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12 Hours to Say I Love You
TWO PEOPLE. ONE LOVE STORY. TWELVE HOURS TO TELL IT...
'Not just a beautifully tender love story but also a wonderful journey of exaltation, desperation and heartbreak - life-affirming' TOM ALLEN
'Hilarious and heartbreaking, a rollercoaster you won't want to get off' SARA PASCOE
'A glorious love story that you won't be able to put down. Relatable. Funny. Heartbreaking' DEBORAH FRANCES-WHITE
'Beautiful... This drowns in love' SIOBHÁN MCSWEENEY
Gripping, moving and beautifully observed, this is a love story told from both sides, with warmth, tenderness and heart.
Whir, beep, click, breath. Whir, beep, click, breath.
Pippa Gallagher is rushed in to hospital following a traffic accident.
As Pippa lies unconscious, she is aware of fragments. The day she met Steve Gallagher, her best friend and the man who would become the love of her life. The heartbreak she felt tonight as she got into her car, her eyes blurry from tears.
Meanwhile Steve sits at her bedside, his eyes fixed on her pale, still face. He has no idea where his wife was going when she crashed. No clue as to why she became distracted behind the wheel. All he knows is that she is his world. And that he wasn't there when she needed him most.
For the next twelve hours, Steve tells Pippa all the reasons he loves her.
But is it too late? Can Pippa find her way back to him?
A novel that celebrates the messiness and the miracle of that thing we call love...
'Not just a beautifully tender love story but also a wonderful journey of exaltation, desperation and heartbreak - life-affirming' TOM ALLEN
'Hilarious and heartbreaking, a rollercoaster you won't want to get off' SARA PASCOE
'A glorious love story that you won't be able to put down. Relatable. Funny. Heartbreaking' DEBORAH FRANCES-WHITE
'Beautiful... This drowns in love' SIOBHÁN MCSWEENEY
Gripping, moving and beautifully observed, this is a love story told from both sides, with warmth, tenderness and heart.
Whir, beep, click, breath. Whir, beep, click, breath.
Pippa Gallagher is rushed in to hospital following a traffic accident.
As Pippa lies unconscious, she is aware of fragments. The day she met Steve Gallagher, her best friend and the man who would become the love of her life. The heartbreak she felt tonight as she got into her car, her eyes blurry from tears.
Meanwhile Steve sits at her bedside, his eyes fixed on her pale, still face. He has no idea where his wife was going when she crashed. No clue as to why she became distracted behind the wheel. All he knows is that she is his world. And that he wasn't there when she needed him most.
For the next twelve hours, Steve tells Pippa all the reasons he loves her.
But is it too late? Can Pippa find her way back to him?
A novel that celebrates the messiness and the miracle of that thing we call love...
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2022
58 people are currently reading
1372 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
December 8, 2022
"12 Hours to Say I Love You" by Olivia Poulet and Laurence Dobiesz is a love story that begins at the end!
Pippa Gallagher is in a coma resulting from a tragic accident...
"Whir. Beep. Click. Breath." The sounds in the ICU hospital room as her husband, Steve sits at her bedside wondering how he and Pippa, a couple who fit together so perfectly, can possibly be in the place they are right now, hovering between life and death.
This love story begins at the end. Almost. It's full of conflicting emotions about a couple who are so different yet love each other so deeply. I laughed with their humor, I cried with their sadness and I loved both of these well developed characters.
Told through the first-person POV's of both Steve and Pippa there is humor as each gives their individual perspectives of how they met, fell in love, and eventually the fate that brings them together in Pippa's hospital room.
This audiobook has three narrators', two of which are the authors, Olivia Poulet as Pippa, and Laurence Dobiesz as Steve. Hats off to an outstanding performance from both of them as they believably morph into their characters. The third narrator, Penny Downie, gives a stellar third person narration, as the machines sound-off, to keep the reader updated on the scenario in Pippa's hospital room during Steve's 12 hour vigil. This is an audiobook that is done very well indeed!
The affection and support Pippa and Steve receive from their families is endearing and a touching part of the story. The depth of their back-story is the bones of the book. Telling you any more than this would spoil things for you!
A fun tidbit I learned about this book is that the author's are actually married...to each other! They're both actors and writers and this is their first novel. Is it semi-autobiographical? Who knows? All I do know is I enjoyed this story and I can't figure out why more people aren't reading it. It's beautifully written, deserving of more attention and I highly recommend the audiobook as the format of choice!
Thank you to NetGalley UK, Hachette UK Audio, and Olivia Poulet & Laurence Dobiesz for a free ALC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
Pippa Gallagher is in a coma resulting from a tragic accident...
"Whir. Beep. Click. Breath." The sounds in the ICU hospital room as her husband, Steve sits at her bedside wondering how he and Pippa, a couple who fit together so perfectly, can possibly be in the place they are right now, hovering between life and death.
This love story begins at the end. Almost. It's full of conflicting emotions about a couple who are so different yet love each other so deeply. I laughed with their humor, I cried with their sadness and I loved both of these well developed characters.
Told through the first-person POV's of both Steve and Pippa there is humor as each gives their individual perspectives of how they met, fell in love, and eventually the fate that brings them together in Pippa's hospital room.
This audiobook has three narrators', two of which are the authors, Olivia Poulet as Pippa, and Laurence Dobiesz as Steve. Hats off to an outstanding performance from both of them as they believably morph into their characters. The third narrator, Penny Downie, gives a stellar third person narration, as the machines sound-off, to keep the reader updated on the scenario in Pippa's hospital room during Steve's 12 hour vigil. This is an audiobook that is done very well indeed!
The affection and support Pippa and Steve receive from their families is endearing and a touching part of the story. The depth of their back-story is the bones of the book. Telling you any more than this would spoil things for you!
A fun tidbit I learned about this book is that the author's are actually married...to each other! They're both actors and writers and this is their first novel. Is it semi-autobiographical? Who knows? All I do know is I enjoyed this story and I can't figure out why more people aren't reading it. It's beautifully written, deserving of more attention and I highly recommend the audiobook as the format of choice!
