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At First Sight
Two strangers. Two chance meetings. One extraordinary love story�
Nell and Charlie feel a spark when they meet by chance in a cafe. But they don’t trade numbers or surnames, so there’s no way they’ll meet again.
But the next day, Nell’s phone rings at work. Somehow, impossibly, Charlie is on the other end. And he needs her help.
Nell is about to save a life, fall in love � and risk everything for a perfect stranger.
Nell and Charlie feel a spark when they meet by chance in a cafe. But they don’t trade numbers or surnames, so there’s no way they’ll meet again.
But the next day, Nell’s phone rings at work. Somehow, impossibly, Charlie is on the other end. And he needs her help.
Nell is about to save a life, fall in love � and risk everything for a perfect stranger.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2021
39 people are currently reading
1,009 people want to read
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February 27, 2021
This IS a a love story-but maybe not the one you are expecting...❤️
Two Strangers.
Two chance meetings.
The first in the Cool Beans Cafe, when Nell is forced to share a communal table, and she strikes up a conversation with Charlie, the sexy Irishman she is forced to sit beside. She is literally incapable of not making small talk with strangers when placed in intimate situations. In fact, she will know the names of an Uber driver’s wife, and kids after just a short ride!
There is definitely a spark but neither asks the other for their number or surname.
Much to Nell’s regret.
But, as fate would have it-they will meet again.
The second time-Charlie will call the Healthy Minds helpline. Destiny has connected his call to Nell, who works there. As she asks for a name, and hears the accent, she inquires as to the possibility that they had met the day prior at the Cool Beans Cafe. Breaking all the rules, she suggests that they continue the conversation in person.
She doesn’t realize that she will be saving a life.
Would you take a chance on loving a person who may not be willing to take a second chance on themself? 💔
YES-this is a story that deals with grief, and suicidal thoughts but it handles the subject with sensitivity and ultimately it is a story filled with courage, humor, unconditional love and HOPE!
It is actually a “feel good� story focused on healing!
Nell is a delight, and her inner dialogue is honest and funny! She is a person that anyone would be lucky to have as a friend!
I was rooting for her!
I was rooting for Charlie!
And, I was rooting for Magnus the cat, to get a SECOND chance at love too! 💕
Rated PG
You won’t have to wait long to read this heartwarming gem of a story!
Available April 1, 2021 from Avon UK books!
Thank You for my gifted copy! It was my pleasure to provide a candid review!
Two Strangers.
Two chance meetings.
The first in the Cool Beans Cafe, when Nell is forced to share a communal table, and she strikes up a conversation with Charlie, the sexy Irishman she is forced to sit beside. She is literally incapable of not making small talk with strangers when placed in intimate situations. In fact, she will know the names of an Uber driver’s wife, and kids after just a short ride!
There is definitely a spark but neither asks the other for their number or surname.
Much to Nell’s regret.
But, as fate would have it-they will meet again.
The second time-Charlie will call the Healthy Minds helpline. Destiny has connected his call to Nell, who works there. As she asks for a name, and hears the accent, she inquires as to the possibility that they had met the day prior at the Cool Beans Cafe. Breaking all the rules, she suggests that they continue the conversation in person.
She doesn’t realize that she will be saving a life.
Would you take a chance on loving a person who may not be willing to take a second chance on themself? 💔
YES-this is a story that deals with grief, and suicidal thoughts but it handles the subject with sensitivity and ultimately it is a story filled with courage, humor, unconditional love and HOPE!
It is actually a “feel good� story focused on healing!
Nell is a delight, and her inner dialogue is honest and funny! She is a person that anyone would be lucky to have as a friend!
I was rooting for her!
I was rooting for Charlie!
And, I was rooting for Magnus the cat, to get a SECOND chance at love too! 💕
Rated PG
You won’t have to wait long to read this heartwarming gem of a story!
Available April 1, 2021 from Avon UK books!
Thank You for my gifted copy! It was my pleasure to provide a candid review!
May 19, 2021
I was in the mood for a heartwarming love story. But this one just missed the mark for me.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Nell who works for a helpline is rushing to eat her lunch before having to return to work. Her cafe is almost full, the only open chair is at a communal table. Not her fav, but with no other options, she asks the man next to the open seat if she can join.
After a few funny antics at the table, Nell is instantly enamored by her tablemate Charlie. A big soft-spoken Irishman. Can she get up the nerve to ask for his number? Or will she miss her chance at possibly finding love?
I kept waiting to find a connection with either of these characters…but I just didn’t. I wanted to feel the love as it bloomed but it just wasn’t there.
This book deals with heavy subjects of grief and suicide. This was not your typical uplifting love story (at least for me).
There are many fabulous five-star reviews for this book so I am definitely in the minority here.
A buddy read with Susanne.
Posted to:
Thank you to Avon Books UK for an ARC to read and review.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Nell who works for a helpline is rushing to eat her lunch before having to return to work. Her cafe is almost full, the only open chair is at a communal table. Not her fav, but with no other options, she asks the man next to the open seat if she can join.
After a few funny antics at the table, Nell is instantly enamored by her tablemate Charlie. A big soft-spoken Irishman. Can she get up the nerve to ask for his number? Or will she miss her chance at possibly finding love?
I kept waiting to find a connection with either of these characters…but I just didn’t. I wanted to feel the love as it bloomed but it just wasn’t there.
This book deals with heavy subjects of grief and suicide. This was not your typical uplifting love story (at least for me).
There are many fabulous five-star reviews for this book so I am definitely in the minority here.
A buddy read with Susanne.
Posted to:
Thank you to Avon Books UK for an ARC to read and review.
April 25, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
I was expecting a cute romance but this book was so much more!.“At First Sight�, explores the themes of grief and loss. We follow Nell, a telephone operator for a mental health charity, is compassionate and enjoys talking and helping others. One day during her lunch break she meets Charlie a handsome Irishman, she tries to strike up a conversation with him and at the ends they go their separate ways, and one day Nell took a call at her work and charlie is the caller.
This is heart-wrenching love story. It’s unlike anything else I’ve read recently, This story was beautifully written .this book is heartbreaking and beautiful, I lost count of how many times I cried while reading it. Nell and Charlie were such likable characters that you couldn’t help but root for them throughout the book and I loved the other characters too.
At first sight explores alot of themes which makes this book different like suicide, depression and loss, there were also themes of love, forgiveness and hope. The author did a great job of highlighting all of these themes and makes these characters so relatable. I absolutely loved this.
✨✨✨✨✨✨
Trigger warning:
Loss, grief and mention of suicide
Favorite quotes :
“Thank you for giving me something to hope for, something to smile about�
� Never let anyone make you word for something that makes you feel less than you are�
May 15, 2021
Review to be posted on blog:
A Chance Meeting at a Cafe. Two Lives Become Intertwined.
When Nell meets Charlie at a Cafe, she immediately feels sparks, as does he. Little does she know the moment they meet, the universe has something greater in store for these two.
Charlie has been troubled for quite some time. In need of help, he finds it.
Reading friends' reviews, I was looking forward to “At First Sight� - unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations. I felt as though the characters lacked any real substance and thought the author tried too hard throughout to make the book compelling and heartfelt. In addition, for the most part, I found this book to be extremely depressing. I did however like the character of Ned (Nell’s roommate) and laughed out loud at the predicament he found himself in at the tail end of the book. Way to go Ned!
