Her husband died in an accident and it’s her fault but she can’t remember what happened. She’s devastated but can’t find the courage to go on, even after two years. When someone she meets during her work offers help she decides to take the steps back in time to discover what happened that faithful day? But is she ready for the truth?

What an entertaining story. Great storytelling with an end that I didn’t expect. It was my first book by this author but the next one is waiting on my kindle.

Thanks the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story.

A little bit mystery, a little bit historical fiction, a little bit emotional women's fiction, a touch of the supernatural, a whole heap of deception and a hint of romance - whatever your genre, it's in this book!

His Other Life follows Isla, two years after the death of her husband. Jonah, in a car crash that her own memory has blocked out. with the encouragement of 90 year old Mav, one of Isla's Meals on Wheels clients, Isla realises that in order to move on, she needs to know what happened that night. A note in Jonah's pocket, simply saying, "call Gemma", becomes the focus of Isla and Mav's search for the truth.

The story is well written and i found myself immersed in Isla's world. I did work out one of the big twists very early on, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story as there were plenty more surprises in store!

4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Anna E. Collins and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.

After suffering amnesia from a car crash which killed her husband, Isla goes in search of answers in an attempt to move on. This is a quietly beautiful and haunting novel about the fragility of human relationships, the complexity of human emotions and behaviour and the effects of loss. The plot is perfectly paced and the characters are skillfully drawn making this a very compelling if sad (but ultimately hopeful) read.

Enjoyed this book. Was easy to follow and well worth a read. Thanks to Net Galley for the early read!

This wasn't the thriller I was expecting but it was still an amazing read. A woman has amnesia after being the driver in a car accident that killed her husband and goes on a road trip to retrace that day to try to get her memory back. So many secrets and twists (some you can see coming), but overall a very compulsive and quick read. I'm not quite sure about that ending though, but I guess some people are more forgiving than I would be. 4.5*

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I really enjoyed this story. It was well written and had so many pieces. Despite this it was not confusing and easy to follow. Reminded me of Nicholas Sparks style

This book offers a story that has been told countless times; (of a man who cheats on his wife, but then decides to stay with his wife and make a go of his marriage) told in an intriguing way. Isla has no memory of the crash that killed her husband Jonah, and her quest to recover her memory leads to the discovery of another life he led with someone else. And while the story does get drawn out and bogged down with grief, betrayal and rediscovery, it does have heartwarming elements with rays of hope sprinkled among the dreary chaos of Isla's life. The author allows you to connect with her characters and feel their triumph and pain. While the predictability of the story can be a negative, the positive definitely lies in the wholesomeness of the characters and the outcome. An easy to read happily-ever-after, that begins with tragedy. Good one!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Great story, very emotional and had me hooked from the beginning. Isla’s search for the truth about the accident is heartbreaking.

This was an emotional read about a woman who lost her husband in a car crash when she was driving, the only problem is she has no memory of what happened or why she was driving and the not knowing is killing her. After a long recovery from her own injuries she is being forced to return to the land of the living and a new friend prompts her to start trying to find answers so she can finally move on but is everything she thought she knew about her husband and those around her the true story.

This is my first experience reading Anna E. Collins, and let me tell you, I was completely hooked from the start and devoured it in one sitting.

In this compelling story, Isla is deeply troubled by the mysterious accident that has left her feeling broken and unable to move on with her life. At her mother's insistence, she gets involved in a senior food delivery program where she meets Mav, a 90-year-old man who nudges her to seek out what happened leading up to the accident. With his gentle guidance, Isla begins to confront the dark night that changed everything, hoping she will find the answers she so desperately needs to make sense of her past.

As Isla embarks on her journey, each revelation leads to more questions, ultimately upending everything she believed to be true about her life.

Collins' masterful writing brought the characters to life in such a way that they leapt off the page and into my imagination as if I was watching this story unfold from the sidelines. She pulled me in from the very first chapter, and I found myself completely captivated until the surprising conclusion. This journey of discovery is one I won’t easily forget!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with the advanced copy to read and review.