Thank you to NetGalley UK, Hachette UK Audio, and Olivia Poulet & Laurence Dobiesz for a free ALC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
November 5, 2022
I read this book earlier this year before I was properly using ŷ, but I will leave my review now regardless. "12 Hours to Say I Love You" is a story written by husband and wife Olivia Poulet and Laurence Dobiesz.
The story begins with Pippa Gallagher in a coma resulting from a tragic accident... but we don't know what happened or why she was driving at that hour of night at all.
"Whir. Beep. Click. Breath." these sounds are repeated throughout the book as we sit with Pippa in the ICU hospital room with her husband Steve. He sits at her bedside wondering how he and Pippa, a couple who fit together so perfectly, can possibly be in the place they are right now, hovering between life and death.
Even as I sit here now writing this review I can remember the plot and characters so vividly, which reminds me of what wonderful writers the authors are.
Each chapter revisits Pippa's and Steve's memories of their relationship and what wonderful chemistry they had. But we are left to wonder if one of them had an affair, particularly Pippa.. so you must read the book if you want to find out!
The story begins with Pippa Gallagher in a coma resulting from a tragic accident... but we don't know what happened or why she was driving at that hour of night at all.
"Whir. Beep. Click. Breath." these sounds are repeated throughout the book as we sit with Pippa in the ICU hospital room with her husband Steve. He sits at her bedside wondering how he and Pippa, a couple who fit together so perfectly, can possibly be in the place they are right now, hovering between life and death.
Even as I sit here now writing this review I can remember the plot and characters so vividly, which reminds me of what wonderful writers the authors are.
Each chapter revisits Pippa's and Steve's memories of their relationship and what wonderful chemistry they had. But we are left to wonder if one of them had an affair, particularly Pippa.. so you must read the book if you want to find out!
August 23, 2023
Ideea cărții a fost simpatică dar nu mi-a plăcut deloc execuția.
Povestea alternează între două planuri: prezentul în care Steve este în spital la căpătâiul Pippei și trecutul care este relatat din perspectiva celor doi.
Cu prezentul m-am împăcat binișor deși nu se întâmplă mare lucru și m-a deranjat puțin că povestitorul nu a fost personajul principal.
Trecutul a fost haotic, aveam când perspectiva unuia când a celuilalt dar fără cronoligie și uneori fără relevanță.
Stângăcia cu care a fost înzestrat Steve s-a răsfrânt asupra întregului roman.
Mi-aș fi dorit ca personajele să fie dezvoltate mai mult, acțiunea să fie mai cursivă și finalul mai amplu.
Povestea alternează între două planuri: prezentul în care Steve este în spital la căpătâiul Pippei și trecutul care este relatat din perspectiva celor doi.
Cu prezentul m-am împăcat binișor deși nu se întâmplă mare lucru și m-a deranjat puțin că povestitorul nu a fost personajul principal.
Trecutul a fost haotic, aveam când perspectiva unuia când a celuilalt dar fără cronoligie și uneori fără relevanță.
Stângăcia cu care a fost înzestrat Steve s-a răsfrânt asupra întregului roman.
Mi-aș fi dorit ca personajele să fie dezvoltate mai mult, acțiunea să fie mai cursivă și finalul mai amplu.
February 2, 2022
I absolutely loved this book so much so that I really didn’t want it to end. It’s a love story but it’s also so much more than that. There is such depth to all of the characters that you just love them all.
Pippa and Steve first met at school but that was just a passing glimpse. Pippa is in ICU in an induced coma after a serious car accident. Steve is by her bedside he has been told to talk to her, give her something to fight for, the next 12 hours are the most important can Steve save her?
The story is told from the points of view of Steve and Pippa, the chapters alternate between the present where Pippa is a coma and Steve is there to back to 2007 gradually bringing the reader up to date as to what happened. Some chapters it’s Steve some it’s Pippa.
I loved all the relationships between the friends and family, you could relate to it all. It’s believable, like Steve and Pippa are your best friends you get to know everything about them, the ups and the downs. The being there for each other.
I laughed and I cried, the story is just beautifully told. I look forward to see what the authors write next.
Thank you to @HeadlineBooks for an ARC of this beautiful book that will be going in one of my favourite reads this year. This one will definitely stay with me.
Pippa and Steve first met at school but that was just a passing glimpse. Pippa is in ICU in an induced coma after a serious car accident. Steve is by her bedside he has been told to talk to her, give her something to fight for, the next 12 hours are the most important can Steve save her?
The story is told from the points of view of Steve and Pippa, the chapters alternate between the present where Pippa is a coma and Steve is there to back to 2007 gradually bringing the reader up to date as to what happened. Some chapters it’s Steve some it’s Pippa.
I loved all the relationships between the friends and family, you could relate to it all. It’s believable, like Steve and Pippa are your best friends you get to know everything about them, the ups and the downs. The being there for each other.
I laughed and I cried, the story is just beautifully told. I look forward to see what the authors write next.
Thank you to @HeadlineBooks for an ARC of this beautiful book that will be going in one of my favourite reads this year. This one will definitely stay with me.
March 17, 2022
*Understated yet Tender*
This book just really touched me, it was so tender yet so beautifully written.
Pippa and Steve were meant to be. They met and although it was not straightforward they found their way back to each other. The story is told by two points of view theirs. They go through a lot of tough and comedy moments but at the heart of it all their love shines through.
Then the unthinkable happens and Steve finds himself in a situation where he has as the title says 12 hours to say I love you to Pippa. Will Pippa hear him�
This book just really touched me, it was so tender yet so beautifully written.
Pippa and Steve were meant to be. They met and although it was not straightforward they found their way back to each other. The story is told by two points of view theirs. They go through a lot of tough and comedy moments but at the heart of it all their love shines through.
Then the unthinkable happens and Steve finds himself in a situation where he has as the title says 12 hours to say I love you to Pippa. Will Pippa hear him�
February 11, 2022
Steve Gallagher and Pippa Lyons meet at school. They later marry; now Pippa is in ICU in an induced coma after a serious car accident. The next 12 hours are critical and the doctors are encouraging Steve to talk to his wife but he doesn't know what to say, troubled by thoughts of where Pippa was going when the car crash occurred. It’s vital Steve tells Pippa why he loves her and through a series of flashbacks, the reader sees their relationship unfold whilst pondering whether or not Pippa will recover.
