This is much more maudlin and sad than the description suggests and than I was expecting. It reminded me a bit of another book that was less than a hit for me, Ghosted. So if you liked that one, you may like this one. The good parts just didn't make up for the seriously maudlin parts for me.

Eight Perfect Hours comes out soon on September 28, 2021 and you can purchase HERE.

"My life has started. I'm in it. It's not something I'm waiting for anymore. I'm here. And whatever I wanted for my life, was it this? I doubt it, Noelle, I really do--"

Serendipity, eat your heart out! Sam and Noelle's story deserves all the stars. And the cover is so perfect. This new novel from Dear Emmie Blue author Lia Louis is more nuanced than your average chick lit story. Throughout the narrative some daunting themes are explored like anxiety, recovery, loss, chronic illness, family dynamics, and pursuing your dreams. There is much more than guy meets girl in many fortuitous places. What about family obligations? What about long-distance relationships? What about continuing past relationships? I really loved the many layers to this one and will definitely be looking forward to another new title from Lia Louis.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Lia Louis is an absolutely master at writing beautiful and heartwarming contemporary romances. Her books are so comforting and relatable and I just sink right into her character and worlds. And this was no exception.

Based on this cover, I definitely went into this thinking it was a holiday story - but it is definitely not. This opens up in March when a freak snow storm strands the main characters on the highway together for 12 hours. They immediately click and continue to find themselves meeting, despite living in different countries.

I loved the elements of fate that the author wove throughout the story. I always love when that concept is explored in romance and this one was fantastically done. And everything just ties together so perfectly in the end.

I also really liked the explorations of grief, mental health, and purpose. The main characters in here are in their 30's and struggling with whether or not their lives are where they want them to be. And that is a topic (as fellow 30-something) that I really appreciate. And it's not something I've seen explored before in a romance. It was wonderfully done and I just love the fresh voice Lia Louis brings to this genre.

Despite my deep love for the themes and writing, I will say this story lacked some of the spark I felt in Dear Emmie Blue. I thought the characters had good chemistry, but I didn't feel like they spent enough time together to really feel their connection. I wish we had just gotten a little more time of them together on page to fully develop their bond.

Overall, this was a wonderful cozy, contemporary romance. Lia Louis is definitely becoming an all-time favorite author - and definitely an auto-buy/request!

This rating is not reflective of the book, quality of writing or quality of the story. I always have a never ending TBR and I had to cut this one in my fall stack. Hence the lower review because it was simply not one that appealed to me enough to make time for it. Which I think is a part of how successful a book is--does it go to the top of your TBR? this did not for me.

I read this in one night, it’s not too bad. But a few things really bothered me about it. Noelle being so lenient towards her brother who goes off gallivanting goodness knows where all the time while she’s stuck at home doing everything was just silly. Why not say something to your selfish sibling? He had a lot of nerve finally taking some responsibility and then again trying to dump on Noelle. But to be honest she lets him do it so why wouldn’t he? Noelle was a wet dishrag/doormat type and that doesn’t sit well with me.

I also thought it was weird that her friend wrote about a guy having big feet in her time capsule letter. Really? Do women judge me by their huge feet? This seems very outdated and old fashioned.

All in all Noelle just basically whines about everything throughout the book, then got mad when she found out about Sam’s situation, then basically had one guy sitting upstairs in a room while she’s snogging another and getting angry about other people being in relationships? I think Noelle needs a lot more therapy.

The concept was good here but the characters fell flat. Everything was just too coincidental to be believable. It read like one of those One Day formulaic type stories and we need more originality on cosy romances.

Also whatever happened to Pam? Did she just get tossed by the wayside? Poor Pam.

Eight Perfect Hours is the story of Noelle who wants something more out of life. She makes a connection with Sam during a snowstorm it is the first time she’s felt alive in a while. The two quickly bond and end up going their separate ways and Noelle is left to wonder what if. Noelle feels stuck in a routine of taking care of her mother and working but doesn’t really do much for herself anymore.