2.5 Stars
A buddy read with Kaceey that left us both disappointed.
Thank you to Avon Books UK, NetGalley, and Hannah Sunderland for the arc.
Published on ŷ and Twitter.
A Chance Meeting at a Cafe. Two Lives Become Intertwined.
When Nell meets Charlie at a Cafe, she immediately feels sparks, as does he. Little does she know the moment they meet, the universe has something greater in store for these two.
Charlie has been troubled for quite some time. In need of help, he finds it.
Reading friends' reviews, I was looking forward to “At First Sight� - unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations. I felt as though the characters lacked any real substance and thought the author tried too hard throughout to make the book compelling and heartfelt. In addition, for the most part, I found this book to be extremely depressing. I did however like the character of Ned (Nell’s roommate) and laughed out loud at the predicament he found himself in at the tail end of the book. Way to go Ned!
2.5 Stars
A buddy read with Kaceey that left us both disappointed.
Thank you to Avon Books UK, NetGalley, and Hannah Sunderland for the arc.
Published on ŷ and Twitter.
January 13, 2021
Book Reviewed on
At First Sight, was not the story I was expecting from the title and the synopsis. I was expecting an upbeat romance/rom-com where this is a story with lots of heartbreaking moments and grief plays a big part. It gets deep at times and if suicide and the death of a loved one is a trigger point for you then maybe give this book a miss.
Nell works for a company similar to the Samaritans. She talks to people on the phone when they are at the lowest point in their lives and possibly thinking about harming or killing themselves. She is a very compassionate woman who has a lot of time to listen to people, even if she does often have verbal diarrhoea and doesn’t know when to stop talking. She loves her job as it seems to be the one bit of her life that is going right.
Nell initially meets Irishman Charlie in a cafe on her lunch break when she sits next to him as no other tables were available. No matter how much she tries she can’t help herself from talking to him and the two have an instant connection but they go their separate ways, that is until Nell takes a call one night and Charlie is the caller. She goes against the work policy and goes to meet Charlie.
Charlie is a sweet man who is lost in this world. Two years ago his life completely changed and for him, it felt like it had ended too. Since then he has been spiralling mentally out of control and doesn’t know how to move forward, hence the phone call to the helpline.
The two have a connection but there are also some things in the past that they need to deal with before they can even think about being in a relationship together. Nell also feels guilty for feeling the way she does about Charlie and at times it felt like her mental health was suffering too.
The book is beautifully written and kicks you in the guts at times, so have some tissues ready. There were parts I didn’t think added anything to the plot, such as Nell’s ex-boyfriend, and parts I think played a big part even though they weren’t the main focus of the book, such as her housemate and colleague Ned.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book even if it went in a direction I wasn’t expecting.
At First Sight, was not the story I was expecting from the title and the synopsis. I was expecting an upbeat romance/rom-com where this is a story with lots of heartbreaking moments and grief plays a big part. It gets deep at times and if suicide and the death of a loved one is a trigger point for you then maybe give this book a miss.
Nell works for a company similar to the Samaritans. She talks to people on the phone when they are at the lowest point in their lives and possibly thinking about harming or killing themselves. She is a very compassionate woman who has a lot of time to listen to people, even if she does often have verbal diarrhoea and doesn’t know when to stop talking. She loves her job as it seems to be the one bit of her life that is going right.
Nell initially meets Irishman Charlie in a cafe on her lunch break when she sits next to him as no other tables were available. No matter how much she tries she can’t help herself from talking to him and the two have an instant connection but they go their separate ways, that is until Nell takes a call one night and Charlie is the caller. She goes against the work policy and goes to meet Charlie.
Charlie is a sweet man who is lost in this world. Two years ago his life completely changed and for him, it felt like it had ended too. Since then he has been spiralling mentally out of control and doesn’t know how to move forward, hence the phone call to the helpline.
The two have a connection but there are also some things in the past that they need to deal with before they can even think about being in a relationship together. Nell also feels guilty for feeling the way she does about Charlie and at times it felt like her mental health was suffering too.
The book is beautifully written and kicks you in the guts at times, so have some tissues ready. There were parts I didn’t think added anything to the plot, such as Nell’s ex-boyfriend, and parts I think played a big part even though they weren’t the main focus of the book, such as her housemate and colleague Ned.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book even if it went in a direction I wasn’t expecting.
March 24, 2021
Depression is something that is often extremely hard to see, so be sympathetic to those around you. Ask a friend how they are and actually pay attention to the answer. Seek out that friend who is slowly withdrawing from the group and make them feel welcome again and above all, be kind, because you never know who is hurting beneath the surface and you might just be the friendly face they need.--Hannah Sunderland
Nell works at a call center for people who are struggling with life. Sometimes the people who call in are suicidal. One day on her lunch break she meets Charlie at her favorite coffee shop. His Irish accent and blue eyes catch her attention, but she does not take the opportunity to get his number. A few days later, she gets a call at work . . . from Charlie. This book takes some very interesting twists and turns and kept me turning the pages. Despite Nell's experience with grief and distress on the job, it is a whole lot harder to deal with up close and in a long term situation. The timing for her and Charlie just doesn't seem right. Can they both move past what is in their past to have a future together? Maybe they are both better off if they don't? While the path to mental health is highly regarded and modelled, there is one avenue that is discounted quite severely and that is the church. No offense to Hannah Sunderland, but in my experience, the gospel holds a hope like no other. When I read novels like this set in the U.K., I remember how much the U.K. Blessing video has lifted me up in the past year. If you like this one, you should try 'Float Plan' by Trish Dollar. Other authors to try would be Beth O'Leary and Josie Silver.
Thank you to Avon Books and Net Galley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Nell works at a call center for people who are struggling with life. Sometimes the people who call in are suicidal. One day on her lunch break she meets Charlie at her favorite coffee shop. His Irish accent and blue eyes catch her attention, but she does not take the opportunity to get his number. A few days later, she gets a call at work . . . from Charlie. This book takes some very interesting twists and turns and kept me turning the pages. Despite Nell's experience with grief and distress on the job, it is a whole lot harder to deal with up close and in a long term situation. The timing for her and Charlie just doesn't seem right. Can they both move past what is in their past to have a future together? Maybe they are both better off if they don't? While the path to mental health is highly regarded and modelled, there is one avenue that is discounted quite severely and that is the church. No offense to Hannah Sunderland, but in my experience, the gospel holds a hope like no other. When I read novels like this set in the U.K., I remember how much the U.K. Blessing video has lifted me up in the past year. If you like this one, you should try 'Float Plan' by Trish Dollar. Other authors to try would be Beth O'Leary and Josie Silver.
Thank you to Avon Books and Net Galley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2021
Publication date 1st April 2021
What a book!! I had no idea what I was expecting when I started at first sight but it wasn't what I read and I am so glad about that! This book covers loss, grief, suicidal thoughts and talk, mental illness and hope.
I never thought I would be able to pick up a book and want to read about such depressing topics especially with my personal experience with all that is covered. But Hannah Sunderland covers these topics with the respect they deserve. What she does so well and I take my hat off to her is discusses men's mental health in such a way that we get to cover the realities of both feeling and feeling like you shouldn't feel. I feel she manages to explain and demonstrate this topic so well and it is evident that she has done her research.
Nell and Charlie are our two leading characters with Nell being the protagonist. Due to a series of events Nell ends up sitting next to Charlie in her favourite coffee place as there is no where else to sit. Nell is a chatty kathy so fills the awkward silences between them. It seems like the universe wants Nell and Charlie to be in each others lives because they find themselves having another chance encounter and as it transpires they have a lot more to come.
I loved Nell as a lead, although she seems very self assured it is clear that she isn't. She talks to fill the silences but that doesn't mean she always wants to, it fills more like a need. I found her endearing as a character and someone I would totally be friends with. She works for a mental health charity helpline and has so much love and care to give to those that need her. She met her now housemate Ned there and it's almost like they heal each other but purely in a friend way. Their relationship may seem strange to outsiders but I loved it. Everyone needs a Nell or Ned by their side
Charlie is so broken and it is sad to watch it play out. But inlove the fact that hannah Sunderland allows for us as readers to experience the realities of grief whether thats 2 months or 2 years later. His continued battle with mental illness is written perfectly. I just think it's done so well and I honestly have no critique here. It would be so easy to do a basic love story but this book isn't that and I am glad it isn't.
Although there are some intense topics do not worry as Nell as our narrator leaves us with some hilarious one liners. She breaks up what could be an intense and overwhelming topic. Yet even with her one liners and inner monologue it feels appropriate. I will say look 0ut for the snow globe chapter!!! I was rolling on the floor with laughter!
Would I recommend this book?
Yes ofcourse I would. I will say if you yourself are feeling in a dark place then this may not be the book for you, however it's underpinning theme of hope might be and thats how I went into this, as I struggle myself. The characters are all well written and each have great density to them and therefore none really feel like side characters, although the Irish uncle I would like to know more about him (Hannah Sunderland feel free to write a sequel just for him). I found that I loved all the characters and that included the ex Joel. The area of men's mental illness is done perfectly and although at its heart this is a rom com, I also hope that by reading this it will bring a little awareness to those who know very little about the area. It isn't covered often so thank you Hannah for taking such care whilst doing so. I love Nell so much and again I would happily read a sequel to at first sight. 5 stars 🌟 I couldn't put this book down!
Thank you to Netgalley, Hannah Sunderland and Avon publishers for the digital ARC in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
Review published on
Facebook: Jasmin's mantra read review repeat
ŷ:
What a book!! I had no idea what I was expecting when I started at first sight but it wasn't what I read and I am so glad about that! This book covers loss, grief, suicidal thoughts and talk, mental illness and hope.
I never thought I would be able to pick up a book and want to read about such depressing topics especially with my personal experience with all that is covered. But Hannah Sunderland covers these topics with the respect they deserve. What she does so well and I take my hat off to her is discusses men's mental health in such a way that we get to cover the realities of both feeling and feeling like you shouldn't feel. I feel she manages to explain and demonstrate this topic so well and it is evident that she has done her research.
Nell and Charlie are our two leading characters with Nell being the protagonist. Due to a series of events Nell ends up sitting next to Charlie in her favourite coffee place as there is no where else to sit. Nell is a chatty kathy so fills the awkward silences between them. It seems like the universe wants Nell and Charlie to be in each others lives because they find themselves having another chance encounter and as it transpires they have a lot more to come.
I loved Nell as a lead, although she seems very self assured it is clear that she isn't. She talks to fill the silences but that doesn't mean she always wants to, it fills more like a need. I found her endearing as a character and someone I would totally be friends with. She works for a mental health charity helpline and has so much love and care to give to those that need her. She met her now housemate Ned there and it's almost like they heal each other but purely in a friend way. Their relationship may seem strange to outsiders but I loved it. Everyone needs a Nell or Ned by their side
Charlie is so broken and it is sad to watch it play out. But inlove the fact that hannah Sunderland allows for us as readers to experience the realities of grief whether thats 2 months or 2 years later. His continued battle with mental illness is written perfectly. I just think it's done so well and I honestly have no critique here. It would be so easy to do a basic love story but this book isn't that and I am glad it isn't.
Although there are some intense topics do not worry as Nell as our narrator leaves us with some hilarious one liners. She breaks up what could be an intense and overwhelming topic. Yet even with her one liners and inner monologue it feels appropriate. I will say look 0ut for the snow globe chapter!!! I was rolling on the floor with laughter!
Would I recommend this book?
Yes ofcourse I would. I will say if you yourself are feeling in a dark place then this may not be the book for you, however it's underpinning theme of hope might be and thats how I went into this, as I struggle myself. The characters are all well written and each have great density to them and therefore none really feel like side characters, although the Irish uncle I would like to know more about him (Hannah Sunderland feel free to write a sequel just for him). I found that I loved all the characters and that included the ex Joel. The area of men's mental illness is done perfectly and although at its heart this is a rom com, I also hope that by reading this it will bring a little awareness to those who know very little about the area. It isn't covered often so thank you Hannah for taking such care whilst doing so. I love Nell so much and again I would happily read a sequel to at first sight. 5 stars 🌟 I couldn't put this book down!
Thank you to Netgalley, Hannah Sunderland and Avon publishers for the digital ARC in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
Review published on
Facebook: Jasmin's mantra read review repeat
ŷ:
January 4, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
At First Sight dives into some pretty deep and dark topics. It does take a while to do so but it is definitely eye opening to see what the characters go through throughout this book. In it, you will meet Nell and Charlie. Both seem to be barely moving in their lives.. at least until they met each other.
I'm not going to say that their romance was easy because it honestly wasn't. These two go through a lot of ups and downs. Whether it's romantically tied to them or just tied to their lives in general. Again, it was really eye opening to see what they went through and how they handled it.
I honestly wasn't expecting so much drama in this book but I wasn't really surprised either. Ya know? From previous reviews on this book, I could see that people weren't happy due to not getting trigger warnings. Me? I'm okay with it all because it was an experience I wanted. Each and every character had some healing to do and it was just really cool to see it happening. Especially when you see certain characters at their lowest point. I just hoped that each and every one of them found happiness in something or someone.
They deserved it. Truly.
In the end, I am a little intrigued by what the answer was.. but I would be okay with any kind of adventure.
At First Sight dives into some pretty deep and dark topics. It does take a while to do so but it is definitely eye opening to see what the characters go through throughout this book. In it, you will meet Nell and Charlie. Both seem to be barely moving in their lives.. at least until they met each other.
I'm not going to say that their romance was easy because it honestly wasn't. These two go through a lot of ups and downs. Whether it's romantically tied to them or just tied to their lives in general. Again, it was really eye opening to see what they went through and how they handled it.
I honestly wasn't expecting so much drama in this book but I wasn't really surprised either. Ya know? From previous reviews on this book, I could see that people weren't happy due to not getting trigger warnings. Me? I'm okay with it all because it was an experience I wanted. Each and every character had some healing to do and it was just really cool to see it happening. Especially when you see certain characters at their lowest point. I just hoped that each and every one of them found happiness in something or someone.
They deserved it. Truly.
In the end, I am a little intrigued by what the answer was.. but I would be okay with any kind of adventure.
April 15, 2021
Nell meets Charlie for the first time in a cafe and sparks fly; however, they part without providing any contact info. They meet again in a truly once in a lifetime fashion.
