Page 2 of 4
There are currently 28 member reviews
for This Book Made Me Think of You
-
Susan L. (Alexandria, VA)
A Year of Books
This book pulled me in with its concept and characters. How I longed for a bookshop like Alfie's to lose myself in and order up a year of books of my own. The grief hit hard and was familiar to anyone who has experienced loss, but the hope and focus on life made the book a joy to read. I think it captured the recovery process well and offered a way out to those who are in mourning.
-
Barbara E. (Rockville, MD)
The perfect antidote to today's troubles
This beautifully written novel explores love, loss, and the healing power of stories through the eyes of Tilly Nightingale, a woman adrift in grief after the death of her husband, Joe.
When Tilly receives a call from her local bookshop saying there's a birthday gift waiting for her, she's stunned. Not only has she long since fallen out of the habit of reading, but the gift—twelve carefully chosen books, each accompanied by a handwritten letter—is from Joe, who died five months earlier. Each package is meant to guide her through the next year, one book and one letter at a time, helping her navigate her first twelve months without him.
Reluctant at first, Tilly slowly begins to open herself to the experience, letting Joe's words and the novels he selected draw her back into the world. Through her monthly visits to Alfie, the kind, soft-spoken bookseller who helped Joe prepare the gift, Tilly finds not only solace but connection. Tilly's journey—from mourning to rediscovery—is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Along the way, the author celebrates the quiet magic of bookshops, the enduring comfort of words, and the way love can echo even after goodbye. Highly recommended!
-
Susan W. (Berkley, MI)
I laughed, I cried, and you will, too
I found this to have been a wonderful read on many levels. The plot line was relatable; most of us have lost someone close to us and have a hard time moving on. Tilly was perhaps an extreme example, yet her character immediately drew me in. I am admittedly a romantic as well as a lover of small bookstores, so I hoped early on that she would find solace in Alfie's bookshop. It was interesting that Joe had died before the story takes place, yet his personality is as strong as the other people. Don't we all wish someone in our life knows us well enough to think of twelve books that remind them of us?
The characters were delightful, and I hoped some of them would rise to more prominence, perhaps in a sequel. Personally I feel I have a hard time making friends, and I found myself wishing I could visit Alfie's bookshop too.
-
Ruth O. (Downingtown, PA)
Spreading Wings After Grief
Love, loss, grief and healing are central themes in the book. The story thoughtfully explores these themes through an unexpected gift. Mathilda's deceased husband left her a year of books, each with a personal note, that helped her change her life and get through her devastating grief. These books are delivered one at a time monthly—never in advance—by Alfie, the local bookstore owner. The story develops as Mathilda, an avid reader and self-described introvert, notices subtle hints in the selections and notes which help her to get her life back on track. She learns to spread her wings to try things she'd never done, developing new relationships as she navigates her new life.
Reading about Mathilda's transformation as each book impacts her life is both heartwarming and inspiring. The anticipation for the next book and the new direction it might take her keeps the story engaging. This novel is particularly suited for book clubs, as it offers rich material for discussion about grief, personal growth, and the unexpected ways in which love can continue to shape our lives even after loss.
-
Dawn Z.
A tender story of love, loss, and renewal
Libby Page’s This Book Made Me Think of You is a beautifully written, deeply compassionate novel about loss, love, and renewal. I was immediately drawn to Tilly Nightingale, whose husband Joe has died far too young—and yet continues to reach her through a year of carefully chosen books and letters meant to help her heal. It’s an imaginative and moving premise, and Page handles it with warmth, sincerity, and emotional honesty.
What struck me most was the balance between grief and hope. The story never rushes Tilly’s healing, and yet there’s an undercurrent of optimism that feels both comforting and believable. Her trip to Paris was a personal favorite section—it reminded me of a recent visit with my mom—and it’s where Tilly’s transformation truly takes shape.
Tilly’s connection with Alfie, the gentle bookseller, feels genuine and understated, and while Joe’s letters lean slightly sentimental (he's a guy, after all!), they’re still profoundly touching. Page’s prose is graceful without being overly polished, and her insights into love and loss feel earned. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys character-driven fiction, quiet romances, or novels where books themselves become catalysts for change.
-
Melinda J. (East Hampton, CT)
Fun book
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page is just a fun read. Matilda (Tilly) Nightingale (isn't that just a great character name!) receives a gift from her late husband of a book every month. The first month is a cookbook and Tilly gets back to cooking for her sister. Archie is the owner of the bookstore where Tilly picks up her monthly book and he has a cat, Georgette, and two employees who all become friends over the course of the year. Tilly begins to find her new life. She works as an editor in a publishing house but really isn't happy there. When she comes into some money from her late husband, she quits her job. This gives her the opportunity to really explore the books and she travels to Bali with her sister and to Paris on her own. In Paris she goes to the famous Shakespeare Book Store, attends a book club and meets members of a grief group who quickly become her friends. There are lots of laughs, especially when she tries camping with her friend Rachel and things go terribly wrong. There's also some sadness and just when you are afraid Tilly isn't going to move on with her life, there is a little twist. Perhaps Joe was really leading Tilly to a new life. A very fun read I loved the book.
-
Debra F. (Cudjoe Key, FL)
PS: I Love You
What's not to love reading a story about Books, Love, Surviving a loss, finding something to hold onto.
One of my favorite rom-com's is PS I Love You & although this is very different, there are echoes of it. A loved one passes yet manages to see his love through his loss through books! I Loved It!
Book Reviewed by:
