By: Libby Page
So many thanks to Berkley for the eARC of this book!
I may go on rambling here as this fiction with some contemporary romance pieces has gotten me emotionally. Tilly Nightingale lost her husband 6 months ago and she receives a phone call from a local bookstore to come in because they have an order for her, Tilly is confused. She never ordered any books. Tilly comes to learn that her husband has picked out 12 books for her, one for each month of the year, to help her through her first year without him. These books take her on adventures all over the place, meeting new people, and doing things she never thought she’d do. Can these books teach her how to love again?
Page has written a beautiful, heartwarming, and emotional story about love, loss, grief, the love of books, and new beginnings. This book is a love letter to books and new beginnings. I think it’s important to note that the book never made me feel like it was trying to get Tilly to “move on” in the sense that she should forget her deceased husband. The book lets Tilly sit in her grief the way that she needs to and take her time. It’s very real.
It was wonderful how much these books helped her. It’s a great reminder that books can really change your life. I’ve never had a book change my life, but I have connected with characters that have made me feel seen. This book is bound to change someone’s life.
All of the characters are fantastic. The friends Tilly has made, and those that come back into her life. Everyone has their purpose. Of course there is the bookstore owner, Alfie. He was perfect. Everything between them was subtle and slow.
While I did shed tears, this book also feels like a warm hug. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone!
Publish Date: February 3, 2026
Find the book here.
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