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The Days I Loved You Most
INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
A Today Show Pick
Unforgettable and utterly romantic, The Days I Loved You Most is an emotional, life-affirming novel that asks, What if you could write the final chapter of your own love story?
In the summer of 1941, on the New England shores where they were raised, Evelyn and Joseph fell in love. Now, more than sixty years later, with a lifetime between them, they have gathered their three grown children to share the staggering news: she has received a heartbreaking diagnosis, and he can't live without her. So in one year's time they will end their love story on their own terms.
Over the next year, the couple retraces their past—all the joys and regrets that brought them to this moment. They embark on a journey to live out their greatest dreams and to connect with each of their children. But as their final days draw closer, they must confront the stark reality of what's to come, and make peace with the legacy they will leave behind for their family.
Spanning the twentieth century from World War II to 9/11 and beyond, The Days I Loved You Most is a timeless tale of unwavering devotion -- a moving tribute to the enduring power of love and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and beauty to be found.
A Today Show Pick
Unforgettable and utterly romantic, The Days I Loved You Most is an emotional, life-affirming novel that asks, What if you could write the final chapter of your own love story?
In the summer of 1941, on the New England shores where they were raised, Evelyn and Joseph fell in love. Now, more than sixty years later, with a lifetime between them, they have gathered their three grown children to share the staggering news: she has received a heartbreaking diagnosis, and he can't live without her. So in one year's time they will end their love story on their own terms.
Over the next year, the couple retraces their past—all the joys and regrets that brought them to this moment. They embark on a journey to live out their greatest dreams and to connect with each of their children. But as their final days draw closer, they must confront the stark reality of what's to come, and make peace with the legacy they will leave behind for their family.
Spanning the twentieth century from World War II to 9/11 and beyond, The Days I Loved You Most is a timeless tale of unwavering devotion -- a moving tribute to the enduring power of love and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and beauty to be found.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 30, 2024
1,056 people are currently reading
43.8k people want to read
About the author
Amy Neff
1book295followersAmy Neff’s debut novel, The Days I Loved You Most, published by Park Row Books, an imprint of HarperCollins, and Bloomsbury in the UK, was translated in over twenty languages and quickly became an international bestseller. Her novel is a love letter to the seaside town where her family has spent summers since the early 1900s. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and their two sons. Connect with her on social media, or find her online at amyneff.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,458 reviews
June 26, 2024
Hey Siri please play Unforgettable By Natalie Cole & Nat King Cole
ARC Review
Publishing Date- 7/30/2024
My Rating- 4.5 Stars
Screaming. Crying. Throwing up.
“Dying isn’t the only thing that kills us� 😭
What To Expect/Warnings-
💜Childhood Friends To Lovers
💜Dual Timelines
💜Multiple POV
💜Health Issues
💜ܾ
You follow an elderly couple.Evelyn and Joseph who have decided to end their lives together in one year. Evelyn is diagnosed with a terminal illness and she doesn’t want to burden her children with her decline. Joseph has been with Evelyn since they were children and he can’t see his life without her.
My Thoughts:
This booked wrecked me. This was such a beautiful, timeless & heartwarming love story. The dual timelines of past and present really Brough this story to life. Throughout this book you are taking back in time where you get to witness Evelyn and Josephs life together, and all of life’s trials and tribulations. The POV between Evelyn and Joseph was beautiful written. I loved how we got to read their children’s POV as well. This book shows you, young love maturing into a lifetime. You get to fall in love with the characters on an intimate level.
Overall this was a great book and the pacing kept you engaged.
I recommend this story to all my sad book lovers. If you liked The Notebook, I’m confident you will like this.
“I will never stop wishing for more time with you� 😭
“I can’t say goodbye & I love you in the same breath� 😭
Check out the aesthetics on
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review�
ARC Review
Publishing Date- 7/30/2024
My Rating- 4.5 Stars
Screaming. Crying. Throwing up.
“Dying isn’t the only thing that kills us� 😭
What To Expect/Warnings-
💜Childhood Friends To Lovers
💜Dual Timelines
💜Multiple POV
💜Health Issues
💜ܾ
You follow an elderly couple.Evelyn and Joseph who have decided to end their lives together in one year. Evelyn is diagnosed with a terminal illness and she doesn’t want to burden her children with her decline. Joseph has been with Evelyn since they were children and he can’t see his life without her.
My Thoughts:
This booked wrecked me. This was such a beautiful, timeless & heartwarming love story. The dual timelines of past and present really Brough this story to life. Throughout this book you are taking back in time where you get to witness Evelyn and Josephs life together, and all of life’s trials and tribulations. The POV between Evelyn and Joseph was beautiful written. I loved how we got to read their children’s POV as well. This book shows you, young love maturing into a lifetime. You get to fall in love with the characters on an intimate level.
Overall this was a great book and the pacing kept you engaged.
I recommend this story to all my sad book lovers. If you liked The Notebook, I’m confident you will like this.
“I will never stop wishing for more time with you� 😭
“I can’t say goodbye & I love you in the same breath� 😭
Check out the aesthetics on
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review�
July 16, 2024
If you are looking for a light hearted love story, this book is not for you. This is the story of a couple that plans to take their lives together due to one having an incurable illness. It is told over their entire lives together from when they first got together to them as an elderly couple.
This story was raw and often sad. While their love story was beautiful, it also was realistic. It wasn’t all happiness and sunshine. They went through realistic issues throughout their relationship and ended up on the other side still together.
While reading, I just felt like this was written to be a movie. The author even states she wanted to write a book that had the same vibes as the notebook & I think that was accomplished. I could absolutely see this adapted into a movie in a style similar to the notebook, but different too.
