Do you believe in fate?

Noelle is on her way home from a college reunion that got canceled before it really even started due to some nasty weather. The same storm then gets her (and everyone else) stranded as the motorway becomes a parking lot. What seems to be the worst possible end to an already crummy day ends up being a chance to get to know a kind stranger in a more intimate way than she ever would have under normal circumstances.

After eight hours stuck together in the snow, Noelle and Sam part ways, thinking they'll never see each other again. Despite their best efforts, they keep running into each other and it becomes clear that they're meant to find their way back to one another.

This book was quite heartbreaking in parts, and deals with strained family relationships, mental health issues, difficult relationships, and other fairly heavy topics. But as much as it will make you shed a tear it will also lift you up and make you feel hopeful too. I just adored the main characters, and this is one of those books I've found myself thinking about long after I've turned the last page. So if you're looking for an emotional but heartwarming winter read then look no further! It’s so, so good. 🥰

When I got wind that Lia Louis had a new book coming out, I had to read it. I loved Dear Emmie Blue! Louis did not disappoint even if I liked Emmie better.

I was captured right away but the love story of Noelle and Sam. They are both relatable characters that had me rooting for them. This book reminded me of the movie Serendipity. While I “knew” that they would end up together, there was the right amount of angst created.

I don’t really enjoy the topic of infidelity but can respect that at least one the two main characters couldn’t be single for this plot to work. I also wish there was a bit more steam.

Overall, I recommend this book!

4 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Loved the premise of this rom-com! Unique, cute storyline that I will be recommending to my friends and teachers at my school.

Last years Dear Emmie Blue was a delight. I really enjoyed the author’s debut novel and was looking forward to EIGHT PERFECT HOURS. Just look at the cover, I had to have it!!!! In the end the book didn’t measure up to my expectations but turned out to be a solid sophomore novel.

This book is for everyone who loves the idea of fate, kismet, and soulmates.

The story is about two people meeting by chance and feeling a connection in a way that lasts more than the first fateful 8 hours. Afterwards it’s a multitude of accidental and coincidental meetings that only shows how much this couple is meant to be.

So far so good.

But it’s not just about the romance. Which is actually on the light side, almost too light for my taste. I needed a bit more together time. In the end the book is more of a journey to self discovery. And also conveys a more realistic look at finding love, with all the hurdles that come with it. Also, be prepared for a hefty does of insta-something, not sure what it was love or like, but the title says it all – EIGHT PERFECT HOURS.

And maybe ignore the many coincidences in this book. It sure adds to the charm of the book, but can come across as a bit much.

Overall I really enjoyed the author’s writing. As expected the novel was charming, heartwarming, and relatable. The characters were likeable, besides one exception, and the story had this feel good vibe that I adored. And I must applaud the author, she did a marvellous job bringing the plot to a satisfying ending.

The only aspect I would have changed was the much needed spark. I needed a little bit more of it to make it a tad more believable. And I wished the couple would have spent more time together. When it comes to romance I NEED a believable and strong connection. A closeness between the couple. And a reason to believe in a couple falling in love.

But besides all that, the book is a wonderful addition to everyone’s bookshelves, and it’s a perfect winter/Christmas novel. It will definitely give you all the feels.

Like Dear Emmy Blue, Louis' next book is heartwarming and emotional with characters you want to root for. However, I didn't find this to be super memorable. I read this book about a month ago and am now struggling to come up with much to say, either negatively or positively. It was enjoyable and I'd recommend it (because I know it will be a hit with many readers), but clearly nothing much stood out to me.

Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

I really enjoyed this book and this concept!

The premise: Noelle is on her way back from an event at her old college when a blizzard hits and closes off all roads, leaving her stranded on the motorway without food or water or a working phone charger. Sam is also trapped in his car on his way to the airport to head back home to the US and notices Noelle crying in her car. He taps on the window and invites her to join him in his car to charge her phone. What follows is 8 perfect hours of strangers connecting and getting to know each other. When traffic starts to move again, the two part without exchanging information and assume they won't see each other again. But, as with many romantic movies and books, fate had other ideas.

What I liked:
-Within the first chapter, I was hooked and was completely enthralled by this love story. (Fate plays a large roll in this romance novel, so if this is a trope that you do not enjoy, this book is not for you.)
-Noelle was a very relatable character and someone I was cheering for.
-The setting was so magical (England and winter- just seemed so cozy and like there were so many possibilities)
-The way mental health was portrayed/handled by the author was authentic and done very well.
-The predictability and yet some surprises kept me engaged with the unfolding of this novel

What I didn't enjoy:
-There wasn't really any steam between the characters and it was completely closed door (which isn't bad but I was hoping for something!)
-The fact they were both in relationships at the time they meet. Noelle has a very unhealthy relationship with her ex and I really didn't like seeing her continue to go back to him. I cringed every time he was in a scene and just really hated their relationship. Also, Sam's relationship and how it ended didn't seem the most genuine.

Other thoughts:
This book was sweet, cute and predictable. Fate played a large role in bringing Noelle and Sam together and I enjoyed reading how their story would unfold. I think this is a book that many people will enjoy and I will be recommending it as a good winter romance read.

Give me all the books about snowy days and forced proximity.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the romance and the narrative about discovering what’s most important in life.

I hope you read it and enjoy it as much as I did.

Noelle is driving back from a disappointing event at her old college when she gets caught in a freak late winter snowstorm. Stuck in her car with no food, heat, or most importantly, working phone charger, she is rescued by tall, gorgeous Sam, who offers company, a warm car, and a charger. The two hit it off and the next eight hours pass quickly.

Noelle returns to her normal life, where she feels trapped by her invalid mother, cleaning business, and her own grief over the loss of her best friend years earlier. To make things worse, her ex has returned to town, and she finds herself slipping in to their old comfortable ways.

But although she thought she'd never see Sam again, they keep running into each other, and she can't ignore her growing attraction to him. When she is offered a flower-arranging gig at a wedding in Edinburgh, her family and friends convince her to follow her dream, and new possibilities begin to open up.

Lia Louis has a knack for creating imperfect heroines that the reader can't help caring deeply about. While the synopsis may sound like a fairly typical romance, Louis's multilayered story has so many strands that come together beautifully for a perfect ending. #EightPerfectHours #NetGalley

Dear Emmie Blue was one of my favorite books of 2020, so this was a highly anticipated read for me. I switched between a physical and audio copy. I thought the narrators did a great job and recommend either format.

Joelle and Sam spend 8 hours together while stranded on a highway during an unexpected storm. And then they keep crossing paths. Is it fate? Is it chance? Whatever it is, it’s lovely and moving to watch them connect as they also grapple with personal challenges. Ultimately I think this is a novel about choosing and believing in yourself and finding joy. Poignant. Heartwarming. Hopeful.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. This was a cute book about living in the moment and never giving up on your dreams. Entertaining!

Noelle Butterby has recently broken up with her boyfriend of twelve years, Ed. Ed found Noelle pathetic for staying home to take care of her ill Mum and therefore being unwilling to travel to the States with him for a new job. But for Noelle, it's more than that. Her family obligations are both confining and all she has--leaving her unable to fulfill her own dreams, including opening her own flower shop. On her way to her university reunion--the first time she's been out in ages--Noelle finds herself trapped on a snowy roadway. With traffic stalled for hours, she meets Sam, the man in the car next to hers. They form a small friendship over the eight hours they're stuck, bonding while she charges her phone and they forage for food. In those few hours, Noelle is truly, actually happy. But the roadway is cleared and Sam drives off. Yet, somehow, after their snowy time together, the universe seems to continue to throw Sam and Noelle together. Each is dealing with their own relationship woes, but they feel drawn to one another. Are Sam and Noelle meant to be? And can Noelle find her own way while dealing with the weight of her family responsibility?

"Eight hours. Eight tiny hours is all they were. And already I miss them. Ridiculous. I am ridiculous."

I fell completely for this charming story. It's completely lovely, with such wonderful characters in Noelle and Sam, whom I found myself rooting for from the beginning. There are enough obstacles that I actually found myself wondering if they would wind up together, yet determined that they were meant to be. The book is so sweet yet has its serious moments as well, and it tackles mental health in a honest way, dealing with depression, agoraphobia, and post-partum issues quite well.

"And I feel--something. I don't know what exactly. Alive. Buzzy. Like my blood is rushing with stars, with electricity."

Both Sam and Noelle lost someone early in their lives, and some parts of this book will hit hard if you lost a loved one in your early twenties--their grief feels so real and raw (also a trigger warning for suicide). Their lives have been changed by these deaths, as well as hanging on to relationships that may not be the best for them. Watching them bond is so heartwarming. This is such a romantic read, with excellent pieces of chemistry and sexual tension--it's so well-done and builds quite excellently. This isn't insta-love, but a good slow burn that feels passionate and honest.

Overall, I really loved this one. The romance is excellent, and the message of finding your way together when it was meant to be is beautiful.

I wanna start with I loved Dear Emmie Blue by this author and if you haven't read it then you should!

This one just didn't wow me. I was bored at several points and just wanted to stop listening.

But there were some parts that were great and that is what kept me going.

I do think a lot of people will enjoy this book so don't let me opinions dissuade you.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria for this eARC.

Do you believe in fate? That one person is meant for you, and fate will continue to cross your paths until you realize you are meant to be tightest?

I absolutely loved this book. I loved following Noelle and her quirky ways as she discovers what is most important in this world.

Such a cute book, so glad I was able to read it! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Do you believe in fate? I’ve always been fascinated by the idea myself, I love the idea of things coming together no matter what when it’s meant to be and that’s exactly what this sweet little book was about. I would call it women’s fiction with romantic elements as it’s about Noelle and Sam’s journey to each other, but it’s also about Noelle doing some serious self discovery as well. Overall a really feel good and uplifting read that was super cute.

A sweet romance of fate and love between Noelle and Sam who meet in a snowstorm and coincidentally keep meeting after that. It was a cute romance with a happy ending!

On a snowy day in March, Noelle is coming back from an event when a blizzard strikes, throwing her into what could be a disaster. Trapped inside her car with no food or water she is surprised when a handsome stranger, Sam knocks on her window. What ensues is eight perfect hours, stranded together. When the roads clear, Noelle and Sam's part thinking they will never see each other again. That is until fate intervenes.

A sweet romance about destiny, chance encounters, grief and healing, and finding and embracing happiness. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting. The cover is a little misleading, though -- this is not a holiday/Christmas book!

Dear Emmie Blue was one of my favorite books of last year and EIGHT PERFECT HOURS by Lia Louis sounded right up my alley. I read this book in essentially one sitting, couldn't put it down, had to see how this story played out. I really enjoyed, close to loved, this but it fell a little short from being an instant favorite 5 star book like Emmie Blue.

What I loved--The premise of a red string. The idea of destiny and fate. The small, otherwise pointless decisions we make that somehow can all add up to a larger purpose. The friendships. The flowers.

What made it 4 stars instead of 5--The romance had a few red herring moments I wasn't sure how it was going to play out so it made me feel like I couldn't fully invest in the feelings because I wasn't sure I believed in it which REALLY was a bummer because I WANTED to believe! I wanted to love every moment of will they or won't they but it felt under developed and that I was told a lot more than I was shown.

Did I still overall really like this? Yes! Am I a little disappointed that I wanted to 5 star love it but the lack of development held me back? Also, yes.

I would definitely still recommend this book to lovers of her previous books and Brit Lit in general because it was such a quick read, I was invested in finding out how it would end, it just wasn't an instant favorite and that's okay!

Thank you @atriabooks books for the review copy!

Noelle Butterby is kind of stuck in her life. She’s been at a bit of a standstill since her longtime boyfriend left to work at a hospital in America. He asked her to go, but she didn’t feel she could leave her mom.

So she works as a cleaner, takes care of her mom who has some health problems, and spends time with friends. That’s pretty much the totality of her life.

Or it is until a huge snowstorm hits and Noelle, along with a bunch of other drivers, is stuck on the motorway without power for her phone, food, or water. Luckily, Sam shows up!

He is in the car next to her, noticed her having a bit of a meltdown, and offered to charge her phone. From there, they talk non-stop until the traffic finally starts moving EIGHT HOURS later.

But then they go their separate ways without giving each other their contact info and Noelle figures that’s the end of it. It was good while it lasted.

That is until her mom needs to go to the hospital and guess who she’s sees while she’s in the waiting room? SAM!

It seems like fate has it’s hand in getting these two together, but it’s going to have to work a little harder than that. While they meet again in the hospital, it takes many more accidental meetings before they finally get together.

Noelle ends up cleaning for someone very close to Sam and doing the flowers for a wedding at the same place Sam just happens to be at. They also must get through old exes coming back, their own demons, and past struggles getting in the way.

Eight Perfect Hours is a fun, complicated, beautiful romance. I loved Noelle and Sam. They are perfect for each other. They understand one another really well and that’s shown in their interactions together.

I also liked how Noelle’s friends are incorporated into the story. One of her friends is going through an extremely tough time and I LOVED how it was weaved into the story. Noelle cares deeply for the people in her life and how she helps her friend shows that perfectly. (And I may or may not have cried, but what’s new lol)

Eight Perfect Hours is perfect for anyone who loves romance. But I will say, while this is definitely a romance, it does have a strong “I’m getting my life together” storyline when it comes to Noelle which I always love. Especially when the character is over 30.

Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis is available now!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the free eARC in exchange for my honest review.

"Eight Perfect Hours", by Lia Louis, is a sweet, feel-cute romance! Through a series of unplanned circumstances, Noelle and Sam continue to run into each other, despite living on different continents. Sparks fly and a genuine connection takes place, but neither of them cross the line because of their (in)significant others. I really enjoy the transparency these two share, and I thought their chemistry and connection was just so natural! I really enjoyed reading this book!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.