Wow, this was a great read…filled with emotion, mourning, new beginnings and discovery. I’m not a fan of cheating in books …but I was intrigued with this story so I kept reading.

Isla is in a deep depression and just wants answers and to get relief from the guilt she feels everyday. She’s become somewhat of a recluse but finds comfort with an unexpected friend she meets through work.

Gemma isn’t looking for love but an unexpected friendship to romance begins with a man she meets at work. Things are not as they seem.

This book is truly heartbreaking for Isla…however, her strength, determination and forgiveness is quite amazing. I seriously did not expect the ending…quite a twist.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the complimentary copy.

Two years have passed since Isla's husband Jonah died in a car accident. Isla has no recollection of that day/evening. Her life is derailed thinking she is at fault for the fatal crash. As she tries to move past it, she meets an elderly veteran Maverick who agrees to help her find some answers. As they embark on a journey to find hints about what happened that night more and more information is brought to light that is shocking. I really enjoyed this book. I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.

His Other Life by Anna E. Collins is an emotionally charged journey of grief, betrayal, and rediscovery that will resonate with readers who enjoy stories blending suspense and personal growth. The novel follows Isla, a woman still reeling from the tragic loss of her husband, Jonah, in a car accident over two years ago. Unable to recall the events leading up to his death, Isla is trapped in a cycle of unanswered questions and unresolved grief.

Isla’s journey begins to shift when she meets Maverick, a spirited 90-year-old veteran, whose sharp wit and unyielding support breathe new life into her search for the truth. Their unexpected friendship becomes a cornerstone as Isla starts to retrace her steps from the day of the accident. Along the way, shocking revelations about Jonah’s hidden life come to light, forcing Isla to confront betrayal, loss, and the complex layers of love.

Collins masterfully weaves an engaging narrative filled with twists, emotional depth, and a touch of hope. The relationship between Isla and Maverick is a standout, offering a heartwarming counterpoint to the darker discoveries Isla uncovers. Flashbacks provide a poignant look at Isla’s past with Jonah, adding emotional weight to her quest for closure.

Likes:
Emotional Depth: Isla’s grief and determination are portrayed with authenticity, making her journey relatable and impactful.
Dynamic Characters: Maverick is a delight, bringing humor and wisdom to a story steeped in sorrow. Isla’s evolution throughout the novel is compelling.
Suspenseful Twists: The revelations about Jonah’s secrets keep the pages turning, adding a layer of intrigue to Isla’s quest for answers.
Dislikes:
Predictability: While the story is engaging, some plot points and twists may feel familiar to seasoned readers of domestic dramas.
Secondary Characters: Certain supporting characters, like Louise, could have been fleshed out more to deepen the narrative.
Overall, His Other Life is a heartfelt and suspenseful exploration of the lies that can fracture relationships and the resilience it takes to rebuild one’s life after tragedy. Collins strikes a delicate balance between emotional resonance and mystery, making this a satisfying read for fans of both. Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this touching novel—highly recommended!

Name :- His Other Life
Author :- Anna E. Collins
Genre :- Psychological Thriller
His Other Life by Anna E. Collins is a haunting and emotional exploration of love, betrayal, and the painful search for truth. The story follows the journey of a woman, devastated by the sudden loss of her husband, Jonah, in a tragic car accident. Two years after his death, she revisits the hotel where they had been staying before the accident, hoping to find some closure. However, what she uncovers there changes everything she thought she knew about her marriage.
The novel is propelled by the discovery of a note hidden in Jonah’s jacket—two simple words: "Call Gemma." This revelation forces the protagonist to confront the possibility that Jonah had been hiding a secret life, including a possible affair. As she navigates the turmoil of grief, shock, and betrayal, the woman faces an agonizing dilemma: should she unearth the painful truth about her husband's hidden world, or leave the past buried to preserve the memories she had of him?
Collins weaves a compelling narrative full of emotional depth and psychological complexity. The protagonist's struggle between love and heartbreak, loyalty and truth, is both relatable and heartbreaking. The pacing of the novel keeps readers on edge, with each new piece of information revealing more about Jonah’s hidden life and drawing the protagonist deeper into a web of mystery and uncertainty.
Likes:
1 Emotional Depth: The novel does an excellent job of exploring the complex emotions surrounding loss, betrayal, and the desire for truth. The protagonist’s internal struggle is relatable and impactful.
2 Suspense and Mystery: The discovery of the note and the ensuing mystery about the husband's secrets kept me hooked. The suspense builds steadily, making it hard to put the book down.
3 Character Development: The protagonist's journey of self-discovery and her evolving feelings about her marriage and her husband are engaging and realistic.
Dislikes:
1 Predictability: While the book is suspenseful, the core mystery about the affair and the husband's secrets felt a bit predictable. Some readers may find the plot twists somewhat easy to guess.
2 Secondary Characters: Some secondary characters, like Gemma, felt underdeveloped. They serve the plot, but I would have liked to see them fleshed out more to add complexity to the narrative.
Overall, His Other Life is a solid read, with a mix of emotional and suspenseful storytelling, though it may not offer many surprises for those well-versed in domestic thrillers.
My Rating :- 4/5

Two years Isla’s husband Jonah. was killed in a tragic car accident. Isla doesn't have all the details of the crash and does her best to move on.

I loved all the characters in this book It is a book that you have to read in one go, it's intense, addictive and the story is just brilliant.

Secrets and lies hold the plot together and I absolutely loved it

What a brilliant dark and twisty read this is which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout

The characters were good and it made great storytelling with everything brought to a satisfactory ending

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC which I have no hesitation in recommending

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for an early copy of His Other Life. I Loved the title and knew I wanted to read it by that. It took awhile to get into, I was wondering where Mav fit in, also Louise. There was a WOW twist towards the end and it wrapped up every question I wondered about nicely. It really wasn’t gripping but it was a good read, left me smiling. Definitely was a healing story.

Holy smokes ! Gasp ! I was not expecting this to be so twisted . The cover gives us wholesome vibes . This book is packed with deceit and lies and scandal and I loved it so dang much ! ALL the stars ! This book I binged in a day ! Had a hard time putting this book down .

More than two years have passed since the tragic car crash that claimed the life of Isla’s husband, Jonah. The details of that fateful day remain elusive to her, and her life has come to a grinding halt. Even her once-proud career as a university professor no longer holds significance. Isla is consumed by a desperate need to remember the day leading up to the accident and unravel the reasons behind Jonah’s peculiar behavior.

In her quest for answers, Isla crosses paths with Maverick, a spry veteran who agrees to assist her. Despite his age of 90, Maverick exudes a youthful vitality that captivates Isla. Together, they embark on a journey to help Isla not only regain her memory of the crash but also find the strength to move forward with her life. A glimmer of hope emerges as Isla begins to piece together fragments of her past, even though the path ahead is fraught with uncertainty.

As Isla delves deeper into her memories, flashback scenes reveal a life Jonah led in complete secrecy. This newfound knowledge fuels her determination to uncover the truth and find closure. Maverick’s presence and Louise’s availability provide her with unwavering support and assistance throughout her journey.

This touching and emotionally resonant story was an easy one-sitting read. The revelations that unfolded throughout the narrative evoked a range of feelings within me, leaving me with a profound sense of connection to Isla’s plight. This story compels me to seek out more from this talented author.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Knowing your other half has died in an accident is terrible and it's only natural you need time to grieve. 

That is not the only thing on your mind though. You cannot remember what happened except for a few facts that make you even feel worse. Replaying happy memories and feeling sorry for yourself is not going to help you. 

The only thing you need is to retrace your steps and find out what really went on that day. 

Will Isla get what she came for? 

This was a great and intriguing story. It had suspense, lots of revelations and lots of love in it. Those three things were sprinkled with a few heartbreaking scenes as well which made it a very emotional read too.

I was moved, shocked, smiling and wiping away a few tears during this read and I loved it. 5 stars

Thank you