Book Review: The Last Days of You and Me by Debbie Howells

I’m pleased to be welcoming Debbie Howells back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest novel, The Last Days of You and Me.

They didn’t know – when Winter gave way to Spring that year – that their lives were all about to change…

Marnie didn’t realise – when she stormed into a bookshop one day, demanding a self-help book – that she was about to make a new best friend.

Bookshop-owner Rae didn’t know she had been living like a shadow since her parents died. But then Marnie exploded into her life. And suddenly she realised things had to change… more so when she meets handsome nurse, Jack.

And when Forrest’s life is turned upside down by a fatal car crash, he knew he was being given a second chance, but didn’t know why. He thinks Marnie might just be the woman he’s destined to be with. But – as she discovers that she has an illness she may never recover from – what if it’s too late for them?

Can it ever be too late though? To make friendships that change everything. To grow, to change, to start again. Even – for two unlikely new best friends to find love at last…?

*****

Marnie feels stuck. She’s come to Arundel to help look after a friend’s hotel. It’s the last place she wants to be. However, it’s not the only thing she doesn’t want to face.

Forrest is questioning everything about his life after a tragedy. When he meets Marnie, he feels like he’s getting a second chance.

Rae runs the local bookshop. Ever since the loss of her parents, she’s hidden herself away. New friends could bring her back to life.

Jack is used to dealing with death but grief holds him back. Rae may be a good reason to move on.

Having loved one of Debbie’s previous novels, The Impossible Search for the Perfect Man, I was excited to be invited onto the blog tour for her latest release, The Last Days of You and Me.

From the first page, I knew that this book was going to put me through a bit of an emotional rollercoaster and I wasn’t wrong.

All four characters were wonderful. Rae is probably the one I resinated with the most. I know what hold that kind of grief can have and, like her, I love books. I wanted to give her a big hug.

I was the same with Marnie. The subject of cancer is dealt with in a kind and compassionate way, at least I thought so.

Forrest and Jack were also lovely characters. I have a lot of respect for anyone who does what Jack does. I also wish I could meet Churchill, Bella and Jojo.

It has also strengthened my resolve to one day visit Arundel.

Wanting to not give too much of it away in the hope you will discover this wonderful novel, the plot moves and is developed well and I know it’s so easy to say but I seriously couldn’t put the book down. There are some heartbreaking moments but also a reminder to grab life with everything you have.

This is such a beautiful novel. If you’re looking for a book about love and finding friendship along with a life affirming message, this book is perfect. A bit of advice though, have those tissues handy.

I have such a book hangover since finishing The Last Days of You and Me. I know we’re only in February but it’s definitely one of my favourite novels of 2024.

(Thank you to Boldwood Books, Netgalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.) 

If you like the sound of this novel and love discussing books, The Last Days of You and Me is our book club title this month. For more information, click here.

About Debbie Howells –

Debbie Howells’s first novel, a psychological thriller, The Bones of You, was a Sunday Times bestseller for Macmillan.

Four more bestsellers followed, including most recently The Vow, published by Avon.

Fulfilling her dream of writing women’s fiction, she has found a home with Boldwood and her first title with them, The Life You Left Behind was published in February 2022.

Say hello to Debbie via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to Debbie’s newsletter. 

Her latest novel, The Last Days Of You And Me was released by Boldwood Books in January 2024. Click here to buy from Amazon UK, Amazon US and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.