***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
'Evocative, emotional and heart-stoppingly romantic' Cathy BramleyThe one that she wants...
Adam Bowers; handsome, funny and with the charm of a rock star, from the moment she laid eyes on him, teenage Erin was smitten. But first loves don’t always last, and after a whirlwind romance, Erin and Adam go their separate ways. Yet, Erin never lets go of the feeling that Adam may have been her soul mate...
The one that she needs...
Greg fell in love with Erin in their first week at university. Solid, trustworthy and hopelessly devoted to Erin, he knows he's better for her than the feckless Adam, who is forever leaving Erin broken-hearted, before winning her back with his charm. As far as Greg is concerned, it’s easy to promise the world, but it’s harder to love someone for a lifetime.
The one that got away...
Years later Greg and Erin are married, and although life hasn’t always been easy, Greg’s love for Erin has never dimmed. But when Adam comes back, in desperate need of Erin's help, everything changes. Erin starts to wonder whether fate is trying to tell her something...
Will Erin risk it all for the man she had thought was ‘The One’?
From the author of the bestselling Before We Grow Old, Clare Swatman. A Love to Last a Lifetime is for anyone who had a first love, a lost love or a love that lasted forever. Perfect for all fans of Sophie Cousens, David Nicholls and Josie Silver.
Praise for Clare Swatman:
'I loved How To Save A Life by Clare Swatman. Warm, romantic and wonderfully written, it's an emotional and thought-provoking read with such relatable characters.' Debbie Howells
'How To Save A Life is a beautiful love story that vividly evokes time and place, transporting the reader... and leaves you rooting for everyone who is brave enough to follow their heart and not their head.' Victoria Scott
'Heart-breaking and life-affirming in equal measures, Before We Grow Old is the tender story of a chance meeting between former childhood sweethearts Fran and Will, and is packed with secrets and revelations. Through her beautiful writing, Clare Swatman delivers a powerful lesson in learning to love with your whole heart and accepting the same, no matter what life throws at you.' Sarah Bennett
'Irresistible . . . A delightfully bittersweet story that will appeal to fans of One Day' - Sunday Mirror
'How to Save a Life is a breathless story of enduring love that will fill your heart and give you hope.' Laura Kemp
How to Save a Life is a gorgeously romantic, sliding doors love story about how The One will find you in the end.' Katy Regan
Love to Last a Lifetime by Clare Swatman is a story about choices and the one that got away.
Story Recap:
Erin is married to Greg, the solid dependable guy who adores Erin, their marriage is having some difficulties, but Greg still loves Erin as much as he did on the day they got married. Adam is the charming, love of Erin’s life who she let get away many years ago. Erin always believed that Adam was her soulmate, but after their tumultuous whirlwind romance, he left and never came back.
When Adam returns to town and needs Erin’s help, Erin still feels strongly attracted to Adam and feels like he’s better than ever. But, she’s still married to staid, dependable, Greg. What will she do?
My Thoughts:
This book is all about the love triangle between Erin, Adam and Greg. I felt for Erin and her indecision, and the book certainly is emotional. I enjoyed watching Erin grow and learn more about herself and what she really wants in life.
I also liked the flashbacks to young teenage Erin as it gave me a good insight into her life and how she felt about Adam and her life during that time. And I liked learning about Erin and Greg’s beginning as it also gave me some insight into their relationship and why they are having problems in the present.
The book did drag a bit as I was anxious to find out what Erin would decide, and it seemed that she was paralyzed with indecision for a lot of the book.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend A Love to Last a Lifetime to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Clare Swatman
Clare Swatman is the author of three women’s fiction novels, published by Macmillan, which have been translated into over 20 languages. She has been a journalist for over twenty years, writing for Bella and Woman & Home amongst many other magazines. She lives in Hertfordshire. Before We Grow Old, was published in January 2022.
I’m not a women’s fiction fan as you know, but this one sounds like something I might really connect with! Although if the indecision lasts as long as you say, I might get annoyed too. Great review!
Great review…. I am not a fan of love triangles but this sounds good. I think it’s because I struggle with indecision and reading about it makes stresses me out. lol
I’m so glad you shared this with us because I hadn’t heard about it at all! Before I had even read all the way through, I thought, “this reminds me of a Josie Silver book,” and sure enough, you said it was perfect for fans of Josie Silver! Haha!
I always roll my eyes a little at “the love of my life.” I think our society puts too much emphasis on emotions and sex in a relationship. Whatever happened to commitment? That is a much better predictor of marriage success. You can tell who I am rooting for in this book!🤣
Ooh, I’m not sure about this one for me. Love triangles always make me feel anxious, and not in a good way. Glad you liked it.
I’m not a women’s fiction fan as you know, but this one sounds like something I might really connect with! Although if the indecision lasts as long as you say, I might get annoyed too. Great review!
What an emotional torture for all involved. Hope she sticks it out with Greg. Steady guys are under-valued gems in romance fiction. 🙂
Sounds good, even though I am not a fan of love triangles. Nice review, Wendy.
I enjoy glimpses from the past with characters too as I do think it provides insight and sometimes context. Great review Wendy.
Great review…. I am not a fan of love triangles but this sounds good. I think it’s because I struggle with indecision and reading about it makes stresses me out. lol
Love triangles is a trope I avoid, unless its by an author whose work I am familiar with. and even then it depends on my mood. Too stressing.😊
Oooh, I’m an oddball who usually likes triangles. I might need to look into this one! Great review!
If you like triangles, this is a good one!
I don’t like love triangles and even less when a character is indecisive. This isn’t for me. Great review, Wendy!
It’s not a good one if you don’t like love triangles as that’s what the entire book is about!
I’m so glad you shared this with us because I hadn’t heard about it at all! Before I had even read all the way through, I thought, “this reminds me of a Josie Silver book,” and sure enough, you said it was perfect for fans of Josie Silver! Haha!
That’s so good to know! I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
This sounds like a unique romance! I like when flashbacks are used too.
I do too! Thank you, Joanna!
I don’t think I could read this one. Love triangles stress me out!!!
It’s a pretty intense triangle too.
I always roll my eyes a little at “the love of my life.” I think our society puts too much emphasis on emotions and sex in a relationship. Whatever happened to commitment? That is a much better predictor of marriage success. You can tell who I am rooting for in this book!🤣
I agree with you, Linda. Commitment is so important.
Indecision is something I struggle with too, so probably would be able to relate. Glad this was fun enough despite dragging a bit.
Thank you, Mallika!
It’s a shame about the dragging but I would want to know too. Love triangles are frustratingly compelling to me. Excellent review!
Thank you, Tessa!
Wonderful review Wendy! I wonder who she chooses?🤷📚💜
It was a surprise to me!
Great review, Wendy! I’m not a super fan of love triangles but I have a feeling this isn’t your typical triangle. Thanks for sharing!
It is a bit different than many I have read!
I already know whose team I’m on just from the description. Nice review, Wendy!
Thank you, Teri! I was surprised with the ending on this one!
I need to know who she chooses! (though I have a suspicion.) Great review, Wendy!
Thank you, Rae. I was surprised by her choice!
This does sound like a lovely story & one I would enjoy, great review 😊
Thank you, Jenny