‘Heartbreakingly good… An emotional, powerful and insightful story that should not be missed… Do not start before bed because you will be up half the night finishing it… Wonderfully believable characters, heart wrenching.’ Shelley’s Book Nook‘Dear Ben, I can only write you this letter because I know you’ll never read it…’When Jem writes to Ben, it’s to explain everything. All the secrets she … Ben, it’s to explain everything. All the secrets she kept from him in their relationship – from the innocent little white lies right up to The Terrible Thing that happened on the night that changed everything. But she never expects he will actually see what she’s written.
She is writing because she thinks it will help to get the words out. Later, she resolves, she’ll burn the letter, and then the past will be in the past for good. Because Jem’s ready to move on. She’s even met someone new…
But the letter is accidentally posted to Ben. And Jem’s life begins to unravel in ways she could never have imagined. Then her mother falls ill and Jem suddenly begins to fear she will have to say goodbye to the only person who has ever truly loved her for who she is.
Jem knows she will have to decide who has the key to her future. But is it the man she’s falling in love with now? Or the man she loved before?
A heartbreaking, beautifully honest, and ultimately uplifting novel that will stay with readers long after they finish it. Perfect for fans of Diane Chamberlain, Amanda Prowse, and Susan Lewis.
Readers are loving The Man I Loved Before:
‘Evoked more emotions than I knew were in me… Amazing… A beautiful, well-written, all-consuming novel. There was absolutely nothing about it that I did not love and highly, highly recommend… This author blows me away.’ Dandelions Inspired, 5 stars
‘OH WOW, what a read… It has stirred so many emotions and I devoured the book in one sitting… A complete rollercoaster of emotion.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘A compelling tale of our time… Gripping and powerful… Brilliantly written… Entertaining, funny in parts and even romantic… After I finished, I couldn’t pick up another book for a week because I found myself stuck in this story.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘I loved this, just finished it and was crying buckets. Happy tears though… This was a brilliant read, funny in parts, heartbreaking in others… Fantastic.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars
‘In one word… wonderful. It made me happy, sad and totally overwhelmed at times… I finished this book with a tear in my eye… Written from the heart.’ StefLoz Book Blog, 5 stars
‘Emotional, moving, heart-wrenching a novel that kept me turning the pages. I was so emotionally involved I needed a box of tissues near me at all times. So well written. Highly recommend this beautiful novel.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars
‘This book brought so many feelings to life… All I can say is Wow!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Gorgeous… This is a beautiful and at times hilarious story about learning to get to know yourself and even more important learning to accept who you are.’ B for Bookreview, 5 stars
‘Loved this book!!! Wow! Talk about relatable characters!… Such a great story. Finished it in two sittings. Anna Mansell has a new fan!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘WOW!!!! Anna Mansell you are now one of my go to authors… Full of suspense, heartache, a bond between mother and her daughter, and some laugh out loud moments.’ Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews, 5 stars
‘Every aspect of this book is brilliant. It’s written from the heart… Absolutely gorgeous and very much guaranteed a top spot in my Books of the Year list for 2020.’ Tishylou’s World, 5 starsmore
This book was easy to read and quite enjoyable. Although it is also heartbreaking. But I feel it was very realistic in the storyline and it did touch my heart. Good read
I had a hard time getting into this book, mainly because I think Jem was fairly annoying. She seemed self-centered, which did not make me feel any sympathy for her plight. I did think that the best moments were between Jem and her mom, and there was growth in Jem’s character because of that relationship and what occurs. It all just seemed uneven, and I couldn’t find myself rooting for her to prevail and get herself straightened out. Other readers may have a different perspective, however. For more thoughts, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to give this one a try.
Sad, painful hometruths as Jem stumbles her way through love and loss: emotions galore!
4-4.5stars
This book provoked so many emotions, both good and bad. I loved the close relationship between heroine Jem and her ailing mother Val, and the supportive, overworked new mom Leanne. Maybe the best part of the story, though difficult and tear-inducing, was the handling of Val’s illness. Jem’s love life is a mess and it’s clear that she takes full responsibility, even when she shouldn’t!
I really found Jem’s constant drinking made her a less likable character. Despite her eventually opening up about how her excess affected her life at crucial moments, I never quite understood why the people who loved Jem never forced a serious discussion about her excessive drinking. No wonder the new man in her life is able to indulge and exploit her weaknesses.
I was uplifted by the conclusion, but if you are a reader looking for a happy romance, this is not that book. I would characterize it more as a story of a woman in despair, thinking she’s reached bottom, who learns that there’s worse to come and she needs and has the inner strength to endure. By the end, I had grown to sympathize with her pain and respect her transformation.
Thanks to publishers Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an advance complimentary copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
3.5 stars.
Jem is going thru a tough time…broken up from her boyfriend, Ben, she writes a letter to him pouring her heart and dark mistakes out as part of her healing. Her mom finds the letter and mails it, not knowing it’s only for Jem’s healing. Then her bff talks her into going on Tinder…enter Mitch, the answer to her problems?
This book seemed to drag at the beginning for me, taking off about 60% thru. I loved the relationship between Jem and her Mom, and between Jem and her bff, Leanne. Both were described perfectly. For the most part, I enjoyed Jem’s growing up before our eyes and learning to find her voice and stand up for herself.
Thanks to Anna Mansell, Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.