The authors' writing is fluid, the characters are believable and the story is chock full of raw emotion. Candid and amusing in parts, its simplicity also makes this special. A truly lovely tale.
A special thank you to Headline, Olivia Poulet and Laurence Dobiesz, NetGalley and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read. This review is my unbiased opinion.
The authors' writing is fluid, the characters are believable and the story is chock full of raw emotion. Candid and amusing in parts, its simplicity also makes this special. A truly lovely tale.
A special thank you to Headline, Olivia Poulet and Laurence Dobiesz, NetGalley and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read. This review is my unbiased opinion.
August 28, 2022
not my fav sadly, i wanted to love this so much.
def had some good moments tho. the end was interesting, beginning had me losing interest.
def had some good moments tho. the end was interesting, beginning had me losing interest.
January 15, 2022
This is a lovely work of romantic fiction.
It starts with Pippa lying injured from an accident in a hospital bed, her husband, Steve, willing her to live. Through a series of flashbacks we see their relationship unfold as we wonder if she will recover.
Poignant, and sometimes incredibly funny, I was rooting for Steve and Pippa to make it. Good stuff. Read with The Pigeonhole.
It starts with Pippa lying injured from an accident in a hospital bed, her husband, Steve, willing her to live. Through a series of flashbacks we see their relationship unfold as we wonder if she will recover.
Poignant, and sometimes incredibly funny, I was rooting for Steve and Pippa to make it. Good stuff. Read with The Pigeonhole.
July 3, 2022
"Whir, beep, click, breath."
Pippa has a car accident and ends up in hospital fighting for her life. Steven, her devoted and beloved husband stands by her, feeling the ground being pulled from under his feet, completely lost and desperate. The doctor and nurses convince him to talk to his wife, in hopes that it will help her, and he starts to tell her several episodes of their lifes, but he still wonders why and how Pippa had the accident.
She's like a hurricane, he's like a gentle breeze, they couldn't be more different, but they fall deeply in love with each other. But life isn't always easy and loved ones die, and she has several miscarriages, which breaks her and makes her feel insecure and that she's not enough for her gentle and caring husband.
As soon as I started to read this book, I felt the need to get quickly to the end to find out what happens with both Steven and Pippa, and it didn't disappoint, although it may appear a bit vague it says it all. I liked this book, but somehow I felt that sometimes the authors spent to many time describing things or situations that didn't add much to the story. It's an heartbreaking story, but it's also a story about hope, love and second chances.
Pippa has a car accident and ends up in hospital fighting for her life. Steven, her devoted and beloved husband stands by her, feeling the ground being pulled from under his feet, completely lost and desperate. The doctor and nurses convince him to talk to his wife, in hopes that it will help her, and he starts to tell her several episodes of their lifes, but he still wonders why and how Pippa had the accident.
She's like a hurricane, he's like a gentle breeze, they couldn't be more different, but they fall deeply in love with each other. But life isn't always easy and loved ones die, and she has several miscarriages, which breaks her and makes her feel insecure and that she's not enough for her gentle and caring husband.
As soon as I started to read this book, I felt the need to get quickly to the end to find out what happens with both Steven and Pippa, and it didn't disappoint, although it may appear a bit vague it says it all. I liked this book, but somehow I felt that sometimes the authors spent to many time describing things or situations that didn't add much to the story. It's an heartbreaking story, but it's also a story about hope, love and second chances.
November 8, 2021
This was a really enjoyable read in a genre I am really starting to love.
Pippa is involved in a car crash and is currently in an induced coma. Her husband Steve is by her bedside, praying for her recovery and trying to work out how she ended up here.
Her prognosis is not good but the doctor tells Steve to talk to her, tell her why you love her and what she has to live for....so he does.....and over the next 12 hours we are presented with the story of how they met, how they fell in love and the hurdles they had to overcome to get where they are today.
Its a wonderful story and what I loved so much about it is that it wasn't a flashy, Hollywood story. It's a simple yet remarkable story that we can all relate to as we read through it. There are ups and downs, highs and lows, tears and laugh out loud moments but at its heart there are two ordinary people who love each other.
The beauty of the book is in the simplicity of the story and making it something we can all relate to. Its a story that will linger with you for a long time and I would not be surprised if there was a film/Netflix version of this in the future.
Thanks to Headline publishers and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pippa is involved in a car crash and is currently in an induced coma. Her husband Steve is by her bedside, praying for her recovery and trying to work out how she ended up here.
Her prognosis is not good but the doctor tells Steve to talk to her, tell her why you love her and what she has to live for....so he does.....and over the next 12 hours we are presented with the story of how they met, how they fell in love and the hurdles they had to overcome to get where they are today.
Its a wonderful story and what I loved so much about it is that it wasn't a flashy, Hollywood story. It's a simple yet remarkable story that we can all relate to as we read through it. There are ups and downs, highs and lows, tears and laugh out loud moments but at its heart there are two ordinary people who love each other.
The beauty of the book is in the simplicity of the story and making it something we can all relate to. Its a story that will linger with you for a long time and I would not be surprised if there was a film/Netflix version of this in the future.
Thanks to Headline publishers and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2024
Am fost curioasă de "12 ore pentru a spune te iubesc" încă de când s-a anunțat că se va traduce la noi, dar tot am amânat-o până acum.
Am avut așteptări de la ea si nu a fost ceea ce m-am așteptat. Accentul a fost pus mai mult pe partea de trecut, unde au fost multe detalii care nu își aveau rostul, iar partea de prezent a fost foarte puțin prezentată.
Aș fi vrut mai mult prezent, mai mult pe partea de final și aș fi vrut povestirea să fie doar la o singură persoană, nu să alterneze persoana întâi cu a treia.
Povestea avea potențial, mai ales ce a lăsat sinopsisul să se înțeleagă, dar nu a livrat ceea ce voiam.
Am avut așteptări de la ea si nu a fost ceea ce m-am așteptat. Accentul a fost pus mai mult pe partea de trecut, unde au fost multe detalii care nu își aveau rostul, iar partea de prezent a fost foarte puțin prezentată.