I thought I was in for a typical Rom-Com, my favorite, but this was so much more than that.
Don't let the cover fool you, it's not all light and airy. There are some deep topics covered. Some of which are uncomfortable and sad. At times they are handled with levity and sometimes with seriousness. I liked the balance between the two. It was perfect.
This was such a REAL story. Everything wasn't easy, most things actually weren't, just like life. This book moved me so much. It also made me laugh. It even had me believing in fate and a bit of magic.
There is a quote that really moved me: "I held my future and my past and I didn't want to let go of either of them."
TW: Nell works for a mental health hotline so discussions of depression and suicide are covered.
Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thought I was in for a typical Rom-Com, my favorite, but this was so much more than that.
Don't let the cover fool you, it's not all light and airy. There are some deep topics covered. Some of which are uncomfortable and sad. At times they are handled with levity and sometimes with seriousness. I liked the balance between the two. It was perfect.
This was such a REAL story. Everything wasn't easy, most things actually weren't, just like life. This book moved me so much. It also made me laugh. It even had me believing in fate and a bit of magic.
There is a quote that really moved me: "I held my future and my past and I didn't want to let go of either of them."
TW: Nell works for a mental health hotline so discussions of depression and suicide are covered.
Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2021
Nell meets Charlie for the first time in a cafe and sparks fly; however, they part without providing any contact info. They meet again in a truly once in a lifetime fashion.
I thought I was in for a typical Rom-Com, my favorite, but this was so much more than that.
Don't let the cover fool you, it's not all light and airy. There are some deep topics covered. Some of which are uncomfortable and sad. At times they are handled with levity and sometimes with seriousness. I liked the balance between the two. It was perfect.
This was such a REAL book. Everything wasn't easy, most things actually weren't, just like life. This book moved me so much. It also made me laugh. It even had me believing in fate and a bit of magic.
There is a quote that really moved me: "I held my future and my past and I didn't want to let go of either of them."
TW: Nell works for a mental health hotline so discussions of depression and suicide are covered.
Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thought I was in for a typical Rom-Com, my favorite, but this was so much more than that.
Don't let the cover fool you, it's not all light and airy. There are some deep topics covered. Some of which are uncomfortable and sad. At times they are handled with levity and sometimes with seriousness. I liked the balance between the two. It was perfect.
This was such a REAL book. Everything wasn't easy, most things actually weren't, just like life. This book moved me so much. It also made me laugh. It even had me believing in fate and a bit of magic.
There is a quote that really moved me: "I held my future and my past and I didn't want to let go of either of them."
TW: Nell works for a mental health hotline so discussions of depression and suicide are covered.
Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2021
I found this second novel from Sunderland rather hard work. The topic is considerably heavy-going and I found myself feeling rather anxious and miserable whilst reading it.
A chance meeting in a coffee shop between Nell and Charlie leads to a tale of sadness and grief. Nell works for a mental health charity, working on the phone lines. Therefore, you can expect there to be a fair amount of woe with the stories that Nell describes. However, after Nell cannot find Charlie, it would seem that fate is going to bring them together anyway because he comes through to her phone at work. Clearly needing her help (even though he describes it being for his uncle), Nell breaks the rules and agrees to meet up with Charlie once more.
Yet, this relationship is not plain sailing as Sunderland details a man very much suffocated by his own grief. Charlie is in desperate need of help and I applauded Nell’s patience, even when she fears he is ghosting her and completely disappears from contact for a couple of weeks. Over the course of the novel, we gradually learn of Charlie’s circumstances and it is one that is heart-felt, guilt-ridden and depressingly sad. Therefore, like Sunderland’s author caution at the start of the novel, be prepared for a story that really pulls on your emotional strings.
At times, I found this novel really hard to read because of the sadness and how trapped Charlie feels. It is a sobering reflection of tragic times and, despite today’s emphasis on looking after one’s mental health, Charlie shows that even if there are support networks that you can reach out to, it is not always enough. Consequently, I often had to close the book and distract myself with far more positive, uplifting tasks to ensure I did not feel dragged down into the sadness that radiates from the pages.
Moving the story to Ireland, I found this part of the book dragged. I wanted there to be some closure but it felt like it took a while for this to be reached. On reflection, I think this is Sunderland’s way of demonstrating the complexities of grief and I do wonder how the writer was able to write such a vivid portrayal of Charlie’s situation. I certainly hope this is not drawn from personal experiences.
This book drained me but I was glad to have finished it. Admittedly, I am certainly going to find a sunshine read after this one but I really enjoyed the optimistic note that the story concluded with. My favourite part of the book was undoubtedly the closing paragraph: I thought it hauntingly, beautifully written and a true example of Sunderland’s craft.
Although I did prefer the writer’s debut novel, this was an emotional exploration of how grief can shape our future relationships. I did not find there was much comedy in the story, but I did like to watch the blossoming connection between Nell and Charlie, especially as he grows to learn to love life all over again.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A chance meeting in a coffee shop between Nell and Charlie leads to a tale of sadness and grief. Nell works for a mental health charity, working on the phone lines. Therefore, you can expect there to be a fair amount of woe with the stories that Nell describes. However, after Nell cannot find Charlie, it would seem that fate is going to bring them together anyway because he comes through to her phone at work. Clearly needing her help (even though he describes it being for his uncle), Nell breaks the rules and agrees to meet up with Charlie once more.
Yet, this relationship is not plain sailing as Sunderland details a man very much suffocated by his own grief. Charlie is in desperate need of help and I applauded Nell’s patience, even when she fears he is ghosting her and completely disappears from contact for a couple of weeks. Over the course of the novel, we gradually learn of Charlie’s circumstances and it is one that is heart-felt, guilt-ridden and depressingly sad. Therefore, like Sunderland’s author caution at the start of the novel, be prepared for a story that really pulls on your emotional strings.
At times, I found this novel really hard to read because of the sadness and how trapped Charlie feels. It is a sobering reflection of tragic times and, despite today’s emphasis on looking after one’s mental health, Charlie shows that even if there are support networks that you can reach out to, it is not always enough. Consequently, I often had to close the book and distract myself with far more positive, uplifting tasks to ensure I did not feel dragged down into the sadness that radiates from the pages.
Moving the story to Ireland, I found this part of the book dragged. I wanted there to be some closure but it felt like it took a while for this to be reached. On reflection, I think this is Sunderland’s way of demonstrating the complexities of grief and I do wonder how the writer was able to write such a vivid portrayal of Charlie’s situation. I certainly hope this is not drawn from personal experiences.
This book drained me but I was glad to have finished it. Admittedly, I am certainly going to find a sunshine read after this one but I really enjoyed the optimistic note that the story concluded with. My favourite part of the book was undoubtedly the closing paragraph: I thought it hauntingly, beautifully written and a true example of Sunderland’s craft.
Although I did prefer the writer’s debut novel, this was an emotional exploration of how grief can shape our future relationships. I did not find there was much comedy in the story, but I did like to watch the blossoming connection between Nell and Charlie, especially as he grows to learn to love life all over again.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2021
Definitely not your conventional love story, At First Sight deals with loss, grieve and with how friendship and counseling can help to overcome the pain and find a way to happiness again.
