What astounded me when I read this author’s first book, PS I Love You, was her ability to capture, so sensitively, the essence of bereavement within a marriage when Cecelia was only 20 herself.  This, her second, is very different.  Firstly, it’s written in letters and emails between two friends and their families over 45 years, and secondly, it’s obvious from the start that the two were made for each other.  But fate, geography, circumstances and the like get in their way.  I’m not keen on letter and email novels but if you like your action in short sound-bites, then you can’t go wrong with this.

Comparison: Cathy Kelly, Maeve Binchy, Teresa Waugh.
Similar this month: Ben Sherwood, Clare Chambers.

Synopsis

From the no. 1 bestselling author of PS, I Love You comes an enchanting novel about two childhood friends whom fate and destiny can't help toying with! From naughty children to rebellious teenagers, Rosie and Alex have stuck by each other through thick and thin. But just as they're discovering the joys of teenage nights on the town and dating disasters, they're separated. Alex's family moves from Dublin to America -- and Alex goes with them. For good. Rosie's lost without her best friend. But on the eve of her departure to join Alex in Boston, Rosie gets news that will change her life forever -- and keep her at home in Ireland. Their magical connection sees them through the ups and downs of each other's lives but neither of them knows whether their friendship can really survive the years and miles -- as well as new relationships. And at the back of Rosie's mind is whether they were meant to be more than just good friends all along. Misunderstandings, circumstances and sheer bad luck have kept them out of each others' arms, but when presented with the ultimate opportunity, will they gamble everything -- including their friendship -- for true love? Destiny, Alex and Rosie discover, is a funny thing and fate isn't quite done with them yet!

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About the Author

Before embarking on her writing career, Cecelia Ahern completed a degree in journalism and media studies. Her first novel, PS I Love You, was one of the biggest-selling debut novels of recent years and has now sold over a million copies. Her successive bestselling novels are Where Rainbows End, If You Could See Me Now, A Place Called Here, Thanks for the Memories and The Gift.  PS, I Love You ,starring Hilary Swank, was a box office hit. Cecelia also co-created the hit American television comedy series Samantha Who?  In 2008, Cecelia won the award for Best New Writer at the GLAMOUR magazine Women of the Year Awards.   Cecelia lives in Dublin with her family. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation