The Book of Us is a story of friendship, love, betrayal, the healing power of forgiveness and much more. Cass and Loll met in college and became inseparable until something happened one night to throw the two apart. Years later Loll finally hears from Cass and the news is not good: Cass is dying from cancer. This news brings the two former friends back together for a final adventure. When they were younger they created a ‘book of life’ which consists of things that they MUST do together. Despite their issues and one big unexpected surprise we find out about early on which becomes a part of the journey, the two very differently flawed ladies come together to travel in several different countries working to finish their planned adventures in their shared ‘bucket list’. Yes, they clash some due to the past and their personalities. Will they be able to move on and enjoy the time that Cass has left?

I enjoyed this novel. The Book of Us is all about Cass and Loll, whose personalities are extremely different, but somehow became the best of friends in college. Despite the fallout and years apart the two ladies come together for this last adventure. I also joined in on the journey with Cass and Loll and hoped they could mend broken fences before it was too late. I have always wanted to go to Australia and was envious that they went there (despite the extremely long flight!)

You know where the ending of the novel is going to go, but it is not about the ending, it’s about the journey.

Come join Cass and Loll on their adventure together and see what happens!

This is a sensitively written story on an emotional subject . There could never be a happy ending but it was well done

As soon as I started reading The Book of Us, I was put in mind of the Bette Midler film, Beaches, with Cass so wild, so full of life, and sweet, gentle Lauren, content to remain on the edges of Cass’s spotlight. That comparison really should have prepared me for what was to come, but I carried on reading, never giving a thought to just how bumpy this particular ride was going to be.

After a truly terrible betrayal, and a six year separation, The Book of Us sees Cass and Lauren slowly finding their way back to each other following major upheavals in both their lives. For two very different women, this was never going to be easy, and the book swings from laughter to tears more than once as they rebuild their friendship from the ruins.

Reading about their adventures through Finland, Spain and Australia reignited my own wanderlust which I thought was long gone, and made me yearn for my own favourite spot in Spain, and all the people I will miss seeing this year. There is just so much life and passion in their travels, and the way Andrea Michaels captures everything, you can almost imagine you are right there with them.

The Book of Us is a heart-breaking, emotional rollercoaster of a book (complete with actual rollercoasters), and one that I recommend reading with a ready supply of tissues, wine and chocolate.

The Book of Us is an emotional read that will hit you right in the heart and turn you into a weeping mess. If you're anything like me, of course.
The story follows Lauren (aka Loll) and Cass, two friends who found each other at university but had a falling out after the ultimate betrayal. Years later, they reconnect after Lauren discovers Cass is dying. All Cass wants is to complete their 'Book of Us' before her time is up. Can Lauren find it in her heart to forgive Cass?
I'll admit, the book was a little slow in spots, but overall, it's a powerful, emotional read that tugs on the heartstrings. I found myself bursting into tears in the most random spots, but I think, as a parent, the places that really got to me made sense. Cass has a daughter, and her daughter knows her mother will be leaving the mortal coil, but she's not ready to lose her. It's definitely tough to make it through those scenes without tearing up. Also, a friend from high school recently lost her battle with cancer and left behind her two young sons, so thinking about her while reading this book made it even more sad to me.
The Book of Us takes Cass, Lauren, and Vee from England to Finland, from Finland to Spain, and from Spain to Australia. It's sweet. It's beautiful. It's heartwarming. But underneath all of that is a sense of melancholy and regret.
If you're a reader looking for something to make you cry, this is the book to do that.
4 stars!

This review is coming out on the Portugal's Day, our National day. And Like many other Holidays that have a strong emotional connection to it, not only because their are ours, but because they remind us of home, of our pass and the path we took to get to where we are... and even to reflect all the things we have to change and do to make our country and the world really, a better place.

All of those feelings, that moment of reflection, I also had while reading this story, so even though this is not a book written by a Portuguese author, And you may be wondering so why am I talking about a Portuguese Holiday?... I do have a point in this.

Andrea Michael took me on a journey of reflection, emotions, friendship, dreams and adventure. Just like I feel every year on the 10th June, when I think about my country, my family and what make us Portuguese, and what make us human.

It may seem a weird start of a review, but a book - no matter the author's nationality - have the power to take us on journeys, unexpected ones too. I knew from the very beginning that this was that kind of story. That I would go on an emotional rollercoaster, and that this story would deeply touch my heart. I was expecting that. And it did happen.

It was a book that I absolutely enjoyed reading. I loved the story and it was a wonderful and heartbreaking tale and adventure. The descriptions, the characters, the plot and the emotions in every moment and every set and page...

That been said, and if it wasn't already clear, what I loved more in this book was the emotional aspect of the plot, the characters and the connection I felt with them, the connection to their path. Every single small thing that happened.

Overall, just like a Holiday that make us reflect, and go deep into our hearts, think about our path and the path of our people... This book had a moment like that for me. Maybe it was because of the characters, what they were going through, what they wanted to do. Maybe it was because of the circumstances, or the ending. or even the topics that are touched in the book. Maybe it was the storytelling, the way the author told us the story and lead us through the events that were happening. I can't really point to one element, I just felt the story was thought provoking, as well as heart warming and emotional.

What a rollercoaster The Book Of Us actually is! I think I have encountered every emotion I have while reading this brilliantly written book.
It tells the story of Loll and Cass who where best friends at University but have lost touch due to an incident that meant they drifted away from each other.They were the total meaning of chalk and cheese, Cass the extrovert and Loll the introvert. Loll receives a letter from Cass explaining that she is dying so Loll decides to visit. She discovers that Loll has a daughter and she wants their friendship back.They decide to do things they planned to do all them years ago.
A story of friendship, love and loyalty and also grief written with such intensity the strength of the emotions almost jumping of the page, with such beautifully crafted characters you cannot help to be involved. I was torn apart in some ways reading this but it made for a memorable read and I will never forget Cass and Loll.
Thanks to Rachels Random Resources for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour for The Book Of Us by Andrea Michael and Netgalley for the copy of the book.

Uplifting and emotional. Andrea Michael has written a lovely story full of endless hope and heart. Cass and Loll were as close as friends could be. Inseparable in college they created “The Book of Us“ a list of all the things they were going to do together in their lifetime. Then something happened and their friendship fell apart and for seven years Cass and Loll did not see one another. When Cass discovers that she is sick she reaches out to repair the friendship. Can past trespasses be forgiven?

A touching story about the power of friendship, forgiveness, family, and love. Both Cass and Loll or hard to like and frustrated me at times. I still did enjoy the time I spent with them while they tried to piece their friendship back together. The star of this book for me really was Veronica, Cass’s Young daughter. She joined the ladies on their adventure and really was the absolute best. A sweet story with aN emotional ending. *have Kleenex handy*

*** Big thank you to Harper Collins UK for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

The Book of Us told a story I won’t forget for a long time. It is a tragic story but one also filled with love. It is a story that had the potential to be somewhat cheesy but instead dealt with tough topics with respect. It is a story so packed with emotion and so natural that it brought a tear to my eye more than once.

At the same time, The Book of Us also has its laughs. There were also times when I didn’t like Cass when I felt I should. Sure, Cass has drawn the short straw in life and, in a way, this has helped her mature, but she also proved herself to be a selfish friend at times, content to have Lauren in her shadow, there to be called on when needed.

Now, I have to admit that I am biased towards Loll. She reminded me of myself in many ways: the anxiety, the feeling that something is missing, the want to do more. I’ve also been part of a somewhat similar friendship. I couldn’t help but root for Loll and become angry when people made her feel like she wasn’t strong enough or when they dismissed her anxiety.

I wish I could do The Book of Us more justice. However, I think the fact that it made me feel so deeply is a testament to how great a story it is. If I could sum it up in one line, The Book of Us is a story about creating your own life and taking chances. Is that something you need in your life right now?

Wonderful read about 2 friends who have had past differences must come together for a child's best interest. Wonderfully written. I look forward to more books by this author.

The blurb gave a hint that tissues were required while reading this novel but I was unprepared by how many I would need. The opening chapter had not finished before a lump formed in my throat; the description of Cass' ability to soothe Lauren's pain made me long for my best friend from school. It hit a nerve and the shared pain of missing a close friendship lured me into the story. 

The writing has depth as it explored the complex relationship between Lauren and Cass. Throughout there is a sense of unresolved angst and mystery over what ended the friendship and more tears ensued when it was revealed. There were lighter moments as they follow the plan written in their book of their lives and Veronica was a delight to read about. 

The novel covers many topics including death and all were handled sensitively as it took me on an emotional, heart tugging journey across the world. It highlighted the importance of friendships and the camaraderie women bring to guide you through the darkest days. By the end of it, I wanted to plan a big girly meet up once lockdown is over and hold my friends tight. 

Would I recommend?

It is a wonderful and powerful book of friendship and Cass, Loll  and Vee will stay in my heart for a long time. I am on the edge of tears just thinking about them. If you love the movie Beaches you will love this book. Just stock up on hankies and prepare yourself for an emotional ride.

