Book Review: The One Before the One by Emma Cooper

I’m so happy to be welcoming Emma Cooper t0 Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her novel, The One Before the One. 

Liv is given the chance to live one life-changing week over, but can she change her future…? And does she want to? A gorgeous, uplifting novel, perfect for fans of Shari Low, Paige Toon and Beth Moran.

When Liv’s boyfriend Kit disappeared on a hike, seven years earlier, she thought her life was over. But with the help of their family and friends, she’s pushed her way through the grief, and now, miraculously, she’s found a way to love again.

Until the morning of her wedding, when Liv steps through a doorway, and finds herself, somehow, back at the flat she shared with Kit: seven years earlier, six days before he left. Now, Liv has a chance to live those six days over, and change everything. If she gets this right, she can find out why Kit leaves and stop him.

But can she save him? And if she does, how will she choose, between the man she loved then, and the one she loves now?

*****

Olivia is about to marry James. 

However the death of her previous boyfriend still hangs over them – the death of Kit… James’s brother. 

When the morning of the wedding arrives, something happens that has the potential to change all their lives forever. 

I am so excited to be on the blog tour for this novel and wanted to take the opportunity to wish Emma Cooper a happy publication day. 

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. The blurb had me really interested and from page one, I was absolutely hooked. 

The plot is intricate and well developed. It had me wondering what part of my life I would want to change and shows us that events all contribute to who we are today. 

There were more than a few surprises, twist and turns and moments where I gasped out loud. I could see this book unfold like a movie and would love to see it as one. 

Liv fights with everything she has. She is someone who has been taken to the brink, come back and gone back to the brink again. 

James… oh James. He’s keeping a lot in. 

Kit is probably the character I can’t say anything about as I don’t want to give anything away. 

The One Before The One is a beautifully written novel with a compelling plot and relatable characters. 

This story is the perfect escape, whether you’re heading on that winter holiday or want to curl up, ignore this stupid weather and disappear into a heart breaking yet life affirming tale. 

This isn’t the last novel I’ll be reading by Emma Cooper. 

About Emma Cooper –

Emma Cooper is the author of highly acclaimed book club fiction, including The Songs of Us, which was shortlisted for the RNA Contemporary Novel Award.

Previously published by Headline PG, Emma will publish emotional book club novels with Boldwood.

Her latest novel, The One Before The One was published by Boldwood Books on 31st January 2025. Click here to buy on Amazon and Waterstones. 

Say hello to Emma on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

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.