Aș fi vrut mai mult prezent, mai mult pe partea de final și aș fi vrut povestirea să fie doar la o singură persoană, nu să alterneze persoana întâi cu a treia.
Povestea avea potențial, mai ales ce a lăsat sinopsisul să se înțeleagă, dar nu a livrat ceea ce voiam.
December 30, 2021
I liked this. It was sweet but did feel the timeline was a bit disjointed. And was disappointed at the ending. Will still read more from them.
Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2023
(Short)
Writing: 3
Characters: 2
Plot: 2
Originality: 1
Overall: 2
(Long)
I don't understand this book. The most romantic book of the year (??) Where?
In the present, the woman in coma and the desperate man. In the past, remembering moments spent together.
When reading this book i felt like i was reading a random report of a love story that didn't interest me. There is not a single thing that is exciting, there is no driving thread, there is no central intrigue, there is no consistent sequential storyline, there is nothing that captivates and gives meaning or purpose to the events, there is nothing.
It's only in the last 20% of the book that there is content that carries the story enough to assign logic to what happens. An idea that had so much potential and was so poorly executed .
The last 10% of the book was really intense and in three or four pages of an entire book we finally have emotion, intensity, despair, madness, love, devotion, everything. I felt that in an outburst one realizes what should have been central to the whole book and developed properly, which was not achieved at all and is terribly sad.
The characters are a mess, poorly developed, some even annoying. A revolting erasure in its evolution, a love relationship whose feelings i questioned almost from start to finish. A regrettable ending, a non-existent climax.
Uninteresting and boring plot. What could have been interesting was completely ruined and wasted. A compilation of purposeless voids.
I don't understand where the romance is. I don't understand what the point of this book was and i genuinely think it was extremely poorly accomplished despite its potential.
Glad it's over! Neeeeeext!
Writing: 3
Characters: 2
Plot: 2
Originality: 1
Overall: 2
(Long)
I don't understand this book. The most romantic book of the year (??) Where?
In the present, the woman in coma and the desperate man. In the past, remembering moments spent together.
When reading this book i felt like i was reading a random report of a love story that didn't interest me. There is not a single thing that is exciting, there is no driving thread, there is no central intrigue, there is no consistent sequential storyline, there is nothing that captivates and gives meaning or purpose to the events, there is nothing.
It's only in the last 20% of the book that there is content that carries the story enough to assign logic to what happens. An idea that had so much potential and was so poorly executed .
The last 10% of the book was really intense and in three or four pages of an entire book we finally have emotion, intensity, despair, madness, love, devotion, everything. I felt that in an outburst one realizes what should have been central to the whole book and developed properly, which was not achieved at all and is terribly sad.
The characters are a mess, poorly developed, some even annoying. A revolting erasure in its evolution, a love relationship whose feelings i questioned almost from start to finish. A regrettable ending, a non-existent climax.
Uninteresting and boring plot. What could have been interesting was completely ruined and wasted. A compilation of purposeless voids.
I don't understand where the romance is. I don't understand what the point of this book was and i genuinely think it was extremely poorly accomplished despite its potential.
Glad it's over! Neeeeeext!
February 16, 2022
Pippa is rushed into hospital after a traffic accident. Her husband Steve sits by her bedside puzzled as to where his wife was going and hoping that she will wake up. Over the course of 12 hours Pippa and Steven tell us their story.
Every now and again you read a book that leaves a lasting impression on you, that you don’t want to end and this is that book for me. The story was brilliantly structured and the story goes backwards and forwards in time to how Steve and Pippa first met, how their relationship started and slowly moves forward to the present and Pippa in hospital. From the start of the story it’s not clear how Pippa ended up in the accident or where she was going but by the end of the book all is revealed. I was very much invested in Steve and Pippa’s story, their struggles and everything they had been through together. It was so easy to connect with both Steve and Pippa as characters. At times it was heart breaking to see what Steve was going through, keeping a vigil by his wife’s bedside hoping that she’ll come back to him. The ‘whir, beep, click, breath� sound made reading Steve’s perspective all the more haunting. The moment that Steve bought Pippa a brownie whilst she was unconscious in the hope that if she woke up and saw it she would now he was there melted my heart. At the same time we see Pippa’s narrative and her relationship with Steve from her perspective. It was clear from the outset that when Steve and Pippa first met that Steve liked Pippa from the moment he first saw her, but for Pippa it took a while for the penny to drop until a life changing event made her realise that Steve was the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. I was anxious when I was reading this book as to where the story would go and I felt slight relief when I got to the end of the book because it was the ending I was hoping for. Having said that I really wanted to know what would happen next but I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers.
An absolutely fascinating read that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Every now and again you read a book that leaves a lasting impression on you, that you don’t want to end and this is that book for me. The story was brilliantly structured and the story goes backwards and forwards in time to how Steve and Pippa first met, how their relationship started and slowly moves forward to the present and Pippa in hospital. From the start of the story it’s not clear how Pippa ended up in the accident or where she was going but by the end of the book all is revealed. I was very much invested in Steve and Pippa’s story, their struggles and everything they had been through together. It was so easy to connect with both Steve and Pippa as characters. At times it was heart breaking to see what Steve was going through, keeping a vigil by his wife’s bedside hoping that she’ll come back to him. The ‘whir, beep, click, breath� sound made reading Steve’s perspective all the more haunting. The moment that Steve bought Pippa a brownie whilst she was unconscious in the hope that if she woke up and saw it she would now he was there melted my heart. At the same time we see Pippa’s narrative and her relationship with Steve from her perspective. It was clear from the outset that when Steve and Pippa first met that Steve liked Pippa from the moment he first saw her, but for Pippa it took a while for the penny to drop until a life changing event made her realise that Steve was the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. I was anxious when I was reading this book as to where the story would go and I felt slight relief when I got to the end of the book because it was the ending I was hoping for. Having said that I really wanted to know what would happen next but I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers.
An absolutely fascinating read that I thoroughly enjoyed!
April 29, 2022
A romance with a difference, this tells the story of Pip and Steve, their life together up until the moment Pip is left in a coma.
Told in alternating chapters between past and present we learn of the highs and lows of their relationship.
The dual narrative added to my investment and it was great to hear both sides of the story, the communication breakdowns, the issues they faced (big TW here) as well as what made them strong.
The story started a little on the slower side, but ramped up towards the end of the 12 hours period which made me fly through the last 100 pages.
I would have liked a different ending though just as an aside!
Told in alternating chapters between past and present we learn of the highs and lows of their relationship.
The dual narrative added to my investment and it was great to hear both sides of the story, the communication breakdowns, the issues they faced (big TW here) as well as what made them strong.
The story started a little on the slower side, but ramped up towards the end of the 12 hours period which made me fly through the last 100 pages.
I would have liked a different ending though just as an aside!
March 4, 2023
This was just…okay. I don’t know if I missed some key part but I just didn’t really buy in to Pippa and Steve’s relationship.
I also wasn’t keen on having chapters for specific dates but then having flashbacks within those, it felt like it confused the timelines of some events.
I also wasn’t keen on having chapters for specific dates but then having flashbacks within those, it felt like it confused the timelines of some events.
August 11, 2024
i was so excited to read this book and i wish i had enjoyed it more.
the ending seemed very incomplete to me. it felt like there was no closure on the outcome of pippa & steve which i really wanted to see even if it was just a short glimpse into their future.
the ending seemed very incomplete to me. it felt like there was no closure on the outcome of pippa & steve which i really wanted to see even if it was just a short glimpse into their future.
January 28, 2022
Wasn't sure about this at first, but enjoyed the development of the characters and their relationship. At times, I felt they were mismatched as Steve was dependable and slightly boring, whilst Pippa has a wild bohemian streak.
But as they always say , love conquers all and then the heartbreak and uncertainty begins.
This is well written, drawing to a beautiful conclusion that isn't neatly tied with a bow, leaving a few questions.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and the authors. Interesting to have a male and female author to give a balanced view.
But as they always say , love conquers all and then the heartbreak and uncertainty begins.
This is well written, drawing to a beautiful conclusion that isn't neatly tied with a bow, leaving a few questions.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and the authors. Interesting to have a male and female author to give a balanced view.
January 15, 2022
What a powerful read.
This one had me laughing and crying, relating to situations and cringing away.
I loved the characters. Although I didn't warm to Pippa at first, I really felt for her as we got further into the book and discover that her initial harsh exterior, covered as soft and insecure a centre as the rest of us. Some people just cover things better than others.
I found it heart-breaking that the couple didn't communicate well - it's my bug bear! - they were both so in love and really only had eyes for each other - but they just didn't know this of the other person - so, so sad. This lack of knowledge was the cause of the devastation throughout the book.
Through a series of shared memories we gather a history for the couple, running up to the present day where Steve sits in the hospital room with his wife in a coma. The story concludes by bringing up to date and the events that caused the accident. And the final outcome...
A great read but bring the tissues and enjoy the rollercoaster ...
This one had me laughing and crying, relating to situations and cringing away.
I loved the characters. Although I didn't warm to Pippa at first, I really felt for her as we got further into the book and discover that her initial harsh exterior, covered as soft and insecure a centre as the rest of us. Some people just cover things better than others.
I found it heart-breaking that the couple didn't communicate well - it's my bug bear! - they were both so in love and really only had eyes for each other - but they just didn't know this of the other person - so, so sad. This lack of knowledge was the cause of the devastation throughout the book.
Through a series of shared memories we gather a history for the couple, running up to the present day where Steve sits in the hospital room with his wife in a coma. The story concludes by bringing up to date and the events that caused the accident. And the final outcome...
A great read but bring the tissues and enjoy the rollercoaster ...
May 23, 2022
This is a love story about Pippa and Steve, who are soulmates. Pippa has an accident and she ends up in hospital, unconscious. Steve sits by her bedside for 12 hours, talking to her and willing her to come back to him. The love between them is magical and amazing. Will Steve be able to get Pippa to wake up?
The whole story is beautiful, moving, heartbreaking and heartwarming, and it was just so lovely.
The audiobook narrators brought the story to life, and I liked how the story went back and forward, to the past, and to the present time.
This is a very enjoyable story, which I loved.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, NetGalley and The Pigeonhole for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The whole story is beautiful, moving, heartbreaking and heartwarming, and it was just so lovely.
The audiobook narrators brought the story to life, and I liked how the story went back and forward, to the past, and to the present time.
This is a very enjoyable story, which I loved.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, NetGalley and The Pigeonhole for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2022
Actual rating 4.5⭐️
12 Hours To Say I Love You. Wow, now that’s a title loaded with expectation and promise. I love nothing more than a good,weepy love story and reading those seven little words I assumed this one was going to be a real tearjerker. So, armed with a box of tissues I plunged right in to find Steve at his wife’s hospital bedside being given the news no one ever wants to hear. Pippa has suffered a traumatic brain injury sustained during a car accident and is now lying in an induced coma. According to the surgeon the next 12 hours are critical and that’s where Steve comes in. The doctor is encouraging him to talk to his wife. The only problem is he doesn’t know what to say, troubled by thoughts of where she was going when the crash occurred. It’s vital Steve tells Pippa why he loves her but where does he start??? I guess he needs to go right back to where it all began�.
I knew I was going to fall madly, deeply, truly in love with this novel from the humorous opening scene in which 15 year old Pippa Lyons, aspiring actress and drama queen extraordinaire is having a slight wobble just as the curtains are about to rise on the school production of Romeo and Juliet. Like a knight in shining armour Steve Gallagher is hovering in the wings poised to help Pippa remember her lines. From that moment on Steve’s heart belongs to Pippa (and my heart belonged to him!) and that’s the way it’s destined to remain. It’s in these first few pages that the essence of Steve and Pippa are captured, the die cast in terms of the roles they will assume in their future together. Everything that follows just confirms this fact. Funny, sad, poignant, beautiful and intoxicating this is the story of their heady, complicated , tumultuous romance and life together (and apart) and oh my goodness what an emotional journey this is.
