The right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever.
The first line of the blurb—Twelve stories. Twelve months. One chance to heal her heart—and a 4.35 star rating on Goodreads inspired me to pick up this well-written book by Libby Page. This is my first time reading her work and it turned out better than I expected. If I'm asked to say one sentence to persuade a reader to delve into this, I would say this book is a love letter in a touching story for all book lovers.
This Book Made Me Think Of You is set in London and takes place over one year. Tilly lost her husband, Joe, to cancer and five months after, she struggles to come to terms with her loss. Joe is an outgoing, athletic American while Tilly is bookish, introverted and lives in UK. This couple meet and bond over the love of books. When Joe becomes sick, Tilly loses interest in reading.
On her birthday, she gets an unexpected call from Alfie, the owner of Book Lane, who informs her of the gift her late husband. She's to pick up a book per month for the next twelve months. It turns out Joe with Alfie's help curated twelve books, one for each month, with a handwritten letter inside to help Tilly start living again.
She struggles to understand this gift but as each month passes, she begins to read again and embark on amazing adventures.
Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Grief, Romance
Publication: February 2026
Pages: 407
My Review And Rating
I love the sentiment behind this book and the author's writing style immerses me in the heartwarming story. It's not a typical romcom but a unique story beautifully told in a cosy way that would enliven your love for books. As a book lover, the plot tugged at my heartstrings. Libby Page brilliantly tells a realistic tale of grief, recovery and living. It also reminds me of P.S. I Love You and Eat, Pray, Love.
Tilly Nightingale is a strong, introverted and courageous character. She goes through the loss of a spouse with a strength that's vulnerable yet commendable. Her initial reluctance to participate in the monthly gift feels relatable, anyone in her position will struggle like that. But when she begins to accept the books and read them, something within her starts to shift. Her transformation from a grieving widow into a vibrant and hopeful woman is tender and thoughtful. Every book, letter and interaction with other characters guides her toward healing. She loved once but she can't forget and must learn to love again and differently.
I like that the author doesn't rush Tilly into starting a new life like some romances would do. Basically about 80% of the book is focused on the protagonist dealing with her loss and rediscovering the joy of living. That's what makes this story unique and thoughtful. It spells out Tilly's amazing adventures in such details that it feels like I'm living the scenes vicariously through this character. I also love how the romance in this book develops slowly and beautifully. It's not rushed but realistic and believable.
> Maybe this is what books do, she thinks – whether stories, real or imagined, or poems compiled in one place for people to flick through in search of what they need. They offer something universal but allow you to find your own meaning amongst the words. They are for everyone and yet they are for you too.
Another character I liked is Alfie, the bookshop owner. He's cool, kind of introverted and bookish and this draws him and Tilly together. Some of the scenes take place in his bookshop and the descriptions are cosy and typical of a quaint bookshop.
This book explores themes like grief, connection, healing, forgiveness and friendship. It's a reminder that books are powerful. They are a sort of gateway to many worlds, inspiring us through a myriad of choices, perspectives and experiences.
Rating this book, I'd give it 4 stars out of 5. It's emotional, thoughtful, well-written and inspiring. If you love books, you'll be invested in this one and Tilly's character.
All images above are from my E-library
Header images compiled in Canva.
Note: Excerpts are from the book
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