Since Noelle’s brother is not helping out it causes an even heavier burden on herself. Noelle has been through a lot with the death of her best friend, becoming her mom’s caretaker, and her breakup with Ed which hurts since they were together for so long. She could really use a support system and someone to lean on. Meeting Sam is a breath of fresh air but because he’s the first person Noelle connects with on many levels.

Noelle feels conflict not only with life but with love. She feels immensely attracted to sam because he seems to see her for who she is, but she also feels comfortable with Ed because they have so much history. But comfort is the thing that led her to her current life. There is a greater discussion of mental health in the novel as Noelle deals with panic attacks, depression, and anxiety. It’s also the reason her mom can’t be left alone due to her anxiety and she needs a caregiver/doctors help.

"I wish I wasn’t me. I wish I wasn’t so confused, and I wish I didn’t feel so scared. To live. Because I am I think. I’m afraid to live too loudly. And I wasn’t always like this, but I don’t know how to get back there."

Though this is marketed as a romance novel, it read more like a contemporary fiction novel. The story of Noelle is about living life to the fullest, grief, and dealing with regret. I appreciated how she navigates through obstacles and grows over the course of the story. She had strong characters development and I liked that she started to take the initiative to do something for herself. This novel reminds us to cherish those we love, take chances, and believe in ourselves. It was a nice novel and even though it discusses more serious topics I thought it was balanced out well with humorous bits.

*Trigger Warnings: Anxiety, Depression, Death

I wish I liked this more. It has a lot of things I really like in general, including a super meet cute

However, I was so frustrated by Noelle, the main character. I found myself siding with the “bad guy” in the story in terms of his own frustration with Noelle’s inability to live her own life. [Her mom is “delicate” and Noelle is the appointed caregiver to the extent that she never goes out or does anything for herself.] Rather than having sympathy for her I was just completely annoyed.

I picked this book because I loved Dear Emmy Blue. Isn't that how reading is supposed to work? Eight Perfect Hours is a Serendipity type of romance. They only spend a little time together and will never see each other again! But of course they will. This book was a little more light romance than I was hoping for. I wanted a little more but it is good for a lazy read in a hammock for a day.

I absolutely adored Dear Emmie Blue, so I jumped at the chance to read Eight Perfect Hours and I loved it as well. Such a cute, heartfelt story that addresses real life and emotions while still drawing you in to the two main characters.

My only criticism is the cover art, I was originally putting off reading this book until the winter because I thought it was a Christmas themed book based on the cover, but besides a snowstorm in March it isn’t a cozy winter read, it can be read at any time of year!

Eight Perfect Hours starts out in snowstorm. Noelle is stranded on the highway as traffic has come to a standstill when she meets Sam in an adjacent car. The spend the hours long wait together in his car. When traffic is moving again they part ways never to meet again. Nope!
If you believe things are meant to be and everything happens for a reason then this book is for you.
I also read Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis and loved that one too. This one doesn't pull at the heartstrings quite as much, but is in itself a heartwarming story.

Many thanks to netgalley and Atria Books for the advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Stuck in a snowstorm, Noelle spent eight perfect hours with Sam, but parted without sharing any contact information. Fate seemed to want these two together because their paths continue to cross, time and time again. Would the timing ever be right for Sam and Noelle?

Dear Emmie Blue was one of my favorite books last year. Louis owned me, heart and soul, with that book. Once again, she crafted a beautifully sweet story that filled my heart with warmth and joy. Though the tone of Eight Perfect Hours was different from her previous book, it was equally as touching and feel-good for me.

I was hooked on this premise. Two strangers meet, thinking they would never see each other again, just to find themselves bumping into each other, over and over. I loved the way their lives were so intertwined, and Louis did a great job making it all seem believable. Then the story would get even better! As these two spent more time together, they discovered even more points of connection, and every new reveal delighted me.