Told from a dual perspective, Steve and Pippa’s love story unfurls via a series of flashbacks plotting the rise and fall and the ebb and flow of their relationship over the years. This lends a balanced feel to the narrative, giving you an in depth sense of who these characters are and what makes them tick. Interspersed with these flashbacks are scenes of Steve keeping a vigil by Pippa’s bedside, the clock ticking ominously as he endeavours to remind his wife of all the reasons why she needs to come back to him. It’s a simple, straightforward format but one that is extremely effective in packing an emotional punch. Within a short space of time you feel as if you know Steve and Pippa inside out, irresistibly drawn into their world which has now been turned upside down. I loved the push and pull of their romance, that will they won’t they vibe which propels the narrative forward. There is a rhythmic quality to their interactions, a pattern to their relationship quickly emerging from which they barely deviate. Everything about the narrative screams love of the most exceptional, once in a lifetime kind that many of us search for but not all of us are lucky enough to find yet essentially this couple are just ordinary folk who despite their differences deep down know they belong together. The authors had me hanging onto every word as Steve and Pippa recount days, weeks, months full of joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, bad jokes, drama, and good friendships. They are just like you and I with their hopes and their dreams, their worries, their uphill struggles and their happiest times. The challenges they face are often the same troubles the majority of us will face at some point in our lifetime but there are some episodes in their lives that are particular tough and painful. Their biggest downfall is their lack of communication. I loved the humour in the novel and I’m happy to say there’s an awful lot to laugh about. Oscar, Steve’s friend is a great source of fun and amusement and it’s a shame he didn’t feature more throughout the novel. The importance of good strong friendships is a thread running right through the narrative with Pippa remaining in close contact with her drama pals. Tania plays a pivotal role in the lead up to Pippa’s accident. This novel certainly isn’t cheesy or cringeworthy or overly sentimental. It’s a celebration of love and what it means to be human in an ever changing landscape where nothing is certain expect perhaps the rock solid love between two people. In my opinion it is the sheer strength of Steve’s love that will knock you for six. The hospital scenes are loaded with so much tenderness, so much compassion and so raw with panic and fear that you can feel yourself unravelling alongside Steve. I think these are some of the best scenes in the entire novel. Tension arises both with the uncertainty over Pippa’s prognosis and the mystery surrounding the accident plus the melodic soundtrack of the machines keeping Pippa alive adds to the emotional atmosphere. Be warned; these scenes could well be your undoing.
Steve and Pippa are as different as chalk and cheese but they compliment each other like salt and pepper. Candid, beautiful and fun it would seem Pippa from the outset is way out of his league, at least by Steve’s reckoning, but from a reader’s perspective you might disagree. Pippa is a frustrating character, self absorbed, overly dramatic, high maintenance and infuriating. She may be colourful and vibrant and the life and soul of the party but is she worthy of kind hearted, dependable, maybe a bit boring Steve who clearly would lay down his life to protect her? He is the kind of man you’d like your daughter to bring home, the all round nice guy, a character you can fall for easily, laughing at his attempts to woo the subject of his desire but perhaps a tad too obliging and lacking in ambition. Pippa on the other hand takes some getting used to, the kind of woman who would probably drive a saint to distraction, starry eyed and perhaps a bit delusional but even though for much of the time I thought Steve was way too good for her she did make me laugh. Yes she’s annoying but I couldn’t dislike her and as time evolves and she sadly faces some harsh realities she does mellow.
I thought I knew how this was going to end. I thought at some point the floodgates would open and I’d become a blubbering ugly mess. Unfortunately I felt cheated on both counts. The mystery surrounding Pippa’s accident isn’t resolved until very late in the day which if I’m honest didn’t overly concern me. I was too wrapped up in each moment to think whether or not this aspect was underdeveloped. I so much wanted Steve and Pippa’s love story to make me cry but it didn’t and that made me a little bit cross! Oh well, I guess the tissues will keep for another day! However I do have a positive note to end on. Somehow I managed to end up with an audio version of the book too and I have to say listening to the authors own voices (plus another female narrator) bringing their characters and words to life gave this love story an extra special edge that is missing when you’re reading to yourself in your head. I can only imagine how even more romantic it might feel watching all this unfold on a film or tv screen. 12 Hours To Say I Love You is everything you want a love story to be (minus the tears!) and regardless of what you think about the ending I think you’ll find it will take longer than 12 hours to forget Steve and Pippa!
My thanks as always to the publisher Headline Review and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
12 Hours To Say I Love You. Wow, now that’s a title loaded with expectation and promise. I love nothing more than a good,weepy love story and reading those seven little words I assumed this one was going to be a real tearjerker. So, armed with a box of tissues I plunged right in to find Steve at his wife’s hospital bedside being given the news no one ever wants to hear. Pippa has suffered a traumatic brain injury sustained during a car accident and is now lying in an induced coma. According to the surgeon the next 12 hours are critical and that’s where Steve comes in. The doctor is encouraging him to talk to his wife. The only problem is he doesn’t know what to say, troubled by thoughts of where she was going when the crash occurred. It’s vital Steve tells Pippa why he loves her but where does he start??? I guess he needs to go right back to where it all began�.
I knew I was going to fall madly, deeply, truly in love with this novel from the humorous opening scene in which 15 year old Pippa Lyons, aspiring actress and drama queen extraordinaire is having a slight wobble just as the curtains are about to rise on the school production of Romeo and Juliet. Like a knight in shining armour Steve Gallagher is hovering in the wings poised to help Pippa remember her lines. From that moment on Steve’s heart belongs to Pippa (and my heart belonged to him!) and that’s the way it’s destined to remain. It’s in these first few pages that the essence of Steve and Pippa are captured, the die cast in terms of the roles they will assume in their future together. Everything that follows just confirms this fact. Funny, sad, poignant, beautiful and intoxicating this is the story of their heady, complicated , tumultuous romance and life together (and apart) and oh my goodness what an emotional journey this is.