Cass and Loll were inseparable, best friends since university and planned their lives with each other in them. Until one night changed everything.

Years later, nearing their 30th birthdays Loll receives a letter out of the blue from Cass, who has some heartbreaking news to share… and a big favour to ask.

This was reminiscent of Beaches for me and I loved every word, definitely needed a box of tissues!

Two friends, Cassidy and Lauren, were once best friends in college until a fight broke that friendship. Years later when Lauren's husband leaves her she receives a letter from Cassidy saying that she is dying asks if they can meet up.

It was hard for me to get into tis book because I didn't really like the characters that much. In a character driven story such as this, liking the characters is key and because I didn't care for the characters, it was hard for me to care deeply about the story.

The writing style was great and I'm not saying this is a bad book, I'm just saying it wasn't for me.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Impulse for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

Enjoyed this one, wasn't as addictive as I'd hoped it would be but super easy to read and a nice story :)

4.5 Stars

The Book of Us is a powerful tale of friendship. It's messy and complicated with a past that leads to an even more complicated reunion.

From the start it reminded me of the movie "Beaches." And like in Beaches, this is the tale of one friend always living in the shadows. And in a sweet manner, this author reminds us that sometimes that is okay.

It's a story of trying to make amends under the worst of circumstances.
Cass and Loll have 5 years of anger, resentment, and confusion between them. They have a past full of complications muddled by lies and meddling. They are two woman, two friends, who are reunited and working on forgiveness, healing, and moving forward.

The writing is stellar, easily capturing the different voices on the characters.

The Book of Us is a beautiful story. This Andrea Michael read is heart-felt, emotional and a memorable story of healing.

To say this story is beautiful is a complete understatement, because beautiful does not capture the essence of this book, beautiful does not capture the intensity of the emotions the author brings forward, and beautiful does not put into perspective how incredibly executed this story was, and how powerful the words within it were. Since my last reading of Andrea Michael's writing, it appears the author has decided to move in a different direction, and what a fantastic decision that was. Although I really enjoyed the author's previous books, this seemed to hit on an entirely different level. 'The Book of Us' was much deeper, more brutal, and Michael certainly didn't hold back when it came to the darker matters of life, those of which it is pointless trying to avoid. Death, mainly. This was in no way a soft and cosy read. This was a bittersweet, intense and impressive novel, written boldly, and completely unapologetic in its telling, which paired with Cass's character perfectly who was also both of those things. Andrea Michael's style, although still enjoyable, has become so incredibly confident since those last stories I read by the author, and I really can't compliment Andrea enough. This really blew me away, and absolutely deserves an almighty amount of praise.

'The Book of Us' by Andrea Michael is separated into four parts, each part a different destination in which Cass and Loll travel to, as set out in the book they brought to life in their younger years, and the book of which this story's title is dedicated to. Within this book, the girls had written down their dreams for the future, the places they wanted to visit and the goals they wanted to achieve. It's a gorgeous premise, and one which I've always been fond of. The idea of a bucket-list has always struck a poignant chord with me and is always bound to bring a tear to my eye at some point. I think it's the thought of a person not doing all of the things they wanted to do with their life before it ends that breaks my heart, especially when a person's life is cut short. It really chokes me up and plays havoc with my emotions.

Within this story, readers follow Lauren (Loll) as she is reunited with her oldest and dearest friend, Cassidy (Cass). What brings the two women back together is a letter from Cass, which informs Loll that she is nearing the end of her life. She's been sick for a long time, something which Loll wasn't aware of as they've not been in touch for six years. A lot has changed in that time, but despite what happened, what blew them apart all those years ago, Loll can't help but to go to her friend. With a bond like theirs, there's absolutely no way Loll can stay away, and so, even though she tries to avoid the tug of Cassidy Jones, it isn't long before she's in her car and making the trip to Blackpool.

I've got to hand it to the author, she writes emotion so impeccably well. The sheer grip and grittiness of this novel was fascinating. Andrea Michael strips away the flesh and opens up the issues between Loll and Cass in the deepest and most raw of ways, getting right down to the nitty-gritty and leaving no stone unturned between them. I was so intrigued by these friends, amazed by the sheer strength of their bond, and by the way they knew each other inside out, completely and utterly. Michael writes with such heart, such feeling and with so much depth, it's impossible not to feel moved by the issues discussed, to not also feel affected by them. It's emotionally-gripping, so much so I felt just as drained by the characters each time they had it out with each other. So much history lay between the women, and so many feelings, too. Loll's anger steamed off the page, undeniable and fierce. Cass's personal anguish was so sad, it evoked its own feelings in me that had me racing through the pages just to see where their friendship would lead them. The absolute transparency of emotion in this novel took my breath away. Michael excels when it comes to her characters baring all. I felt everything that these characters felt, and by the end of the book, I genuinely felt exhausted by the turmoil which weaved its way throughout the pages.

The travel aspect of this book was beautiful and added a certain sense of escapism and wanderlust to the story which I thoroughly enjoyed. We begin in Blackpool, then we head to snowy Finland. From Finland we travel to Seville in Spain, and from there, we head to Australia. Michael's descriptions opened up these destinations in the most exciting of ways and I truly loved wandering around with the trio as we explored these places, but of course, despite my enjoyment, and the characters' enjoyment, it always came back to Cass living out her last days, and so even though I smiled, it felt immensely bittersweet and with every turning page, I felt the tension heightening, as though I too were waiting for the moment when it would happen. When Cass's resolve would inevitably call it a day, and the trip would reach its end. The contrast of this, of living life to the fullest but constantly waiting on death, really shook me, and yet again, I felt the emotion rising within me, pushing me to the edge, always waiting with baited breath for Andrea Michael to say the words.

By the time this story reached its end, I felt as though I'd lived a lifetime alongside Cass, Loll and Vee. It was almost as if I'd been part of their friendship group right from the very beginning. It moved me immeasurably and I didn't want to say goodbye to these characters when the time came for me to do so. I wanted to desperately to see how the story would carry on. I wanted to watch as Loll grew in confidence and learnt how to take life less seriously. I wanted to watch her courage brim and bubble over, to see how she'd tackle life Cassidy style. I felt connected to them all in a way only incredible writing can make you feel. From first page to last, Michael delved so deep into the lives of these two women and dissected each and every single part, allowing you the most open view of who they were, and what had made them that way. Andrea handled the most dramatic scenes between Cass and Loll with such a commendable skill, and a certain brutality that made it all the more real, satisfying and believable. Just like real life, these women are flawed and they've made mistakes, monumental ones, and the tackling of resolving the years-old issues that lie between them was not an easy one, but Michael does so, and in the most fascinating way.

'The Book of Us' by Andrea Michael was a truly memorable and emotionally-gripping novel, and this was a triumphant change of direction for the author. I finished reading this book with a weight in my heart, but a lightness too, because life goes on, and although we may lose precious things along the way, we learn to take steps forward and we learn to survive, although in a very different way we had once perhaps planned. I loved this story. I loved the incredibly detailed characterisation, and the unforgettable adventure Loll, Cass and Vee head out on, an adventure that changes each of them in monumental ways. I adored the constant, emotionally-charged tempo and the tremendous friendship that sat between Loll and Cass, even despite going their separate ways. I am sure this is a book I will think of often, a story that reminds us that anything can happen at any given moment, so we should apologise where we can and not waste time on grudges. Life is far too short for that.

With thanks to the tour host for providing me with a review copy of 'The Book of Us' by Andrea Michael, that of which has no reflection in me providing a fair and honest review.

My first book by this author and one I thoroughly enjoyed!
A light, easygoiing, beautifully written story that will stay with you long after you're done and will appeal to many people.

Thank you so much to author Andrea Michael for the ebook copy to read and review.

Heart Wrenching and Beautifully Written.

The story will grip you from the very start where we are introduced to Cass and Loll in a letter, from that letter you already get an idea what is to come in the story but honestly you don’t even know half of what will come.

Its a whirlwind of pain, relief, anger, love and adventure. It was both incredibly fun and gut wrenching. Not one page goes by where you don’t know the inevitable is coming but it will still kick you, it will still cause you to cry hard. This whole beautiful story is a lesson, in life, in love, in things that could or should have been, in friendship and so much more.

This book was phenomenal and I highly recommend it, it’s such a well made and well thought out story, you will connect so quickly and deeply to the characters and the story and feel everything as they do. The ending is also perfect and was much needed closure.

Read my full detailed review on my blog: https://apapergirlapapertown.wordpress.com/2020/05/11/the-book-of-us-book-review/

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for asking me to read and review.
This story was a wonderful read.
It is well written with some characters that are well rounded and as a reader you feel you are right there with them and feel the emotions that they are going through. The plot draws you in, keeping you wanting more and turning those pages.
A brilliant, addictive read.

4 stars,
Love lost triumph and the changing dynamics of friendship and relationships.
Value your happiness it matters
Boyfriends will come and go but friends will last forever

Loved the characters and twosts between loll Lauren and cass

I really enjoyed this and it was something I never thought I would enjoy but this really surprised me and I will definitely be checking this authors other work