I really enjoyed this book, but again you need to go into this with the mindset that this deals with hard subject matter that can be depressing. I absolutely loved the ending. It ripped my heart out.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story was raw and often sad. While their love story was beautiful, it also was realistic. It wasn’t all happiness and sunshine. They went through realistic issues throughout their relationship and ended up on the other side still together.
While reading, I just felt like this was written to be a movie. The author even states she wanted to write a book that had the same vibes as the notebook & I think that was accomplished. I could absolutely see this adapted into a movie in a style similar to the notebook, but different too.
I really enjoyed this book, but again you need to go into this with the mindset that this deals with hard subject matter that can be depressing. I absolutely loved the ending. It ripped my heart out.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2024
I wasn’t sure I was ready to read this one. It felt too personal. When someone is affected by dis-ease, it is hard sometimes to face it, let alone read about it. But sometimes, when reading fiction, it is lovely to get lost in others stories. So, that is what I chose to do.
What does it mean when your affection is almost too much to bear, or the tenderness of love illuminates from the inside, or fills all the empty spaces with the purest light? It becomes Evelyn and Joseph’s story through the years in this author’s debut novel. The one that Evelyn and Joseph try to explain to their children. When they tell them�
“We have something important to talk to you three about.�
It isn’t quite simple. Evelyn has Parkinson’s Disease, and she doesn’t want to deal with the humiliations of what the dis-ease will do to her. Especially what she experienced with her mother, at her end-of-life. And, Joseph can’t imagine life without Evelyn.
“I love you, I love you, I will always love you.�
So, what is it that they have in store for the next year, before they make what they consider their fateful decision. And, can their 3 children accept this decision?
The story takes readers through Evelyn and Joseph’s P.O.V. back in forth in time to tell their relationship history and give glimpses of their children growing up leading up to this impending decision one year later. What will actually happen and how will it change the family? What will readers learn?
Poignant. Moving. Relatable. Heart-wrenching. Heart-felt. Lovely. Kleenex may be needed.
What does it mean when your affection is almost too much to bear, or the tenderness of love illuminates from the inside, or fills all the empty spaces with the purest light? It becomes Evelyn and Joseph’s story through the years in this author’s debut novel. The one that Evelyn and Joseph try to explain to their children. When they tell them�
“We have something important to talk to you three about.�
It isn’t quite simple. Evelyn has Parkinson’s Disease, and she doesn’t want to deal with the humiliations of what the dis-ease will do to her. Especially what she experienced with her mother, at her end-of-life. And, Joseph can’t imagine life without Evelyn.
“I love you, I love you, I will always love you.�
So, what is it that they have in store for the next year, before they make what they consider their fateful decision. And, can their 3 children accept this decision?
The story takes readers through Evelyn and Joseph’s P.O.V. back in forth in time to tell their relationship history and give glimpses of their children growing up leading up to this impending decision one year later. What will actually happen and how will it change the family? What will readers learn?
Poignant. Moving. Relatable. Heart-wrenching. Heart-felt. Lovely. Kleenex may be needed.
May 26, 2024
I was expecting a moving love story, but sadly, this book fell short of my expectations. The synopsis blew me away, so I admit I had extremely high expectations when I began reading. While Joseph and Evelyn had an enduring love story, I never felt fully invested in it. Both leads didn't feel fully fleshed out, and there was lots of telling readers that the leads had a great love rather than showing us. Overall, I wanted more from this story.
Thank you to Park Row and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Park Row and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2024
With a tile like The Days I Loved You Most, I knew this one would leave me reaching for a tissue. This is my first time reading this author. She took a very hard subject matter (sickness) and wrote a beautiful, heartfelt story. This story was heart wrenching but I am so thankful to have read it. I found this to be very reminiscent of The Notebook - which I have read numerous times & will continue to do so. If you want to feel something deeply profound, I highly recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, & Park Row for the ARC copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, & Park Row for the ARC copy of this book.
November 19, 2024
This story was excellent! Pulled all of my emotions and yes tears during my commute to work. Great family story. Childhood friends then lover. Compromise for love and the love lasts until the end. 3 different but great kids. Then grandkids then great grandkids. Her parents had an affection-less relationships but his parents had loving relationships til the end. Their 3 kids had different lives. One with lots of kids, one with no children, and one with child but not married. Definitely fascinating to read and listen to their different lives. There are definitely pros and cons to having kids vs no kids. Also interesting to see that a loving relationship does have rough patches.
This story was told in multiple point of views, but mostly Evelyn and Joseph. Past and present timeline. There were few point of views from each of their grown children. In the past, Evelyn and Joseph were teens and friends along with Evelyn's older brother. Evelyn went to live with her aunt and came back a lady because of the school she attended. Joseph started noticing Evelyn and how pretty she was. They got together but no sooner they had to say goodbye because Evelyn's brother and Joseph enlisted themselves at 19. In the present, Evelyn and her husband broke the news to their grown children about Evelyn's health and their plans to take control of their lives. The audiobook was great too!
Thank you HTPHive for the opportunity to read and review.
This story was told in multiple point of views, but mostly Evelyn and Joseph. Past and present timeline. There were few point of views from each of their grown children. In the past, Evelyn and Joseph were teens and friends along with Evelyn's older brother. Evelyn went to live with her aunt and came back a lady because of the school she attended. Joseph started noticing Evelyn and how pretty she was. They got together but no sooner they had to say goodbye because Evelyn's brother and Joseph enlisted themselves at 19. In the present, Evelyn and her husband broke the news to their grown children about Evelyn's health and their plans to take control of their lives. The audiobook was great too!
Thank you HTPHive for the opportunity to read and review.