Told from a dual perspective, Steve and Pippa’s love story unfurls via a series of flashbacks plotting the rise and fall and the ebb and flow of their relationship over the years. This lends a balanced feel to the narrative, giving you an in depth sense of who these characters are and what makes them tick. Interspersed with these flashbacks are scenes of Steve keeping a vigil by Pippa’s bedside, the clock ticking ominously as he endeavours to remind his wife of all the reasons why she needs to come back to him. It’s a simple, straightforward format but one that is extremely effective in packing an emotional punch. Within a short space of time you feel as if you know Steve and Pippa inside out, irresistibly drawn into their world which has now been turned upside down. I loved the push and pull of their romance, that will they won’t they vibe which propels the narrative forward. There is a rhythmic quality to their interactions, a pattern to their relationship quickly emerging from which they barely deviate. Everything about the narrative screams love of the most exceptional, once in a lifetime kind that many of us search for but not all of us are lucky enough to find yet essentially this couple are just ordinary folk who despite their differences deep down know they belong together. The authors had me hanging onto every word as Steve and Pippa recount days, weeks, months full of joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, bad jokes, drama, and good friendships. They are just like you and I with their hopes and their dreams, their worries, their uphill struggles and their happiest times. The challenges they face are often the same troubles the majority of us will face at some point in our lifetime but there are some episodes in their lives that are particular tough and painful. Their biggest downfall is their lack of communication. I loved the humour in the novel and I’m happy to say there’s an awful lot to laugh about. Oscar, Steve’s friend is a great source of fun and amusement and it’s a shame he didn’t feature more throughout the novel. The importance of good strong friendships is a thread running right through the narrative with Pippa remaining in close contact with her drama pals. Tania plays a pivotal role in the lead up to Pippa’s accident. This novel certainly isn’t cheesy or cringeworthy or overly sentimental. It’s a celebration of love and what it means to be human in an ever changing landscape where nothing is certain expect perhaps the rock solid love between two people. In my opinion it is the sheer strength of Steve’s love that will knock you for six. The hospital scenes are loaded with so much tenderness, so much compassion and so raw with panic and fear that you can feel yourself unravelling alongside Steve. I think these are some of the best scenes in the entire novel. Tension arises both with the uncertainty over Pippa’s prognosis and the mystery surrounding the accident plus the melodic soundtrack of the machines keeping Pippa alive adds to the emotional atmosphere. Be warned; these scenes could well be your undoing.
Steve and Pippa are as different as chalk and cheese but they compliment each other like salt and pepper. Candid, beautiful and fun it would seem Pippa from the outset is way out of his league, at least by Steve’s reckoning, but from a reader’s perspective you might disagree. Pippa is a frustrating character, self absorbed, overly dramatic, high maintenance and infuriating. She may be colourful and vibrant and the life and soul of the party but is she worthy of kind hearted, dependable, maybe a bit boring Steve who clearly would lay down his life to protect her? He is the kind of man you’d like your daughter to bring home, the all round nice guy, a character you can fall for easily, laughing at his attempts to woo the subject of his desire but perhaps a tad too obliging and lacking in ambition. Pippa on the other hand takes some getting used to, the kind of woman who would probably drive a saint to distraction, starry eyed and perhaps a bit delusional but even though for much of the time I thought Steve was way too good for her she did make me laugh. Yes she’s annoying but I couldn’t dislike her and as time evolves and she sadly faces some harsh realities she does mellow.
I thought I knew how this was going to end. I thought at some point the floodgates would open and I’d become a blubbering ugly mess. Unfortunately I felt cheated on both counts. The mystery surrounding Pippa’s accident isn’t resolved until very late in the day which if I’m honest didn’t overly concern me. I was too wrapped up in each moment to think whether or not this aspect was underdeveloped. I so much wanted Steve and Pippa’s love story to make me cry but it didn’t and that made me a little bit cross! Oh well, I guess the tissues will keep for another day! However I do have a positive note to end on. Somehow I managed to end up with an audio version of the book too and I have to say listening to the authors own voices (plus another female narrator) bringing their characters and words to life gave this love story an extra special edge that is missing when you’re reading to yourself in your head. I can only imagine how even more romantic it might feel watching all this unfold on a film or tv screen. 12 Hours To Say I Love You is everything you want a love story to be (minus the tears!) and regardless of what you think about the ending I think you’ll find it will take longer than 12 hours to forget Steve and Pippa!
My thanks as always to the publisher Headline Review and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2022
12 HOURS TO SAY I LOVE YOU by OLIVIA POULET & LAURENCE DOBIESZ.
I chose this book purely on it’s title. Both authors are new to me, so I was intrigued to find out where this journey would take me.
Steve is devastated to be called to the hospital, where his beloved wife Pippa is in a coma after a car accident.
Sat at her side, all he can do is talk to her, and wonder just how on earth has she ended up in this situation. Where was she going? And why was she going there?
As Pippa lies in her coma, we are taken back to where she and Steve first met in school. As the chapters progress we follow their emotional and touching love story as it has developed over the years.
Back in the present day, will Pippa wake up? Will Steve find the answers to his questions? And can their love survive?
Oh my lordy, what can I say about this book? Pippa and Steve are so likeable and many of their struggles are relatable. Their love story is epic and quite simply beautiful.
With the inclusion of a colourful cast of friends and family, the story is full of love and humour.
I was utterly absorbed by Pippa and Steve’s story. Their journey made me laugh, nod with understanding and even broke my heart.
The whole book is beautifully written, and flows effortlessly from the past to the present day.
What made this book a 4 as opposed to a 5 star read for me, is the ending.
Although it is written as eloquently as the rest of the book, it didn’t quite tie things up as neatly as I like a story to be concluded. It’s personal choice, and other readers may well feel satisfied with how the story ends.
There is definitely scope for more, and having loved these characters and their journey, I sincerely hope this won’t be the end.
The audio version is well narrated by the authors themselves and Penny Downie. I’m always a fan of an audio book that is narrated by it’s author. They know their book better than anyone else.
This book is a well recommended, charming and delightful 4 star read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Out now: audio / hardback / ebook.
Paperback release: 18/8/22
With thanks to #Netgalley and #HachetteUkAudio for an audio arc of this lovely book.
January 24, 2022
I thought this book was going to break my heart, I was ready to ugly cry and I possibly would have if I could just like the main character. Pippa has been in a car accident and her husband Steve rushes to be by her side whilst she is in a coma and he dedicates the next 12 hours talking to her in hopes to bring her back to the land of the living.
