So I did something that I said I’d never do, I spent £5 on a kindle book, when I could have probably bought the paperback for less at the supermarket! But in my defence, I had been stuck in hospital for 2 weeks and I was bored out of my mind, as I refused to pay £8 a day to watch TV!

I loved this book so much that I read it in one day, I stayed up til half past midnight to finish it, even though I knew I’d be woken up at half five to have my blood pressure checked by one of the lovely nurses. I literally couldn’t put it down once I’d started reading, Moyes has definitely crafted a masterpiece.

I’d heard lots of people talking about the book and about how much they wanted to see the film, but I had absolutely no idea what the book was about before I read it, I just assumed it was the usual run of the mill chick-lit with a happily ever after ending, so boy was I surprised as I made my way through the book.

I laughed, I cried, I was shocked, I don’t think there’s any emotion that Moyes didn’t make me feel. I absolutely loved Louisa, such a relatable character who you could immediately imagine as your best friend. And the gorgeous Will, the way he is portrayed means you never feel sorry for him, you can see him as a normal human being, and sense the emotions he is feeling so deeply.

If you’re after a nice fluffy chick-lit book, don’t be fooled by the cover and think this is the book for you. It’s utterly heartbreaking, and no matter how much you think you can change the ending, you’re not going to be filled with the warmth of a happily-ever-after. I was left with tears rolling down my face trying to surpress the sobs that were threatening to erupt, even though I’d been given more than 300 pages to prepare for what was coming.

Some reviews on Goodreads seem to suggest that this book makes it seem like a disabled life is not worth living, but it’s doing quite the opposite. Moyes has tackled a very difficult situation, but one that is all too real for some families. It would be nice to think that all disabled people live their lives swimming with dolphins and getting involved in disability sports and everything is lovely and happy, but for some people, that’s just not the case. Kudos to Moyes for bringing this to page and screen in such a delicate and well balanced way.

I’m so so glad that I decided to buy this ebook, not only did it fill my day with such emotions and joy, but it’s stuck with me since. I can’t wait to read the follow up, After You, to catch up with Louisa and see how Will has changed her life.

On a related note, I went to see the film at the weekend, and it was simply perfect. Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin and Matthew Lewis were all perfect casting, not to mention the extended cast around them. The film was very faithful to the book, obviously parts were missed out but having read an interview with Moyes who also wrote the screenplay, I can fully understand why. I’d definitely recommend the film to everyone, but READ THE BOOK FIRST!!!