I was forced to be patient with the romance though, and we all know I am not necessarily a lover of slow burns. However, I was so onboard with Noelle’s journey and was able to let the romance take a back seat from time to time.

When I met Noelle, she was still dealing with the pain of losing her best friend, the break up with her college sweetheart, and her mother’s worsening mental health. Noelle found herself with many responsibilities and no time to pursue her own dreams. It brought me so much joy to see her grow and change and take charge of her life, while also building something special with Sam.

Overall: I loved this! The idea of Sam and Noelle’s lives threaded together just spoke to my sappy heart. Destiny! Soul mates! I get a dreamy faraway look in my eyes just thinking about it. This was quite a journey, and I enjoyed the way Louis slowly revealed all the ways Sam and Noelle’s lives overlapped. A truly sweet and heartwarming tale!

Are you ready for cute winter romances? I'm definitely clinging to summer with both hands but this sweet, feel-good story was a fun way to kick-off the cool weather reads.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ I finished this in an afternoon and it was a delightful, cozy read...especially when snuggled up in pajamas and a blanket.

I do think it was quite predictable. There were a few little surprises but I felt like I already knew where things were headed. I absolutely adored Dear Emmie Blue and felt like this was missing some of the magic that Louis created with Emmie. There just wasn't the same spark. However, I enjoyed my time with Noelle & Sam.

I desperately wish I could say I loved this book because a) I’m always down for wintery romcom reads, and b) a lot of my mutuals on here loved this author's previous book, DEAR EMMIE BLUE, but sadly this was just not for me. It just felt too sugary sweet for my liking, which isn’t a bad thing. It’s just not MY thing. HOWEVER if you like books that are super wholesome, you might enjoy this one.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book. It was a charming, delightful, cozy book.

Pardon me while I make a public service announcement to the writing community:

“Attention all authors: I regret to inform you that the ENTIRE supply of fate and fortuitous circumstances has been used by Lia Louis in her latest book. It may take some time until new ideas are in supply, so we suggest you read her book and enjoy all the ones she beat you to while you wait. We appreciate your patience.”

Sorry - I couldn’t get that silly thought out of my head after finishing this adorable little gem of a book. Honestly, I’ve never seen so many convenient circumstances at work to move a plot towards its conclusion, but that’s really the point of this book: is life just a series of happenstance circumstances or does fate lead us to our destiny?

Thirty-two-year-old Noelle Butterby’s life is basically on pause. Her dreams - past and present - have been put on the backburner as she dutifully cares for her mother, whose stroke six years prior has left her anxious about returning to a life outside her home. To make matters worse, Noelle is still reeling from her split with Ed, her boyfriend of twelve years, who’s returned to town after a two-year physician stint in America. When she’s stranded on the M4 motorway by a sudden blizzard, a tall, handsome and kind American stranger knocks on her window … Sam.

That’s the first of many aforementioned fortuitous circumstances that come into play for Sam and Noelle, which will strike some as sweet and lovely, albeit far-fetched, and probably others as eye-rollingly preposterous, depending on how willing you are to set aside believability and just enjoy the ride. For this reader - I was buckled up and there for it! A little break from reality can be a good thing, right?

This is charming, funny and well-written, with wonderful, vibrant characters and a story that will win your heart. The chemistry between Noelle and Sam is ‘turn-the-fan-on-high’ palpable, but completely closed-door, so no raging fires, but those glowing embers are still hot enough! Apart from romance, it’s also just a wonderful story about two people growing into who they’re meant to be - leaving some aspects of the past behind, while also discovering how much other aspects have determined their future.

It’s a solid 4.5 for me, and since it’s an unedited ARC, I’m forgiving the surprising number of grammatical errors. My main complaint is that it was initially difficult to buy into Noelle’s insta-attraction, but after the story got into its groove, I loved it. It’s the perfect cozy romance for the holidays or any time of year!

★★★★ ½ (rounded to 4)

*thanks to Atria books for sending a copy of this book my way!