December 16, 2023
My posts are usually filled with dark humor and witty little one liners. However, a book like this is no laughing matter and I don’t think I could even try between my sobs.
I am emotionally destroyed since concluding The Days I Loved You Most .
This book right here exceeds all expectations and will touch on so many emotions. I laughed, I cried, I cried some more,
Most of all I witnessed a real love story and I felt the warmth .
I don’t think I could ever come up the words to do this book justice but as a thriller/romcom lover, this book isn’t usually something I would gravitate toward but I’m so glad I did .
It does not matter what your preferred genre is, every single person who picks this book up will love it.
Hands down, book of the year, and a 5 sparkly stars.
I can’t wait to read this one again�
Check out this teaser :
A timeless tale of unwavering devotion, The Days I Loved You Most is a love story for the ages—an achingly beautiful novel that asks, What if you could choose how your own story ends?
Joseph and Evelyn’s New England beach homes have been side by side for generations. And in the summer of 1941, on the shores where they were raised, these two childhood friends fell in love. Now, more than sixty years later, with a lifetime between them, Joseph and Evelyn gather their three grown children to share the staggering news: she has received a tragic diagnosis, and he cannot live without her. So in one year’s time, they will end their lives on their own terms.
As the couple comes to grips with their fate, they retrace their past—the joys and regrets, the laughter and the sorrow—that brought them to this moment. They embark on a journey to create new memories to cherish, to live out their greatest dreams, and to comfort and connect with each of their children before they're gone. But as their final days draw closer, they must confront the stark reality of what they are about to do, and make peace with the legacy they will leave behind for their family.
An unforgettable and deeply romantic debut, The Days I Loved You Most is a moving tribute to the enduring power of love, a celebration of a lifetime spent together and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and beauty to be found.
A big thank you to HTP, NetGalley and Amy Neff for allowing me the opportunity to read and review prior to the big release on July 30, 2024 (my birthday, yay!) in exchange for an honest review.
HTP, y’all are rockstars and this book is going to break the internet. Congratulations to all who worked hard on this future publication.
Review will be posted on Instagram, handle @thrillbythepage_
I am emotionally destroyed since concluding The Days I Loved You Most .
This book right here exceeds all expectations and will touch on so many emotions. I laughed, I cried, I cried some more,
Most of all I witnessed a real love story and I felt the warmth .
I don’t think I could ever come up the words to do this book justice but as a thriller/romcom lover, this book isn’t usually something I would gravitate toward but I’m so glad I did .
It does not matter what your preferred genre is, every single person who picks this book up will love it.
Hands down, book of the year, and a 5 sparkly stars.
I can’t wait to read this one again�
Check out this teaser :
A timeless tale of unwavering devotion, The Days I Loved You Most is a love story for the ages—an achingly beautiful novel that asks, What if you could choose how your own story ends?
Joseph and Evelyn’s New England beach homes have been side by side for generations. And in the summer of 1941, on the shores where they were raised, these two childhood friends fell in love. Now, more than sixty years later, with a lifetime between them, Joseph and Evelyn gather their three grown children to share the staggering news: she has received a tragic diagnosis, and he cannot live without her. So in one year’s time, they will end their lives on their own terms.
As the couple comes to grips with their fate, they retrace their past—the joys and regrets, the laughter and the sorrow—that brought them to this moment. They embark on a journey to create new memories to cherish, to live out their greatest dreams, and to comfort and connect with each of their children before they're gone. But as their final days draw closer, they must confront the stark reality of what they are about to do, and make peace with the legacy they will leave behind for their family.
An unforgettable and deeply romantic debut, The Days I Loved You Most is a moving tribute to the enduring power of love, a celebration of a lifetime spent together and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and beauty to be found.
A big thank you to HTP, NetGalley and Amy Neff for allowing me the opportunity to read and review prior to the big release on July 30, 2024 (my birthday, yay!) in exchange for an honest review.
HTP, y’all are rockstars and this book is going to break the internet. Congratulations to all who worked hard on this future publication.
Review will be posted on Instagram, handle @thrillbythepage_
December 28, 2023
An exceptional and deeply immersive debut, THE DAYS I LOVED YOU MOST, is a sprawling love story that will make you smile, yearn, and cry.
Set against the backdrop of the mesmerizing Connecticut shoreline and amidst the significant moments spanning the 20th and early 21st centuries, the story traces the journey of Evelyn and Joseph from their tender years, frolicking in the meadow that separates their homes and swimming along the shores of Bernard Beach; through their tumultuous youth and the tragedy that almost tears them apart; all the way to their golden years, when they once again confront an unimaginable challenge.
Reminiscent of The Notebook and The Most Fun We Ever Had, THE DAYS I LOVED YOU MOST is a testament to both beauty and challenges of spending a lifetime with someone you love so deeply; the sacrifices such a love demands, as well as the immense joys it bestows. It is a celebration of the secret codes that every loving family has—the shared familiarity, the references, the symbolism of particular songs, memories, and moments, but also an exploration of how misunderstandings and lack of communication can fray the deepest of bonds.
Ultimately, it is a poignant acknowledgment of the universal truth we all have to face—that not everyone we love will leave this Earth at the same time as we do.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read the ARC.
Set against the backdrop of the mesmerizing Connecticut shoreline and amidst the significant moments spanning the 20th and early 21st centuries, the story traces the journey of Evelyn and Joseph from their tender years, frolicking in the meadow that separates their homes and swimming along the shores of Bernard Beach; through their tumultuous youth and the tragedy that almost tears them apart; all the way to their golden years, when they once again confront an unimaginable challenge.
