Blog Tour: The Woman Who Met Herself by Laura Pearson

 

A few weeks ago, I posted about an author I love and I said that I was genetically predisposed to love her books! I think that, having now read four of Laura Pearson's books, I am almost prepared to make that same declaration for her! I love her unusual ideas and the ways that she goes about writing them

When there is an unexpected knock at her door, Ruth Waverley has no idea that her life is going to be completely changed. Standing on the other side is widow Debbie Jones who is working as a charity doorknocker. When the door opens, they see a woman who looks practically identical to themselves. After the initial shock wears off Ruth and Debbie agree to meet to begin to discover each other's pasts. After all, it can't just be a coincidence that they look so alike.

Ruth has been married to Nigel for many years. They have raised twin boys, and now she has a cherished granddaughter. She bakes cakes from her home kitchen - fancy birthday cakes and the like - but she doesn't really feel seen by her family, especially by her husband. She and her younger sister Kate are also dealing with their elderly mum whose dementia is getting worse. There are the clear days when she recognises her children, but other days she has no idea who they are.

Debbie has just started her job working for the charity. Her husband Richie died unexpectedly the year before so she loves that this job will keep getting her out and about and that she will be meeting people. She quickly forms a bond with her co-workers Jitu and Matty. She really is a people person. People are drawn to her. She also has a bit of an adventurous spirit.

As the two women try to figure out exactly how they are connected and what led to their separation, family secrets are revealed that have been kept hidden for more than 60 years come to light. We see the two women as they begin to form a bond, which brings challenging moments for Kate as well. It isn't only a book about looking to the past though. It is a chance for both women to reevaluate their lives and decide if they want to make changes going forward to be able to live their best lives.

I am someone who has a face that people recognise. Just last week a woman was looking at me as we walked past each other and asked if we knew each other to which my answer was no. She told me that I definitely have a doppelganger who lives on the other side of the city! The idea of actually meeting a doppelganger though...that would be quite freaky!

The previous books I have read from Laura Pearson all had an element of magical realism in them but this one doesn't. It relies on the unusual premise for the framework and it works! This is another fine book from Laura Pearson, a real treat on many levels! I enjoyed the way that she weaves serious issues through her stories, without ever feeling too heavy, and yet I get all the feels from reading her books too!

I do have a few more Laura Pearson books to read, and I will get to them, especially when I need something magical to take me away from my own life!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 4.5/5

About the book

The Woman Who Met Herself

What would you do, if you met your double?

Debbie Jones thinks life is an adventure. Even having lost her husband a year ago, she’s ready for whatever the world might throw her way. Being in her sixties doesn’t mean it’s all over for her yet, and she loves her new job doing neighbourhood support for a charity. Then she knocks on a stranger’s front door.

Ruth Waverley doesn’t like surprises. Her life isn’t perhaps all she once dreamed off, but what other options are there for a woman in her sixties? She’s proud of her home and children. And she likes her life well enough. Then she hears someone knocking at the door.

As the door opens, both Ruth and Debbie get the shock of their lives. As their eyes meet – the recognition is instant. Not because they’ve met before. But because they have the same face. They’re completely identical.

And everything is about to change, for both women. In ways they couldn’t possibly imagine…

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/WomanWhoMetHerself

About the Author 

Laura Pearson is the author of the #1 bestseller The Last List of Mabel Beaumont. She founded The Bookload on Facebook and has had several pieces published in the Guardian and the Telegraph.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @LauraPearson22
Twitter: @LauraPAuthor
Instagram: @LauraPAuthor
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/LauraPearsonNews
Bookbub profile: @laurapearson22