3.5 stars
I absolutely adored Dear Emmie Blue last year, so I was really excited to get a copy of this!

I didn’t get the same mushy vibes I got with her other book. I thought based on the title that a large chunk of this book would be during the 8 hours that the two main characters meet. And it was actually a surprisingly short section. I think because a lot of their first magical interaction was glossed over, I had a hard time connecting with them as a couple later.

When we met Sam I did not get the attraction at all. He didn’t seem too great and he was honestly a jerk at some points (again, could be because we barely meet him). But I did warm up to him eventually.

There’s not a lot of romance in this, at least it didn’t feel like there was. There was a lot of life stuff happening and the characters were apart often.

There were also some things (Noelle’s family and Ed) that I would have liked more closure on.

I did find that these characters were relatable and three dimensional, and I couldn’t help but root for Noelle and everything she did. I did like where the story went, how it wrapped up, and were the characters ended.

I didn’t connect with it as much as I did Dear Emmie Blue, but this was cute!

Loved, loved, loved! The cover art says “rom-com” and is misleading. This is a story about love and serendipity but also grief, anxiety, and taking those first steps of faith. And how we sometimes get “stuck” in life due to things that happen in your youth. So much going on here.

Noelle is a 32-year-old daughter living at home helping to take care of her mom, a woman who has forgone her own dreams because her mom took care of her through a dark period of her life, and a friend who is still mourning the tragic loss of her best friend after 15 years. She has struggled with panic attacks and feelings of guilt but still muddles through because that’s what’s expected of her.

Sam is a mountain trail guide/climber who travels all over the world, a man with dad issues and a stalled long-term relationship.

These two meet during a snowstorm, and have an instant connection while stranded on the freeway for eight hours. I won’t go into further details but will say that these characters (both main/secondary) feel like living, breathing people to me. Their trials so real, their connection so sweet, their triumphs so heartfelt. There is humor here (snorting out loud humor), there are tears (both happy, sad and bittersweet) but there’s also strength, growth and acceptance.

My only caveat is some of the language. But if the story is there, and I’m invested, I can overlook that…it is, I was and I did.

I’ve previously read Dear Emmie Blue from this author, and suffice it to say I’m a fan of Lia Louis…for life.

Recommended and so well done!

My thanks to #NetGalley and #Atria/EmilyBestler for providing me the free early arc for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

This book was like a warm beverage for the soul. I was sucked in and could not put it down! The concept was so unique, I loved this book.

I love the idea of serendipity...and Louis did a wonderful job of created a storyline that made a chance encounter into a believable romantic story. I enjoyed Sam and Noelle's relationship and really appreciated how organic their connection felt (especially given the circumstances). I do think the ending drug on a little too much, but overall, this was a wonderful second novel from Lia Louis!

4.5 stars

Have you ever felt like you were destined to meet/be with someone? That all these little instances add up to more than just coincidences?

Eight Perfect Hours starts with exactly that… eight seemingly perfect hours. Noelle Butterby is on her way home from her 15 year reunion from college, when a freak snow storm, in March, halts all traffic. Visibly upset with a dead phone – her car neighbor (Sam Attwood) kindly offers to charge her phone. They spend the next eight hours charging her phone (with a few familial check-ins) and just talking. Once the roads are finally cleared up, Noelle is on her way back home, and Sam to the airport – he’s an American from Oregon. What are the chances that Noelle, who lives in England will ever see Sam, from America, again?

But destiny has other plans.

This was an amazing heartfelt book. There were so many nuances and twist and turns that my heart hurt. You can’t help but to root for Noelle. She has given so much of herself, slowly losing herself, that it’s time for her to shine and succeed. And Sam is there to remind her, that she is seen.

This was my second time reading a book by Lia Louis (Dear Emmie Blue was the first) and I can’t wait to see what she will come out with next. Thank you to @Netgalley and @Atria for the opportunity to read this.