A beautiful story, written in a sensitive way, by a very talented writer, that left me with the desire to read her debut novel (which I have already downloaded).
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A beautiful story, written in a sensitive way, by a very talented writer, that left me with the desire to read her debut novel (which I have already downloaded).
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2021
See this review and more at my blog,
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4/5 stars
At First Sight may seem deceptively fluffy, but it is mixed with resounding themes such as grief and loss to make a more meaningful read.
Going into this read, I expected another fluffy contemporary with no real substance. This was a welcome surprise! At First Sight is made a deeper read by way of heart-wrenching scenes that deal with immensely powerful topics such as loss, grief, and suicide.
In At First Sight, we follow Nell who works as a telephone operator for a mental health hotline. One day during her lunch break, she meets that attractive Irishman Charlie and sparks fly. They have a great time, but Nell suffers from the common problem of not having enough nerve to ask for a number and they go their separate ways. Some time later, she gets a potentially disastrous call at work and recognizes the Irish brogue to be Charlie's. Nell and Charlie navigate the seas of heartbreak and grief together, which wouldn't be easy in the first place and isn't helped by the way they start to fall in love.
As I've said, At First Sight tackles heavy topics such as grief, loss, and suicidal thoughts. But through all of that, it manages to still be a love story. It is a story about dark things, but it's also a book about unconditional love and hope even in the darkest times. Don't worry--the dark themes do nothing to tamper the humor, love, and fluff still found within the pages.
For most of the read, I assumed I would rate it 3.5 stars. That's a decent rating. A good rating, really. But then the last 20% of the book kicked me in the gut and I knew I had to raise it at least half a star. Hannah Sunderland really knows how to deliver an ending!
All in all, I really enjoyed this. I read tons of contemporary stories with no real substance, so I loved that this could manage dark themes while still being a feel-good book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4/5 stars
At First Sight may seem deceptively fluffy, but it is mixed with resounding themes such as grief and loss to make a more meaningful read.
Going into this read, I expected another fluffy contemporary with no real substance. This was a welcome surprise! At First Sight is made a deeper read by way of heart-wrenching scenes that deal with immensely powerful topics such as loss, grief, and suicide.
In At First Sight, we follow Nell who works as a telephone operator for a mental health hotline. One day during her lunch break, she meets that attractive Irishman Charlie and sparks fly. They have a great time, but Nell suffers from the common problem of not having enough nerve to ask for a number and they go their separate ways. Some time later, she gets a potentially disastrous call at work and recognizes the Irish brogue to be Charlie's. Nell and Charlie navigate the seas of heartbreak and grief together, which wouldn't be easy in the first place and isn't helped by the way they start to fall in love.
As I've said, At First Sight tackles heavy topics such as grief, loss, and suicidal thoughts. But through all of that, it manages to still be a love story. It is a story about dark things, but it's also a book about unconditional love and hope even in the darkest times. Don't worry--the dark themes do nothing to tamper the humor, love, and fluff still found within the pages.
For most of the read, I assumed I would rate it 3.5 stars. That's a decent rating. A good rating, really. But then the last 20% of the book kicked me in the gut and I knew I had to raise it at least half a star. Hannah Sunderland really knows how to deliver an ending!
All in all, I really enjoyed this. I read tons of contemporary stories with no real substance, so I loved that this could manage dark themes while still being a feel-good book.
December 19, 2020
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
“At First Sight�, by Hannah Sunderland (Avon Books UK), explores the themes of grief and loss particularly through the character of the wounded hero, a male protagonist with a very dark past and personal story.
I liked how the author wrote the inexplicability and the sometimes diffuse, other times acute pain and despair surrounding the mental health issues addressed in the story, which aren’t glamorous at all, yet very real and a bit hard to read.
The suspense and a certain mystery about Charlie in the beginning were engaging, but I was finding the pace a bit slow going before I was halfway through the story and the dialogue not very interesting.
To a certain extent, Charlie and Nell are interesting, decent characters, but their romance wasn’t off the charts enough for me.
In the end, Charlie and Nell’s personalities didn’t appeal to me and I didn’t feel connected with them or the side characters and their stories. I usually love vulnerability in a hero, but the sadness about Charlie didn’t move me.
While I enjoyed some parts of the story and the courage to write about these issues, it wasn’t memorable enough.
“At First Sight�, by Hannah Sunderland (Avon Books UK), explores the themes of grief and loss particularly through the character of the wounded hero, a male protagonist with a very dark past and personal story.
I liked how the author wrote the inexplicability and the sometimes diffuse, other times acute pain and despair surrounding the mental health issues addressed in the story, which aren’t glamorous at all, yet very real and a bit hard to read.
The suspense and a certain mystery about Charlie in the beginning were engaging, but I was finding the pace a bit slow going before I was halfway through the story and the dialogue not very interesting.
To a certain extent, Charlie and Nell are interesting, decent characters, but their romance wasn’t off the charts enough for me.
In the end, Charlie and Nell’s personalities didn’t appeal to me and I didn’t feel connected with them or the side characters and their stories. I usually love vulnerability in a hero, but the sadness about Charlie didn’t move me.
While I enjoyed some parts of the story and the courage to write about these issues, it wasn’t memorable enough.
December 27, 2020
This book was different to what I had expected, but not in a bad way. It is a love story with a difference.Quite slow moving but that works well in this case. Nell is a counsellor working at a telephone helpline charity. She is a bubbly personality most of the time, but has issues with her ex , Joel. She meets Charlie in a cafe and gradually they become friends though there are complications on the way.
At times sad, at times funny , the emtions in this book are well portrayed. As a reader, you understand what the characters are feeling and why. I don't know whether I would be able to come up with some of the solutions that Nell comes up with at different times in the book . You know that it is right, but when in that position you do not always follow the sensible course of action (emotions can get in the way) .
A thought provoking and intelligent story. I will look outfor more from this author .
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review .
At times sad, at times funny , the emtions in this book are well portrayed. As a reader, you understand what the characters are feeling and why. I don't know whether I would be able to come up with some of the solutions that Nell comes up with at different times in the book . You know that it is right, but when in that position you do not always follow the sensible course of action (emotions can get in the way) .
A thought provoking and intelligent story. I will look outfor more from this author .
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review .
April 6, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I will start by saying I really enjoyed this love story.
If you are looking for a happy rom-com, then this is not the book for you. This book is for people who want to hear about second chances at love.
For Nell, meeting Charlie is a chance at real love, after breaking up with her previous boyfriend. And for Charlie, meeting Nell is a chance at confronting his grief, and maybe find a way to "go on".
This was a really touching story to read, sad given the matters at hand, but ultimately full of hope for better tomorrows.
I liked that the dialogue felt more real than some other stories you can read, with characters you care about.
The only reason this is not a 5-star review is that I found that there were maybe too many coincidences or too much of a "it's a small world" feel to my liking, but it's just my personal opinion, and it doesn't really take anything away from the story.
Otherwise, I highly recommend this book, but be aware that there are some difficult topics being discussed, such as suicide ideation, and death.
I will start by saying I really enjoyed this love story.
If you are looking for a happy rom-com, then this is not the book for you. This book is for people who want to hear about second chances at love.
For Nell, meeting Charlie is a chance at real love, after breaking up with her previous boyfriend. And for Charlie, meeting Nell is a chance at confronting his grief, and maybe find a way to "go on".
This was a really touching story to read, sad given the matters at hand, but ultimately full of hope for better tomorrows.
I liked that the dialogue felt more real than some other stories you can read, with characters you care about.
The only reason this is not a 5-star review is that I found that there were maybe too many coincidences or too much of a "it's a small world" feel to my liking, but it's just my personal opinion, and it doesn't really take anything away from the story.
Otherwise, I highly recommend this book, but be aware that there are some difficult topics being discussed, such as suicide ideation, and death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2021
This one gave me everything I'm looking for in a memorable read. Slow build, broken hero (and heroine for that matter, although she is more dented than broken), a little bit of push and pull, it isn't all about the physical connection, true romance and relationship building, angst, impossible decisions, growth, and an ending that makes your heart sigh.
April 2, 2021
3.5 stars, Rounded
Nell has always wanted to help people � so much so that she’s one of the few paid volunteers at the Healthy Minds hotline, much like the Good Samaritans here in the states. While her work is fulfilling and she loves it, her personal life isn’t quite so marvelous. Broken up with her first boyfriend, she’s fallen into the trap of “convenience�, and while Joel is still very much in love with her and what the relationship meant for him (bills paid, food paid, a partner) she’s finally discovered that he’s not what makes her happy. After their split, she took a house share with a co-worker, Neil, and the two have a happily balanced relationship full of movie nights, takeaways, Celine Dion quotes and a love of Michael Bolton. With her mother in demand at her work and frequently in glamorous and removed locations, Nell has been ‘second place� to much of her mother’s life � a place she’s happily occupied for years as ‘taking what she’s been given. But a chance meeting and no seats at the café near her work puts Nell in front of Charlie, a rather reserved, if not bellicose Irishman with a cold cup of tea, an ability to laugh at Nell’s need to ‘fill silence with words� and she’s smitten.
While that first meeting was precipitous, the second, a call at the helpline, brought her much more. Charlie called in � and Nell broke every rule possible: agreeing to meet him to talk and ‘become friends�. Here is where the story meanders a bit, as we deal with Charlie’s issues, his depression and his inability to deal with Nell’s rather happy and understanding personality � even as she’s finding the attraction to Charlie rather overwhelming. As the story unfolds, we see Nell struggle with her interest in Charlie, his on again, off again responses, and their truly compatible personalities, even with the depression, guilt and struggles. Particularly worsened as Charlie isn’t able at this moment to open up and share his story: much to Nell’s frustration.
What emerges is that slow journey through grief, depression and even suicidal ideation, from actual stories of attempts through an actual (if rather anticlimactic) attempt from her ex. Be aware that this book is full of triggering moments for many, and the pacing of the story � slowly unfolding can often prolong the questions from readers. But ultimately, it is truly worth it � showing steps that one person needed to take to get perspective and let go of the worst of the guilt, shame and find the confidence and hope to move on: always changed, but not stagnant. In finding and helping others, we also see how Nell finds her own two feet and confidence to put herself forward in her list of ‘needs�, something she’d never done before, and the little moments with both Charlie, Neil and Uncle Carrick, not to mention a heart to heart with her mother allowed the story to end with hope and possibilities for all. A bit twisty, darker and more emotional than one would expect with a few twists that made the story come full circle � this was a book that showed a bit of compassion, patience and hope work wonders.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Nell has always wanted to help people � so much so that she’s one of the few paid volunteers at the Healthy Minds hotline, much like the Good Samaritans here in the states. While her work is fulfilling and she loves it, her personal life isn’t quite so marvelous. Broken up with her first boyfriend, she’s fallen into the trap of “convenience�, and while Joel is still very much in love with her and what the relationship meant for him (bills paid, food paid, a partner) she’s finally discovered that he’s not what makes her happy. After their split, she took a house share with a co-worker, Neil, and the two have a happily balanced relationship full of movie nights, takeaways, Celine Dion quotes and a love of Michael Bolton. With her mother in demand at her work and frequently in glamorous and removed locations, Nell has been ‘second place� to much of her mother’s life � a place she’s happily occupied for years as ‘taking what she’s been given. But a chance meeting and no seats at the café near her work puts Nell in front of Charlie, a rather reserved, if not bellicose Irishman with a cold cup of tea, an ability to laugh at Nell’s need to ‘fill silence with words� and she’s smitten.
While that first meeting was precipitous, the second, a call at the helpline, brought her much more. Charlie called in � and Nell broke every rule possible: agreeing to meet him to talk and ‘become friends�. Here is where the story meanders a bit, as we deal with Charlie’s issues, his depression and his inability to deal with Nell’s rather happy and understanding personality � even as she’s finding the attraction to Charlie rather overwhelming. As the story unfolds, we see Nell struggle with her interest in Charlie, his on again, off again responses, and their truly compatible personalities, even with the depression, guilt and struggles. Particularly worsened as Charlie isn’t able at this moment to open up and share his story: much to Nell’s frustration.
What emerges is that slow journey through grief, depression and even suicidal ideation, from actual stories of attempts through an actual (if rather anticlimactic) attempt from her ex. Be aware that this book is full of triggering moments for many, and the pacing of the story � slowly unfolding can often prolong the questions from readers. But ultimately, it is truly worth it � showing steps that one person needed to take to get perspective and let go of the worst of the guilt, shame and find the confidence and hope to move on: always changed, but not stagnant. In finding and helping others, we also see how Nell finds her own two feet and confidence to put herself forward in her list of ‘needs�, something she’d never done before, and the little moments with both Charlie, Neil and Uncle Carrick, not to mention a heart to heart with her mother allowed the story to end with hope and possibilities for all. A bit twisty, darker and more emotional than one would expect with a few twists that made the story come full circle � this was a book that showed a bit of compassion, patience and hope work wonders.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
March 29, 2021
At First Sight is so much more than the usual light-hearted love story. It is tender and moving and I enjoyed the whole premise of the story enormously. It is incredibly well written and heartbreakingly beautiful and as the story evolves it is impossible to put down. The unexpected twists and turns the storyline presented us with definitely kept me on my toes. At First Sight is a wonderfully executed book with an amazing cast of characters and has much more depth to it than I was first anticipating. The Author’s Note at the beginning of the book indicates the story deals with loss, grief, depression and suicide, however these are sensitively portrayed by the author and depicted in such a thoughtful way that it doesn’t feel overwhelming or upsetting.
The characters are well developed and described in excellent detail, with just enough background history to give them depth and personality. Nell is a delightful character, she is kind, funny and incredibly caring and her inner dialogue is both humorous and entertaining and I laughed out loud on more than one occasion. Charlie is a dark brooding Irishman and although somewhat volatile, due to his past issues impacting on his current state of mind, he comes across as gentle, sensitive and caring and with a sense of fun. I also adored Ned, the father figure, and Carrick with his quirky dress sense and his indisputable bond with Charlie.
Although from the moment they meet there is undeniably a spark between Charlie and Nell, their love story is a slow build up and this unhurried pace and exploration of their relationship is entirely necessary because of the specific issues Charlie is dealing with, requiring time to come to terms with his emotions. It was refreshing to see a gentle romance with deeper thoughts and feelings explored without the need for a surfeit of explicit ‘bedroom� scenes.
