriage and about what happened in Emma's past. The story is quite a sad one as it deals with an awful lot of trauma from Emma's past.
The book is told from the perspectives of Emma and Leo. Each chapter is short in length, which makes it a lot easier to read. Rosie reveals clues to what are believed to be indicators of Emma's post - but the earlier clues are kind of like decoys. Rosie's first initial hints and clues threw me right off track into what I believed happened in Emma's past. Absolutely genius writing on Rosie's part.
As the story progresses, we begin to understand and comprehend Emma's past and admire how she has managed to get her life back on track, despite her heartbreaking past.
There are a few twists and turns near the end, but the book does reach an emotionally satisfying end, which I was pleased with. The Love of My Life questions how well you can really know your spouse. By the end, it questions how much you are willing to forgive the ones you love.
After reading this story, it really got me thinking about how much I would forgive when it comes to those I love. Some books can have the tendency to get you thinking like this, even after finishing the last page. Sometimes writing down my reflections with a pen can help get my thoughts of a book down. I love using *personalized pens, as they not only glide smoothly across the page, but they also allow me to express my thoughts on paper.
*Trigger warning - this book does deal with mental health and attempted suicide.
A brilliant read and I can only hope that Rosie Walsh writes another book in the future as I adore her writing!
Let me know your thoughts on The Love of My Life!
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This sounds like a brilliant read. It sounds like a similar format to 'dilemma' which I read recently. I really enjoyed the short snappy chapters. I'll have to give this on a go.
ReplyDeleteClaire.X
www.clairemac.co.uk
I need to read 'Dilemma' , if it's similar to this, I'm sure I'll love it! I'm sure you'll like this book too Claire x
DeleteSounds like an awesome thriller/mystery and your review has me intrigued to know more about Emma’s past and the missing person too!
ReplyDeleteIt's honestly such an intriguing read Georgia! It's one of those books where I couldn't figure out where the plot was going, which makes it a great mystery!
DeleteOoh, I like the intrigue of this and the idea of a domestic thriller! I have not heard of this book before, so it was a great introduction to this genre. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI never thought I would like a domestic thriller, but this book certainly didn't disappoint!
DeleteGreat review Lucy! I'd love to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a good read lovely, I would highly recommend!
DeleteThe book sounds really good, I like a story with a few twists in it.
ReplyDeleteThis story does a good few twists in it and that's what made it so exciting!
DeleteThat sounds like a gripping story! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLauren - bournemouthgirl
It really is a gripping read Lauren!
DeleteInteresting review!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jamie!
DeleteIt sounds like a brilliant book, I love a book that has lots of twists and turns!
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
https://skinnedcartree.com
This book certainly has its twists and turns Corinne! x
DeleteI saw this book around the pool when I was on holiday last week so I'll defo be buying it now you recommend it!
ReplyDeleteRosie
https://www.loverosiee.co.uk
Please do buy it Rosie, I'm sure you'll love it!
Delete