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This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page

This Book Made Me Think of You

by Libby Page
  • BookBrowse Review:
  • Critics' Consensus (6):
  • Readers' Rating (67):
  • First Published:
  • Feb 3, 2026, 416 pages
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There are currently 32 reader reviews for This Book Made Me Think of You
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Nancy_Lay

This Book Is For Me
"This Book Made Me Think of You" has something for everyone: grief, resilience,family, friendship, books and reading, and even a little romance. There is a theme of grief throughout, but that grief is intertwined with so much resilience. As someone who has recently lost a loved one, I had great interest in following Tilly Nightingale as she navigates her life, her family relationships, and her career through the first year after her husband's death. The structure of the story is very interesting, especially as it traces her year through the books her husband has selected for her prior to his death. At the beginning of each chapter is a wonderfully curated list of books coordinated with the theme of the book selected by Tilly's husband for the month. "This Book Made Me Think Of You" is a thoughtfully written, sweet story.
Sylvia_L

This Book Made Me Think of You
I really enjoyed this heartwarming book and rate it 4.5. Themes include grief, lost dreams, getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things, love of friends and family, and being open to a new love and making new memories. The protagonist, Tillie, receives the gift of a book each month for a year, from her husband, Joe, who died 5 months prior. His letter in each book offers love and encouragement for her to try new things and move forward with her life. She bravely attempts the challenges, some with difficulty that made me laugh or shed a tear.

The main characters were likeable and well-developed; I felt like I knew them well. I loved Book Lane's monthly book recommendations and headings such as "Books to read when you don't feel like reading." I recommend this book to all book lovers who enjoy uplifting books about family drama and facing difficult life choices.
Power Reviewer
Susan_Roberts

Fantastic
This is a book about books and how they can change someone's life. This is a book about love and grief, family and friendships and most importantly it's about how books can make a major difference in someone's life.

Tilly's fiancé, Joe, had been dead for several months and she is just basically just getting by and having a tough time getting beyond her deep grief. When she receives a call from a local bookstore that there is a book on hold for her that was ordered by Joe, she's pretty skeptical. When she goes to the bookstore and meets the owner, Alfie, he tells her that before Joe died, he ordered 12 books - one for each month of the next year. The books were carefully chosen to help Tilly get through the next year. There was a book about Paris that inspired her to take a trip to Paris where she made new friends, there was as cookbook that inspired her to start preparing wonderful food and a book about running that inspired her to train and run a half marathon. She still missed Joe but the books he picked gave her other avenues to create a life without him.

This beautifully written book made me laugh and made me cry. I totally understood Tilly, the main character losing her love of reading after the death of her husband. The same thing happened to me after my husband died -- after years of reading 15-18 books a month, I read nothing for 3 months. I missed reading but just couldn't pick up a book. I loved the way that books ended up helping Tilly's grief by giving her new goals to accomplish. I was so impressed with this book that I just ordered three of Libby Page's earlier books. Plus I've added several of the books that were mentioned to my tbr lists.
Susan_L

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

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_W1

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_Zuber

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.

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