Reminiscent of The Notebook and The Most Fun We Ever Had, THE DAYS I LOVED YOU MOST is a testament to both beauty and challenges of spending a lifetime with someone you love so deeply; the sacrifices such a love demands, as well as the immense joys it bestows. It is a celebration of the secret codes that every loving family has—the shared familiarity, the references, the symbolism of particular songs, memories, and moments, but also an exploration of how misunderstandings and lack of communication can fray the deepest of bonds.
Ultimately, it is a poignant acknowledgment of the universal truth we all have to face—that not everyone we love will leave this Earth at the same time as we do.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read the ARC.
August 5, 2024
“Dying isn’t the only thing that kills us.�
Maybe I’m a monster, but I shed no tears over this book. Not even close. Mostly it just pissed me off, and here’s why: (spoilers ahead)
- In every single one of Evelyn’s flashbacks, she did nothing but complain and be ungrateful for her life. And, okay, I get being unhappy, but make a freaking change. Don’t stay out of guilt & obligation and then make it everyone else’s fault that you’re miserable.
- Joseph’s obsession with Evelyn was creepy and unhealthy and way too much. It never once came off as love to me; it felt more like ownership & control. Ick.
- Jane was the absolute worst. I hated every decision she made and every word that came out of her mouth. What an immature childish human.
- and last but not least. The author teased us with a fascinating, controversial premise, built up to “the main event� for hundreds of pages, and then it didn’t even happen. What did I even read this for?!
Maybe I’m a monster, but I shed no tears over this book. Not even close. Mostly it just pissed me off, and here’s why: (spoilers ahead)
- In every single one of Evelyn’s flashbacks, she did nothing but complain and be ungrateful for her life. And, okay, I get being unhappy, but make a freaking change. Don’t stay out of guilt & obligation and then make it everyone else’s fault that you’re miserable.
- Joseph’s obsession with Evelyn was creepy and unhealthy and way too much. It never once came off as love to me; it felt more like ownership & control. Ick.
- Jane was the absolute worst. I hated every decision she made and every word that came out of her mouth. What an immature childish human.
- and last but not least. The author teased us with a fascinating, controversial premise, built up to “the main event� for hundreds of pages, and then it didn’t even happen. What did I even read this for?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
*
👫A front cover endorsement from Jodi Picoult sets the scene for The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff. Picoult’s recommendation describes this great love story as deeply moving and complex. This prepared me for a narrative that was clearly going to be very emotional and fragile.
👫We follow Evelyn and Joseph, a New England-based couple who have weathered many storms of life, love, and drama. Now, their biggest battle is the end of their lives and the ability to end things in their own terms. A plan that is naturally fraught with issues and tension, this couple will be challenged right until that end. What will their final days bring?
👫I really didn’t expect this kind of content based on the breezy coastal feel cover that was presented to me when I opened my lovely package from @tandemcollectiveglobal and @bloomsburypublishing. I did have it in my mind, perhaps an error of judgement on my part that this narrative was going to be a light-hearted love story. There were aspects of this within the novel as we follow Joseph and Evelyn’s love and life story. However, The Days I Loved You Most delved into some rather emotionally trying territory. Do expect to be confronted with themes of loss, suicide, divorce, infidelity, death and substance abuse. Although these are tough topics, they are brushed with a sense of genuine understanding, respect, and care.
👫Neff presents us with an engaging set of characters who we grow to care for and who are mostly fleshed out. I will be honest and say I didn’t quite connect or feel a strong bond with the protagonist set. I also expected to be fending away tears based on the storyline content and the pack of tissues that were kindly gifted to me. By no means is this a simple and relaxing story, it is complex and morally conflicting, but it didn’t quite reach my soul. Please seek out the reviews and impressions from my wonderful friends on the Tandem Global collective tour for further insights into The Days I Loved You Most.
*Ad Pr Product
👫A front cover endorsement from Jodi Picoult sets the scene for The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff. Picoult’s recommendation describes this great love story as deeply moving and complex. This prepared me for a narrative that was clearly going to be very emotional and fragile.
👫We follow Evelyn and Joseph, a New England-based couple who have weathered many storms of life, love, and drama. Now, their biggest battle is the end of their lives and the ability to end things in their own terms. A plan that is naturally fraught with issues and tension, this couple will be challenged right until that end. What will their final days bring?
👫I really didn’t expect this kind of content based on the breezy coastal feel cover that was presented to me when I opened my lovely package from @tandemcollectiveglobal and @bloomsburypublishing. I did have it in my mind, perhaps an error of judgement on my part that this narrative was going to be a light-hearted love story. There were aspects of this within the novel as we follow Joseph and Evelyn’s love and life story. However, The Days I Loved You Most delved into some rather emotionally trying territory. Do expect to be confronted with themes of loss, suicide, divorce, infidelity, death and substance abuse. Although these are tough topics, they are brushed with a sense of genuine understanding, respect, and care.
👫Neff presents us with an engaging set of characters who we grow to care for and who are mostly fleshed out. I will be honest and say I didn’t quite connect or feel a strong bond with the protagonist set. I also expected to be fending away tears based on the storyline content and the pack of tissues that were kindly gifted to me. By no means is this a simple and relaxing story, it is complex and morally conflicting, but it didn’t quite reach my soul. Please seek out the reviews and impressions from my wonderful friends on the Tandem Global collective tour for further insights into The Days I Loved You Most.
*Ad Pr Product
July 21, 2024
Evelyn and Joe are married 60 years when Evelyn gets a fatal diagnosis. Joe decides he can’t live without her so he decides he will die when she does. They tell their children this decision and of course the kids are devastated. There are multiple view points and going back in time that I found myself not enjoying. It actually took me until 50% just to start to like it but then realized I didn’t care for the story or the characters at all. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release but it didn’t do much for me. To be published July 30, 2024.
October 4, 2024
3,5 Sterne
Ein so schönes, trauriges Buch.
Was passiert, wenn wir einen geliebten Menschen gehen lassen müssen? Wie ist das, wenn man Zeit zum Verabschieden hat und wie nutzt man sie?
Wie geht man von dieser Welt?
Hat man sein Leben gelebt? Kann man los lassen?
Joseph und Evelyn kennen sich seit sie Kinder sind.
Wir begleiten die beiden auf zwei Zeitebenen. Zum Einen erfahren wir, wie sie sich verliebten und ihr Leben aufgebaut haben. Welche Hürden sie nehmen mussten und erfahren, wie fragil auch eine scheinbar gefestigte Ehe/Beziehung oft sein kann.
Das Buch erzählt meistens aus Evelyns und Josephs Perspektive. Dabei wechseln wir immer wieder zwischen Vergangenheit und Gegenwart.
Mich haben viele Passagen sehr berührt. Andere allerdings wieder nicht so sehr. Ich kann nur sagen, dass ich Evelyn und Joseph manchmal nicht ganz so nah gekommen bin. Schwerwiegende Probleme haben sich über die Jahre einfach zwischen Beiden aufgelöst und plötzlich war wieder das tiefe Gefühl da, wo zuvor Schweigen und oft Misstrauen war. Das ging mir manchmal viel zu schnell. Einiges blieb unausgesprochen und regelte sich irgendwie wieder.
Ich wäre gerne noch tiefer in ihr Seelenleben eingetaucht.
Trotz allem gab es Passagen, die mich schwer schlucken ließen. Gerade zum Ende hin.
Wenn man weiß, dass das Buch an einigen Stellen eher etwas zu oberflächlich bleibt und man fein damit ist, dann geht es sehr zu Herzen.
Mich hat es über das Älter werden nachdenken lassen. Wie geht man mit der Endlichkeit um, wenn man mehr Jahre hinter sich hat, als noch vor einem liegen ?
Wie verändern sich die eigenen Kinder und wie blickt man am Ende zurück auf diese Zeit, die plötzlich so rasant voranschreitet.
Ich mochte letztlich, dass das Buch Jahrzehnte einer Familie grob einfangen konnte und aufgezeigt hat, wie aus jungen unbeschwerten Menschen Liebende und dann eine Familie wurde. Eine liebevolle Familie, die sich glücklich schätzen kann, dass sie einander und ihre Erinnerungen haben. Ein Schatz von unfassbarem Wert.
Ein so schönes, trauriges Buch.
Was passiert, wenn wir einen geliebten Menschen gehen lassen müssen? Wie ist das, wenn man Zeit zum Verabschieden hat und wie nutzt man sie?
Wie geht man von dieser Welt?
Hat man sein Leben gelebt? Kann man los lassen?
Joseph und Evelyn kennen sich seit sie Kinder sind.
Wir begleiten die beiden auf zwei Zeitebenen. Zum Einen erfahren wir, wie sie sich verliebten und ihr Leben aufgebaut haben. Welche Hürden sie nehmen mussten und erfahren, wie fragil auch eine scheinbar gefestigte Ehe/Beziehung oft sein kann.
Das Buch erzählt meistens aus Evelyns und Josephs Perspektive. Dabei wechseln wir immer wieder zwischen Vergangenheit und Gegenwart.
Mich haben viele Passagen sehr berührt. Andere allerdings wieder nicht so sehr. Ich kann nur sagen, dass ich Evelyn und Joseph manchmal nicht ganz so nah gekommen bin. Schwerwiegende Probleme haben sich über die Jahre einfach zwischen Beiden aufgelöst und plötzlich war wieder das tiefe Gefühl da, wo zuvor Schweigen und oft Misstrauen war. Das ging mir manchmal viel zu schnell. Einiges blieb unausgesprochen und regelte sich irgendwie wieder.
Ich wäre gerne noch tiefer in ihr Seelenleben eingetaucht.
Trotz allem gab es Passagen, die mich schwer schlucken ließen. Gerade zum Ende hin.
Wenn man weiß, dass das Buch an einigen Stellen eher etwas zu oberflächlich bleibt und man fein damit ist, dann geht es sehr zu Herzen.
Mich hat es über das Älter werden nachdenken lassen. Wie geht man mit der Endlichkeit um, wenn man mehr Jahre hinter sich hat, als noch vor einem liegen ?
Wie verändern sich die eigenen Kinder und wie blickt man am Ende zurück auf diese Zeit, die plötzlich so rasant voranschreitet.
Ich mochte letztlich, dass das Buch Jahrzehnte einer Familie grob einfangen konnte und aufgezeigt hat, wie aus jungen unbeschwerten Menschen Liebende und dann eine Familie wurde. Eine liebevolle Familie, die sich glücklich schätzen kann, dass sie einander und ihre Erinnerungen haben. Ein Schatz von unfassbarem Wert.
September 19, 2024
This is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. By the end, it left me positively destroyed—in every way I hoped to be. There were tears, lots of them.
It’s a love story that spans the entirety of a couple’s life together, starting in 1941 when Evelyn and Joseph are teenagers, and leading up to the present day in 2001, when a heartbreaking diagnosis forces them to make the unthinkable decision to end their lives together in one year's time.
The flashback chapters are filled with palpable tension, passion, and heart-wrenching anguish. Every moment of Evelyn and Joseph's young love is charged with intensity, and I couldn’t get enough of it. You can feel the weight of their shared history, the hardships they’ve endured, and how these experiences have shaped the strength of their connection in the present-day chapters.
Adding the perspectives of their children was a wonderful touch, too. It's a book that feels all-encompassing, as if you truly know these characters, as if you’ve lived their lives alongside them. This story is going to stay with me for a long time!
(heat level: a couple open-door scenes, very minor details)
It’s a love story that spans the entirety of a couple’s life together, starting in 1941 when Evelyn and Joseph are teenagers, and leading up to the present day in 2001, when a heartbreaking diagnosis forces them to make the unthinkable decision to end their lives together in one year's time.
The flashback chapters are filled with palpable tension, passion, and heart-wrenching anguish. Every moment of Evelyn and Joseph's young love is charged with intensity, and I couldn’t get enough of it. You can feel the weight of their shared history, the hardships they’ve endured, and how these experiences have shaped the strength of their connection in the present-day chapters.
Adding the perspectives of their children was a wonderful touch, too. It's a book that feels all-encompassing, as if you truly know these characters, as if you’ve lived their lives alongside them. This story is going to stay with me for a long time!
(heat level: a couple open-door scenes, very minor details)
November 23, 2024
I feel bad I didn’t like this more. Well-written, but maybe too many POVs? Also, I didn’t get this epic love story that was supposedly between Joseph and Evelyn.
September 23, 2024
“She is my symphony.�
🎹🪽🌊🪻�
well, i have no more tears left to cry. this was one of THE great love stories. beautifully written, almost poetic and still so honest and raw.
reading Evelyn and Joseph’s story makes you understand what it means to fight, to feel deeply, to forgive and be grateful for the things you have. really goes into depth about how to find the extra in the ordinary (cheesy, yes, but I didn’t make the rules), how to lose and find yourself over and over again and what it means to “love like our grandparents�.
grief is a heavy topic in this one so maybe check TW, but it’s addressed in a sensitive and empathetic way. the family dynamics Neff describes are all quite tense yet relatable - and maybe that is what makes it even more emotional to read. somehow the whole story hits very close to home.
I could go on and on bc oh my, what a gift this book was. not a light summer romance, but definitely an easy 5 ⭐️ read!!
~
“Missing him became the dust covering every surface, that floated in the air, unnoticeable unless I caught it in the right light, then it burst and refracted, glittering into view.�
🎹🪽🌊🪻�
well, i have no more tears left to cry. this was one of THE great love stories. beautifully written, almost poetic and still so honest and raw.
reading Evelyn and Joseph’s story makes you understand what it means to fight, to feel deeply, to forgive and be grateful for the things you have. really goes into depth about how to find the extra in the ordinary (cheesy, yes, but I didn’t make the rules), how to lose and find yourself over and over again and what it means to “love like our grandparents�.
grief is a heavy topic in this one so maybe check TW, but it’s addressed in a sensitive and empathetic way. the family dynamics Neff describes are all quite tense yet relatable - and maybe that is what makes it even more emotional to read. somehow the whole story hits very close to home.
I could go on and on bc oh my, what a gift this book was. not a light summer romance, but definitely an easy 5 ⭐️ read!!
~
“Missing him became the dust covering every surface, that floated in the air, unnoticeable unless I caught it in the right light, then it burst and refracted, glittering into view.�
October 7, 2024
Herz-Schmerz PUR.....wer auf echte Gefühle und intensive Lovestorys steht, der hat hier den Volltreffer gelandet...für mich "schmalzte" es etwas zu sehr....obwohl der Schreibstil und die Charaktere wirklich ausgereift waren!
Die Story von Evelyn und Joseph zieht sich über die Jahrzehnte....Ihre Familie, Probleme und Streitigkeiten können die zwei jedoch nicht trennen.
Als Evelyn eine tödliche Diagnose erhält, beschließen die beiden, ein letztes Jahr zusammen zu erleben....und dann gemeinsam in den Tod zu gehen.....
Wirklich herzerwärmend...
Lesenswert!
Die Story von Evelyn und Joseph zieht sich über die Jahrzehnte....Ihre Familie, Probleme und Streitigkeiten können die zwei jedoch nicht trennen.
Als Evelyn eine tödliche Diagnose erhält, beschließen die beiden, ein letztes Jahr zusammen zu erleben....und dann gemeinsam in den Tod zu gehen.....
Wirklich herzerwärmend...
Lesenswert!
April 8, 2025
Muito bom!
opinião aqui:
opinião aqui:
January 4, 2024
There are books that find you at just the right moment, lifting you up when you need them most. And then there are books so timeless you could pick them up no matter the year, no matter your age, no matter the struggles in your own life and find something that speaks to you, a spark that ignites you. THE DAYS I LOVED YOU MOST is one of those rare gems.
Yes, it’s an unforgettable, epic love story. Yes, it’s a rich and nuanced family drama. And yes, it’s a beautiful ode to the Connecticut shore. But it’s also—somehow!—more than the sum of all these parts. A meditation on grief. An examination of mortality. A commentary on longing for the life not lived. And a tender lesson about loving the life that you have. Amy Neff writes with such raw and natural talent, you will find yourself re-reading paragraphs to let the words sink in. The world she creates is wholly real and somehow breathlessly ethereal, so that reading this immersive story is like having a technicolor dream you don’t want to wake from. Be prepared to read with your heart in your hand
Yes, it’s an unforgettable, epic love story. Yes, it’s a rich and nuanced family drama. And yes, it’s a beautiful ode to the Connecticut shore. But it’s also—somehow!—more than the sum of all these parts. A meditation on grief. An examination of mortality. A commentary on longing for the life not lived. And a tender lesson about loving the life that you have. Amy Neff writes with such raw and natural talent, you will find yourself re-reading paragraphs to let the words sink in. The world she creates is wholly real and somehow breathlessly ethereal, so that reading this immersive story is like having a technicolor dream you don’t want to wake from. Be prepared to read with your heart in your hand
June 23, 2024
This book was so beautiful to me. Evelyn and Joseph’s love story was breathtaking, from learning how they first met to watching them grow old together over 60 years. This book tackled so many tough topics and definitely had me reaching for tissues, so be prepared. I loved the dual POV of being inside both Evelyn's and Joseph’s heads, as well as their children's. The way Joseph loves Evelyn and she loves him made me think about my own love story with my husband since we grew up together and were friends first before anything else. Joseph was there for so many hard moments in Evelyn's life. The way they leaned on each other for support warmed my heart.
I love how this author wrote about such a sad topic (sickness) and executed it to the point where I could feel the love that Evelyn and Joseph have for each other through the pages. This book reminded me of ‘The Notebook�. If you want to feel all the emotions and read about a heartwarming love story, family growth, overcoming disagreements, trauma, and heartache, and see how deep love can truly go and come back together as one, this is the book for you.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade publishing for the opportunity to read the ARC for my honest review.
I love how this author wrote about such a sad topic (sickness) and executed it to the point where I could feel the love that Evelyn and Joseph have for each other through the pages. This book reminded me of ‘The Notebook�. If you want to feel all the emotions and read about a heartwarming love story, family growth, overcoming disagreements, trauma, and heartache, and see how deep love can truly go and come back together as one, this is the book for you.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade publishing for the opportunity to read the ARC for my honest review.
December 30, 2023
It's been quite a while since a book has left me wanting more. But when I finished the very last page of THE DAYS I LOVED YOU MOST, I hated that my time with Joseph and Evelyn and their children was over. (Personally, I'd read a whole other book following their children Jane, Thomas, and Violet!)
Amy Neff does such a beautiful job showing the ups and downs of life, love, and marriage, and I adored how she wove together this poignant story of the 60-year history of a marriage and family with historical events including World War II and 9/11.
I cried at least five times as I followed Evelyn and Joseph's epic love story and decision to end their lives together after a devastating diagnosis. The book made me think of what I and other friends and family would do in the same situation. And that's what a great novel should do--put the reader in someone else's shoes for a bit and maybe even make them examine their own life. THE DAYS I LOVE YOU MOST is not only a great novel, it's truly a masterpiece full of heart, hope, beauty, and love.
Amy Neff does such a beautiful job showing the ups and downs of life, love, and marriage, and I adored how she wove together this poignant story of the 60-year history of a marriage and family with historical events including World War II and 9/11.
I cried at least five times as I followed Evelyn and Joseph's epic love story and decision to end their lives together after a devastating diagnosis. The book made me think of what I and other friends and family would do in the same situation. And that's what a great novel should do--put the reader in someone else's shoes for a bit and maybe even make them examine their own life. THE DAYS I LOVE YOU MOST is not only a great novel, it's truly a masterpiece full of heart, hope, beauty, and love.
August 16, 2024
Utterly romantic where???
My apologies to the author as I am sure she is a lovely person. I was pulled in by the synopsis but the book was awful. The writing was fine!! But I hated the characters - Joseph basically gaslit Evelyn at every turn??? And I hated Evelyn and wasn’t sure what it is about her we were supposed to be drawn to. For getting to read like 60+ years of character development…the characters did NOT develop.
And don’t get me started on the worst part - what the heck kind of garbage was the main plot point. Wanting to die when someone else does is a very high school idea of romance in my opinion but maybe I’m off base. There was no development there either, despite the author constantly shoving the concept down our throat at every jump back in time.
The only positive thing about my reading experience was that I got it from the library and am not out any $$
I’m so sorry to yuck y’all’s yum but no, nope, noooooo thank you, etc.
My apologies to the author as I am sure she is a lovely person. I was pulled in by the synopsis but the book was awful. The writing was fine!! But I hated the characters - Joseph basically gaslit Evelyn at every turn??? And I hated Evelyn and wasn’t sure what it is about her we were supposed to be drawn to. For getting to read like 60+ years of character development…the characters did NOT develop.
And don’t get me started on the worst part - what the heck kind of garbage was the main plot point. Wanting to die when someone else does is a very high school idea of romance in my opinion but maybe I’m off base. There was no development there either, despite the author constantly shoving the concept down our throat at every jump back in time.
The only positive thing about my reading experience was that I got it from the library and am not out any $$
I’m so sorry to yuck y’all’s yum but no, nope, noooooo thank you, etc.
August 12, 2024
Ick. This book gave me the constant ick, from beginning to end. Joseph came off as obsessive and possessive of her…she moves to get away from him and he just shows up. The relationship felt very lopsided, Evelyn seemed like she wanted to leave multiple times in the relationship, and even went as far as packing a suitcase to leave but came back…for what? She never seemed as if she was fulfilled, despite in the end her saying she had all she wanted. Violet wanting to get divorced bc she wouldn’t die for her husband and he wouldn’t die for her, so that meant her parents had a fairytale romance? I never saw the fairytale romance. So much of it is unrealistic too, like Evelyn legit leaving her husband and two small kids, only to come home that day and then have sex with her husband. Lol. Just no. The whole relationship just felt icky, unhealthy, codependent, and borderline abusive with Joseph constantly gaslighting her and acting as if he was perfect. Joseph never seemed to actually let his wife truly shine, and granted they were from the greatest generation (pre boomers) but still. I am glad that Joseph decided to live in the end though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2024
I feel like this might just be a me thing, as I am the only person on the planet who doesn’t think “The Notebook� is the most romantic thing ever, but I hated this. I DNF at about 120 pages because it was just descriptions of gardening and flashbacks to Joseph stalking Evelyn in the 40s. Sorry 🤷🏼♀�
January 26, 2024
listen. this was good - if you like to read 300 pages of your grandparents going on and on and on about how much they love each other.
I did like it but at some points it got hard to remember who was who since there’s like 10 different characters with their own life stories.
It was beautifully written but definitely a slower story. Also the ending lost me I have no idea what decision was made.
Thank you #netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
I did like it but at some points it got hard to remember who was who since there’s like 10 different characters with their own life stories.
It was beautifully written but definitely a slower story. Also the ending lost me I have no idea what decision was made.
Thank you #netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
November 13, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this tale. I love my husband deeply and the thought of spending even one day without him brings pain. But I do not believe life is ours to take. I love the idea of fulfilling their dreams together but again life is not ours to take. We must search for hope even in times of sorrow
March 4, 2025
Childhood friends Evelyn and Joseph have enjoyed a long and happy marriage, so when she receives a tragic diagnosis, they agree to end their lives they way they have lived them: together. But, after the agreed upon last year ends, will they still stick to their plan?
Alternating between the past and present, The Days I Loved You Most details the best... and the worst... days of their marriage as they prepare for the ultimate worst day when they will be separated by death. This may sound like a depressing theme and it was in some ways, but in other ways, it was achingly heartfelt and touching. You see, their love story is everyone's love story, both ordinary and extraordinary. Honest and Sad. Haunting and breathtakingly beautiful.
"The best way I can think to say goodbye is to revisit it all... It's not only the happiest days... But it was also the hardest days. The days I was lost, the days I thought I'd lose you. When everything fell apart but you were all I needed... Those are the days I loved you most."
Trigger Warnings:
Location: Connecticut and Boston, Massachusetts
Alternating between the past and present, The Days I Loved You Most details the best... and the worst... days of their marriage as they prepare for the ultimate worst day when they will be separated by death. This may sound like a depressing theme and it was in some ways, but in other ways, it was achingly heartfelt and touching. You see, their love story is everyone's love story, both ordinary and extraordinary. Honest and Sad. Haunting and breathtakingly beautiful.
"The best way I can think to say goodbye is to revisit it all... It's not only the happiest days... But it was also the hardest days. The days I was lost, the days I thought I'd lose you. When everything fell apart but you were all I needed... Those are the days I loved you most."
Trigger Warnings:
Location: Connecticut and Boston, Massachusetts
October 6, 2024
This book deals with some pretty heavy stuff, about life & death. It’s definitely not a light-hearted read, but it is written beautifully and with so much feeling. I could feel all the emotions of what a marriage goes through from newlyweds, to new parents, to empty nesters. And it gave me a new perspective on what people in their twilight years go through as they know their lives are coming to an end. How they don’t want to live a life where they are less and don’t remember things anymore and have thoughts of just ending their lives on their terms. I know…heavy, but well worth the read.
August 16, 2024
One of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. Honest and raw. Just a gem
September 21, 2024
A great vacation read. Despite it having multiple characters it was easy to follow and buy into their individual stories. Great recco Steph 😉
August 7, 2024
This is a beautifully written story about a couple that love each other more than life. Literally more than life.
When Evelyn is diagnosed with something that will ultimately take her life her and her husband decide to go together. Joseph can't imagine his life without her. She begs him to not leave their children, who are grown with their own families, but he won't agree. He has loved her all of his life and will love her in the next life.
This book is mainly told from Evelyn and Joseph's point of views but their three children come in at times and tell things too. It goes back and forth between when Evelyn and Joseph were just teens and fell so madly in love. How her brother Tommy was Joseph's best friend and always there for Evelyn. How close the three were.
The times apart and together. You get to know this couple in almost every way possible and you will love their story. It's both beautiful and heartbreaking. I shed so many tears reading this and I loved it from start to finish. All the highs and lows. All the fights and making up. The growth of this couple's three children. When they told these children what their plans were. How each reacted. How they finally came around.
There was a twist that really made me weep but I can't elaborate on it. It would give something vital away. Suffice it to say this book will take your breath away. Make your eyes feel raw. Make you look at love in a whole new light.
I fully understand Evelyn's fear. Her fear of forgetting. Her fear of people seeing her as weak. She was always so strong. And those letter that you will get to read are so good. Enjoy this one but have lots of tissues handy. You will need them.
Five big stars. It's just a good one. And a debut.
When Evelyn is diagnosed with something that will ultimately take her life her and her husband decide to go together. Joseph can't imagine his life without her. She begs him to not leave their children, who are grown with their own families, but he won't agree. He has loved her all of his life and will love her in the next life.
This book is mainly told from Evelyn and Joseph's point of views but their three children come in at times and tell things too. It goes back and forth between when Evelyn and Joseph were just teens and fell so madly in love. How her brother Tommy was Joseph's best friend and always there for Evelyn. How close the three were.
The times apart and together. You get to know this couple in almost every way possible and you will love their story. It's both beautiful and heartbreaking. I shed so many tears reading this and I loved it from start to finish. All the highs and lows. All the fights and making up. The growth of this couple's three children. When they told these children what their plans were. How each reacted. How they finally came around.
There was a twist that really made me weep but I can't elaborate on it. It would give something vital away. Suffice it to say this book will take your breath away. Make your eyes feel raw. Make you look at love in a whole new light.
I fully understand Evelyn's fear. Her fear of forgetting. Her fear of people seeing her as weak. She was always so strong. And those letter that you will get to read are so good. Enjoy this one but have lots of tissues handy. You will need them.
Five big stars. It's just a good one. And a debut.
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