P.S I Love You

What happens when young love ends too soon? That is the fundamental theme of this stunning debut novel from Cecilia Ahern. Holly and Gerry had the type of love many of us can only ever dream of; childhood sweethearts who grew up together and became best friends, lovers and soulmates. So you can imagine Holly's grief when at the age of 30 Gerry is tragically taken from her, the victim of a brain tumour. Ahern carefully chronicles the time after Gerry dies, and Holly has to learn to live again, with a guiding hand from above...

In the years Holly and Gerry were together, they often joked that if he went first Holly would not be able to cope. The solution was 'the list' - Gerry decided he'd better leave a list of instructions and guidance for Holly. Of course when they were joking about this they never dreamed that they were be parted so prematurely.

At the time the story begins, Holly is starting to face life without Gerry. This seems to her to be an insurmountable task - how is she supposed to live without him? Then her mother reminds her that there is a letter waiting for her at her parents house...when she mentions it has the words 'The List' on it, Holly finally decides to have a look. Inside the envelope she finds a letter from Gerry and a set of envelopes - one labelled to be opened on a specific day each month. Each message ends with the line 'P.S. I love you'.

The story centres around these envelopes, and the tasks they contain. They range from the simple to the extravagant, from the touching to the downright hilarious. Supported by a range of well written characters and events, this original plot creates a fantastic book. It is one of those books you can not help but enjoy - at the moments it makes you laugh out loud, and the moments you have to reach for the tissues you realise its been a long time since you've read a book this good. Whether you want a beach read, something to travel with, or just a good book to kill some time with, this book should be top of anybodys' 'to read' list. [Jenni Nock]

P.S I Love You - Cecilia Ahern (£3.99 or from 75p used)

If you like this, you might like Under My Spell by Deborah Wright.

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