A beautifully written and thought-provoking book and although some serious issues are addressed it is counter-balanced with more light-hearted and humorous elements. The story is wonderfully crafted and I enjoyed it immensely from start to finish and with the ending perfectly encapsulated everything � I adored the ending. I will definitely be reaching more more of this author’s work in the future.
Thank you to the publisher, via Netgalley, for the eARC to review.
The characters are well developed and described in excellent detail, with just enough background history to give them depth and personality. Nell is a delightful character, she is kind, funny and incredibly caring and her inner dialogue is both humorous and entertaining and I laughed out loud on more than one occasion. Charlie is a dark brooding Irishman and although somewhat volatile, due to his past issues impacting on his current state of mind, he comes across as gentle, sensitive and caring and with a sense of fun. I also adored Ned, the father figure, and Carrick with his quirky dress sense and his indisputable bond with Charlie.
Although from the moment they meet there is undeniably a spark between Charlie and Nell, their love story is a slow build up and this unhurried pace and exploration of their relationship is entirely necessary because of the specific issues Charlie is dealing with, requiring time to come to terms with his emotions. It was refreshing to see a gentle romance with deeper thoughts and feelings explored without the need for a surfeit of explicit ‘bedroom� scenes.
A beautifully written and thought-provoking book and although some serious issues are addressed it is counter-balanced with more light-hearted and humorous elements. The story is wonderfully crafted and I enjoyed it immensely from start to finish and with the ending perfectly encapsulated everything � I adored the ending. I will definitely be reaching more more of this author’s work in the future.
Thank you to the publisher, via Netgalley, for the eARC to review.
March 2, 2021
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC of this beatiful book.
This is a story about heavy topics not easy to write the risk to fall in too much drama or being shallow is extremely high
The author does it homework awesomely
Nell meets Charlie in a cafe and feels a spark then again at work in a helpline she faces another perspective of Charlie
Unconventionally beatiful
4 stars
This is a story about heavy topics not easy to write the risk to fall in too much drama or being shallow is extremely high
The author does it homework awesomely
Nell meets Charlie in a cafe and feels a spark then again at work in a helpline she faces another perspective of Charlie
Unconventionally beatiful
4 stars
June 1, 2021
I love Sunderland's writing and you can't convince me otherwise. Her characters are witty and unique and I would love to friends with all of them. In this story, a chance encounter leads to Romance. But what's more important is how Hannah handles themes of mental illness. The necessary sensitivity is omnipresent and then, there's a heady mix of sizzling chemistry and a heady romance.
January 29, 2021
At First Sight, from its name, cover and description suggested this would be a lighthearted rom-com, where grief played a huge role. However, this was more a novel about grief, with a sprinkle of lighthearted moments, but otherwise provides a hard-hitting look at potential suicide and the loss of loved ones.
Nell, a telephone operator for a mental health charity, is compassionate and enjoys talking and helping others. On her lunch break one day she meets Charlie, a charming Irishman who sits cradling a cup of tea in a local coffee shop. Nell, a social butterfly, strikes up a conversation with him but despite their instant connection and obvious attraction they go their separate ways, that is until Nell takes a call one night and Charlie is the caller.
This is a tender and heart-wrenchingly sad unique love story. It's unlike anything else I've read recently, and there were moments where I could feel the sadness lodged in my throat. The protagonists both have some healing to do, and it's not simply a 'romance fixes mental health issue' story which I was thankful for. There is a vulnerability to the pair's interactions, and whilst I didn't particularly warm to either of them I was invested in how their story might end. Together they overcome a lot of adversity and hardships, but there are also some side-arcs which I didn't think particularly added much to the story . Whilst its premise is unconventional and wasn't what I was initially intending to read, it was a difficult and messily real look at love.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for the review copy
Nell, a telephone operator for a mental health charity, is compassionate and enjoys talking and helping others. On her lunch break one day she meets Charlie, a charming Irishman who sits cradling a cup of tea in a local coffee shop. Nell, a social butterfly, strikes up a conversation with him but despite their instant connection and obvious attraction they go their separate ways, that is until Nell takes a call one night and Charlie is the caller.
This is a tender and heart-wrenchingly sad unique love story. It's unlike anything else I've read recently, and there were moments where I could feel the sadness lodged in my throat. The protagonists both have some healing to do, and it's not simply a 'romance fixes mental health issue' story which I was thankful for. There is a vulnerability to the pair's interactions, and whilst I didn't particularly warm to either of them I was invested in how their story might end. Together they overcome a lot of adversity and hardships, but there are also some side-arcs which I didn't think particularly added much to the story . Whilst its premise is unconventional and wasn't what I was initially intending to read, it was a difficult and messily real look at love.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for the review copy
May 17, 2021
At First Sight is one of those stories you fall in love with from the very start.
Nell is such a loveable character with a heart of gold, and her job working for a mental health line introduces her to some people who change her life in ways she never could have imagined.
When Nell first meets Charlie in the small cafe, they share an imediate connection with one another, but Nell comes to the realisation that they will probably never see one another again. But as fate would have it, these two individuals are thrown together time and time again, but their journey is far from straight forward.
I adored this story from the very first page. The characters easily secure a place in your heart, and as the story progresses and you learn more about their lives and difficulties they have faced, the connection you feel for them just grows even deeper.
The storyline is perfectly structured and has so much drive and drama throughout that you can't help but become engrossed in the world that the author had created. I laughed, I cried, and my heart felt so happy it could burst. This book is absolute perfection.
Nell is such a loveable character with a heart of gold, and her job working for a mental health line introduces her to some people who change her life in ways she never could have imagined.
When Nell first meets Charlie in the small cafe, they share an imediate connection with one another, but Nell comes to the realisation that they will probably never see one another again. But as fate would have it, these two individuals are thrown together time and time again, but their journey is far from straight forward.
I adored this story from the very first page. The characters easily secure a place in your heart, and as the story progresses and you learn more about their lives and difficulties they have faced, the connection you feel for them just grows even deeper.
The storyline is perfectly structured and has so much drive and drama throughout that you can't help but become engrossed in the world that the author had created. I laughed, I cried, and my heart felt so happy it could burst. This book is absolute perfection.
January 27, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I found the first half of the book I got into pretty fast. The mystery of Charlie and his background had me reading more and I liked the chemistry between him and Nell. As I kept reading, however, I found that I didn’t really like them together (and I found their relationship unhealthy.) I appreciated Charlie’s vulnerability but found that they didn’t work together. I liked Nell as a character (although some of her decisions frustrated me at times). I loved how Ned was continually there for Nell and like a father figure to her!
May 5, 2021
To me this is trite and twee so many people with mental health problems and all comes good in the end. Real life is not as convenient as this is.
Nell works for a group similar to the samaritans, she take s a call from a man she has previously met in a coffee shop - this is a "hard call" in disguise but instead of talking on the phone she identifies herself and arranges to meet in person - just would not happen!!!!!!
This book was just unbelievable event after unbelievable event but it is Ok because everything comes good in the end. The author just assumes the reader is brainless if she thinks this is believable
Nell works for a group similar to the samaritans, she take s a call from a man she has previously met in a coffee shop - this is a "hard call" in disguise but instead of talking on the phone she identifies herself and arranges to meet in person - just would not happen!!!!!!
This book was just unbelievable event after unbelievable event but it is Ok because everything comes good in the end. The author just assumes the reader is brainless if she thinks this is believable
March 29, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
At First Sight is not your typical love story, it explored themes of loss, suicide, depression as well as hope, love, forgiveness and healing. It kicked me in the gut with the different emotions and topics covered.
It was a slow start for me and I wished Charlie and Nell’s love story was a bit more interesting but overall I really enjoyed this book and definitely had me thinking about it after I finished
Fave quote
“Never let anyone make you work for something that makes you feel less than you are�
At First Sight is not your typical love story, it explored themes of loss, suicide, depression as well as hope, love, forgiveness and healing. It kicked me in the gut with the different emotions and topics covered.
It was a slow start for me and I wished Charlie and Nell’s love story was a bit more interesting but overall I really enjoyed this book and definitely had me thinking about it after I finished
Fave quote
“Never let anyone make you work for something that makes you feel less than you are�
December 22, 2021
Very good book this is a book that needs a second book a part 2 for sure .
December 21, 2020
[Thanks Netgalley for the ebook. This review is my honest opinion but just another opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]
Dos estrellitas porque estoy invadida por la generosidad del espíritu navideño y no me apetece terminar el año poniendo menos nota pero le podría dar una estrella perfectamente.
Espero que nadie meta esto en la categoría de Romance porque no es una novela romántica ni de lejos.
Lo pedí en Netgalley antes de que pusieran el trigger warning y, cuando me lo concedieron, me mandaron un email contándomelo para que supiera lo que iba a leer. Sinceramente, si lo llego a saber, no lo habría pedido porque a veces no tienes el cuerpo para leer cosas sobre pérdidas de seres queridos e intentos de suicidio. Pero bueno, ya que lo tenía... Esperaba un personaje traumadito que se enamorara y floreciera de nuevo a la vida, blablabla. Bueno, pues no es eso lo que te encuentras. Aquí lo que hay es una persona que cree que su vida no tiene sentido y que, al conocer a otra, comienza a darse cuenta de que tal vez esté equivocado. Pero el libro lo que nos narra es ese proceso y más la amistad entre ambos que el amor. No hay momentos de pareja ni nada por el estilo, es la relación de acompañamiento mientras que te haces a la idea de la pérdida de la persona que amabas. Vamos, ni de coña lo que quiero leer en una novela romántica (aún no entiendo por qué Netgalley lo ha puesto en romance, de verdad).
Luego hay varias historias y relaciones personales de los protagonistas que tampoco te aportan gran cosa.
No es un libro que esté mal escrito pero me ha parecido que lo venden como si fuera una cosa que no es. Lo único que destaco es la visibilización que se hace de las enfermedades mentales y de los trastornos que todos podemos tener cuando, de repente, desaparece uno de los pilares de nuestra vida. Creo que es estupendo que esos temas se traten pero personalmente, si me los encuentro en una romántica, prefiero que el tono general sea un poco más alegre y que, no sé, llámame loca si eso, pueda disfrutar de una relación amorosa, algo que aquí no aparece.
Dos estrellitas porque estoy invadida por la generosidad del espíritu navideño y no me apetece terminar el año poniendo menos nota pero le podría dar una estrella perfectamente.
Espero que nadie meta esto en la categoría de Romance porque no es una novela romántica ni de lejos.
Lo pedí en Netgalley antes de que pusieran el trigger warning y, cuando me lo concedieron, me mandaron un email contándomelo para que supiera lo que iba a leer. Sinceramente, si lo llego a saber, no lo habría pedido porque a veces no tienes el cuerpo para leer cosas sobre pérdidas de seres queridos e intentos de suicidio. Pero bueno, ya que lo tenía... Esperaba un personaje traumadito que se enamorara y floreciera de nuevo a la vida, blablabla. Bueno, pues no es eso lo que te encuentras. Aquí lo que hay es una persona que cree que su vida no tiene sentido y que, al conocer a otra, comienza a darse cuenta de que tal vez esté equivocado. Pero el libro lo que nos narra es ese proceso y más la amistad entre ambos que el amor. No hay momentos de pareja ni nada por el estilo, es la relación de acompañamiento mientras que te haces a la idea de la pérdida de la persona que amabas. Vamos, ni de coña lo que quiero leer en una novela romántica (aún no entiendo por qué Netgalley lo ha puesto en romance, de verdad).
Luego hay varias historias y relaciones personales de los protagonistas que tampoco te aportan gran cosa.
No es un libro que esté mal escrito pero me ha parecido que lo venden como si fuera una cosa que no es. Lo único que destaco es la visibilización que se hace de las enfermedades mentales y de los trastornos que todos podemos tener cuando, de repente, desaparece uno de los pilares de nuestra vida. Creo que es estupendo que esos temas se traten pero personalmente, si me los encuentro en una romántica, prefiero que el tono general sea un poco más alegre y que, no sé, llámame loca si eso, pueda disfrutar de una relación amorosa, algo que aquí no aparece.
February 10, 2021
I'm giving this one 4.5 stars because it was really a great story. Nell and Charlie meet at a cafe and there is an immediate spark. They don't exchange last names or numbers and leave it to fate to see if they will meet again. Well, fate has lots of plans for these two. I love books about love at first sight, especially when it isn't insta love, when there are trials and things the couple has to go through to be together. This was one of those books, and it left you with all of the feelings spilling all over the place.
I started this book a few months ago and had to pause because I didn't have any idea it would be so sad. This book is a punch to the gut and I don't want to give too much away but it deals with suicide, depression, loss of spouse and grief. This book will stick with me for a long time.
Nell and Charlie meet again by chance and thus starts the up and down roller coaster that is their friendship. Nell works as a mental health operator. She helps counsel people that need direction, like addicts or someone contemplating suicide, so she understands how to empathize and is a good person to talk to.
If you are expecting a grand romance, this book will not deliver that in spades, but what you will get is a book that is full of feeling, and little comedic relief with Charlie's uncle.
We see a person that is so far down in the depths of despair and how fate pulled him back into the land of the living. It wasn't an easy road, and honestly we don't see a lot of him after he is recovering, but this book will make you think. This book will pull all your heartstrings and make you see things from a different perspective. I enjoyed the second half of the book a little more than the first, it seemed to start slow but it moved a lot more quickly as the book progressed.
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and the author for an early copy of this book.
I started this book a few months ago and had to pause because I didn't have any idea it would be so sad. This book is a punch to the gut and I don't want to give too much away but it deals with suicide, depression, loss of spouse and grief. This book will stick with me for a long time.
Nell and Charlie meet again by chance and thus starts the up and down roller coaster that is their friendship. Nell works as a mental health operator. She helps counsel people that need direction, like addicts or someone contemplating suicide, so she understands how to empathize and is a good person to talk to.
If you are expecting a grand romance, this book will not deliver that in spades, but what you will get is a book that is full of feeling, and little comedic relief with Charlie's uncle.
We see a person that is so far down in the depths of despair and how fate pulled him back into the land of the living. It wasn't an easy road, and honestly we don't see a lot of him after he is recovering, but this book will make you think. This book will pull all your heartstrings and make you see things from a different perspective. I enjoyed the second half of the book a little more than the first, it seemed to start slow but it moved a lot more quickly as the book progressed.
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and the author for an early copy of this book.
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