Though this we hear their story, from when they first met as teenagers and their life thereon out. I found Pippa as a selfish person, from the beginning Steve devotes himself to her, he does a lot for her and truly cares for her but I felt Pippa only cared for herself.
It wasn't until nearer the end as they were in their late 30s, I found her slightly begin to change as they go through hardships in their marriage but I could still see that selfish element in her personality and due to that I struggled to fully connect myself to this book due to being unable to like the one of the main protagonists. The premise of the whole story, I enjoyed. It was an enjoyable read but it didn't break me like I thought I would but overall it was an enjoyable read.
PR PRODUCT
Though this we hear their story, from when they first met as teenagers and their life thereon out. I found Pippa as a selfish person, from the beginning Steve devotes himself to her, he does a lot for her and truly cares for her but I felt Pippa only cared for herself.
It wasn't until nearer the end as they were in their late 30s, I found her slightly begin to change as they go through hardships in their marriage but I could still see that selfish element in her personality and due to that I struggled to fully connect myself to this book due to being unable to like the one of the main protagonists. The premise of the whole story, I enjoyed. It was an enjoyable read but it didn't break me like I thought I would but overall it was an enjoyable read.
PR PRODUCT
April 4, 2022
Cannot even tell you all how much I loved this one - I usually don’t specifically bang on about the audio of a book, but I have to with this one because it was just so spot on!
Pippa is lying unconscious after a terrible car accident, and her husband Steve doesn’t know what to do other than to tell her their story. Of how they first met at school, how he loved her for so long before they became friends, how they eventually came to be together, how much they’ve struggled to have the family they wanted, and how they got to this very moment. Will his love be enough to bring her back though?
This is just the perfect romantic novel for me - completely bittersweet, treading the line between hilarious and heartbreaking throughout. The love story isn’t necessarily one of those classic stories, but it feels raw and honest and beautiful, and far more believable because of that. They go through the real battles that so many couples go through - loss, jealousy and the torture of trying for a child unsuccessfully. It’s a really moving novel which will no doubt feel relatable to so many in different ways.
But again, I have to mention the audio narrative - which is narrated by the authors themselves. It was just such great comedy timing, but also really emotional and poignant when it needed to be. I felt so completely immersed in the story as though I was listening to old friends! I honestly just never wanted it to end - an instant five stars for me!
Pippa is lying unconscious after a terrible car accident, and her husband Steve doesn’t know what to do other than to tell her their story. Of how they first met at school, how he loved her for so long before they became friends, how they eventually came to be together, how much they’ve struggled to have the family they wanted, and how they got to this very moment. Will his love be enough to bring her back though?
This is just the perfect romantic novel for me - completely bittersweet, treading the line between hilarious and heartbreaking throughout. The love story isn’t necessarily one of those classic stories, but it feels raw and honest and beautiful, and far more believable because of that. They go through the real battles that so many couples go through - loss, jealousy and the torture of trying for a child unsuccessfully. It’s a really moving novel which will no doubt feel relatable to so many in different ways.
But again, I have to mention the audio narrative - which is narrated by the authors themselves. It was just such great comedy timing, but also really emotional and poignant when it needed to be. I felt so completely immersed in the story as though I was listening to old friends! I honestly just never wanted it to end - an instant five stars for me!
February 25, 2022
My heart ❤️ a love story with all its beauty, mess and ugliness laid bare. Pippa and Steve were always meant to be together, but it is far from plain sailing as life throws many obstacles in their way. This starts as a slow read, but ultimately grips you around the heart and squeezes. It is both tender and painful. Pippa has been in an horrific car accident, and while hooked up to tubes and wires, Steve is encouraged to speak to her. He pours out their story over 12 hours, all the parts of the love. We hear about their past from initial meeting and piecing together events until the accident and present. Not quite a 5 for me as an epilogue would have given me a more concrete ending, however, it was a gripping and tense read right until the final word. With thanks to @Netgalley for the audiobook and @thepigeonholehq for the e-arc. #12HourstoSayILoveYou #OliviaPoulet #LaurenceDobiesz
February 12, 2022
12 Hours To Say I Love You � Book Tour and Review
Well � it has been a long time since a book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster!
This book tells the story of the romance between Pippa and Steve throughout the decade they’ve known each other in a series of memories, recalled while Pippa is fighting for her life on a ventilator after a serious accident.
I think what caused me to have such an emotional response to this book was its relatability. At every turn I could relate to the crippling fear of being overwhelmed with love and the fear of loss, and after a particularly vulnerable few days this book had me in absolute shreds.
If you like a good tear give this a go!
TW: loss, miscarriage, infertility, drug use, cancer, bereavement
Well � it has been a long time since a book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster!
This book tells the story of the romance between Pippa and Steve throughout the decade they’ve known each other in a series of memories, recalled while Pippa is fighting for her life on a ventilator after a serious accident.
I think what caused me to have such an emotional response to this book was its relatability. At every turn I could relate to the crippling fear of being overwhelmed with love and the fear of loss, and after a particularly vulnerable few days this book had me in absolute shreds.
If you like a good tear give this a go!
TW: loss, miscarriage, infertility, drug use, cancer, bereavement
January 16, 2022
I so wanted to enjoy this more that I did but I just didn’t really gel with the characters. Steve appeared a bit of a dogsbody and Pippa a self absorbed brat so I wanted to shake one and shout at the other 😆 It was a nice enough story but was just a bit flat for me - maybe I read far too much dramatic crime! I think this would be a good easy holiday read and appreciated the opportunity to read via Pigeonhole.
February 26, 2023
The story flipping between the two time lines really helped paint a picture of their relationship and how much they loved eachother.
I loved the element of mystery here, it all became clear and I am happy with the way it ended.
I don’t want to say too much for for fear of spoiling the story, but it’s an emotional and moving story that I would recommend.
4/5.
I loved the element of mystery here, it all became clear and I am happy with the way it ended.
I don’t want to say too much for for fear of spoiling the story, but it’s an emotional and moving story that I would recommend.
4/5.
February 28, 2022
What the what? Come back here and give me more!!! I’m not ready to let go of Pippa & Steve. I loved how it was written with different timelines and different pov’s. The characters are so flawed and perfect. The ending did leave something to be desired imo but I still loved the book.
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