‘If you’re reading this, it’s likely I’m dead. Probably murdered’

After a car crash leaves Libby close to death, she starts to question everything – especially if her husband, Jack, has ever really loved her.

Stuck at home recovering from her injuries, Libby starts to obsess over the untimely death of Eve, Jack’s beautiful, perfect first wife.

When Libby finds Eve’s diaries, though, she discovers ‘perfect’ Eve had a secret. And now Libby knows that secret her life may be in serious danger, too…

The Woman He Loved Before

by Dorothy Koomson

My review

The Woman He Loved Before is the second of Dorothy Koomson’s books I’ve read. I enjoyed The Friend in March last year. I really enjoy her writing style and very much look forward to adding her other books to my TBR list.

I loved the unusual way Libby and Jack meet. I wasn’t sure she was going to fall for his charms at first and I could understand her initial reluctance after their first encounter.

I couldn’t make my mind up about Jack more-or-less throughout the whole book. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be widowed so young though and to meet someone you think you can love properly again, but at the same time struggle with letting go of the one you believed to be the love of your life. I just can’t imagine. It doesn’t bare thinking about. I felt for him in many ways but at the same time he did make me wonder.

My heart went out to Libby, especially as she starts to learn more about Jack’s first wife and the life she led before they were married. The story became more and more tense the more I read on. I honestly didn’t know what to think from one chapter to the next. I almost became as anxious as Libby.

Eve is the most intriguing character. I think I liked her the best. I have no idea how she endured the life she led before meeting Jack. My heart broke for the relationship she missed out on with her mother, for the indignity and abuse she faced, and for the tragic way her life was cut so short. She deserved so much better.

I loved Butch too!

This is such a beautifully written, compelling, novel with an extremely satisfying conclusion.

I highly recommend!