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Have I Told You Lately
One photo and a handful of letters can change everything.
Emmie Brown has always known she was adopted. Nellie Brown sacrificed everything to make their life together comfortable and, while not the most demonstrative or warm woman, Emmie never doubted her devotion. But, when Emmie finds a stash of letters and a hidden photo after her mother’s death, everything she has believed changes in an instant. And she won’t be able to rest until she finds the mysterious ‘G’ who sent the letters.
Emmie’s quest takes her to the breathtakingly beautiful Isle of Siskin and into the home of the gregarious, fiercely loyal Hawkins family. After an isolated and introverted life, the burst of colour and noise is overwhelming. But soon Emmie feels her heart begin to open, her mind begin to dream. And as her friendship with kind and gorgeous islander Pip Hawkins gets closer, endless possible futures draw into focus.
But the discovery of ‘G’s true identity will mean Emmie has to choose. One of her choices would mean revealing secrets hidden for decades, one could lead to happiness, but both will need Emmie to be braver than she’s ever been…
Emmie Brown has always known she was adopted. Nellie Brown sacrificed everything to make their life together comfortable and, while not the most demonstrative or warm woman, Emmie never doubted her devotion. But, when Emmie finds a stash of letters and a hidden photo after her mother’s death, everything she has believed changes in an instant. And she won’t be able to rest until she finds the mysterious ‘G’ who sent the letters.
Emmie’s quest takes her to the breathtakingly beautiful Isle of Siskin and into the home of the gregarious, fiercely loyal Hawkins family. After an isolated and introverted life, the burst of colour and noise is overwhelming. But soon Emmie feels her heart begin to open, her mind begin to dream. And as her friendship with kind and gorgeous islander Pip Hawkins gets closer, endless possible futures draw into focus.
But the discovery of ‘G’s true identity will mean Emmie has to choose. One of her choices would mean revealing secrets hidden for decades, one could lead to happiness, but both will need Emmie to be braver than she’s ever been…
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2025
1978 people are currently reading
920 people want to read
About the author
Beth Moran
22 books902 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family
Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
January 11, 2025
All my reviews can be found on:
The Book Review Crew Blog
I fell in love with my first Beth Moran book, Let It Snow and she continues to write cozy reads that are more than just a romance. This author always ticks all the boxes for me.
Emmie is adopted and her mom, Nellie gave up everything so that she and Emmie could have a good life. When Emmie discovers a photo and bunch of love letters from someone called G her hunt for this mysterious man finds her on the Isle of Siskin and there she meets the Hawkins family. She tries to discover Gs true identity and when she does it's very surprising
Beth Moran writes loveable characters that are realistic and are written with depth. Are they perfect? No, and I like that about them. I love Emmie's friendship with Blessing. Blessing is someone I wish I had in my corner. Emmie and Pip had such a wonderful relationship and when she meets his family and got to know them I was I wishing I was one of them. This story has a wonderful community at its center and the Isle of Siskin was a character as well. I loved discovering it with Emmie. While she was discovering the island she was also learning about herself. This is also a story about women helping women and how easy your life can change.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the food from the book. Emmie took over a little kiosk in the airport when her mom died. They sell drinks and pasties. I love fiction books filled with food. The pasty ingredients, recipes and the making of them made my mouth water and my tummy rumble.
This book had a little bit of everything mystery, conflict, romance, travel and the discovering of oneself. Yet another heartwarming story by Beth Moran.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
I fell in love with my first Beth Moran book, Let It Snow and she continues to write cozy reads that are more than just a romance. This author always ticks all the boxes for me.
Emmie is adopted and her mom, Nellie gave up everything so that she and Emmie could have a good life. When Emmie discovers a photo and bunch of love letters from someone called G her hunt for this mysterious man finds her on the Isle of Siskin and there she meets the Hawkins family. She tries to discover Gs true identity and when she does it's very surprising
Beth Moran writes loveable characters that are realistic and are written with depth. Are they perfect? No, and I like that about them. I love Emmie's friendship with Blessing. Blessing is someone I wish I had in my corner. Emmie and Pip had such a wonderful relationship and when she meets his family and got to know them I was I wishing I was one of them. This story has a wonderful community at its center and the Isle of Siskin was a character as well. I loved discovering it with Emmie. While she was discovering the island she was also learning about herself. This is also a story about women helping women and how easy your life can change.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the food from the book. Emmie took over a little kiosk in the airport when her mom died. They sell drinks and pasties. I love fiction books filled with food. The pasty ingredients, recipes and the making of them made my mouth water and my tummy rumble.
This book had a little bit of everything mystery, conflict, romance, travel and the discovering of oneself. Yet another heartwarming story by Beth Moran.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
January 9, 2025
I received a free copy of, Have I Told You Lately, by Beth Moran, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Emmie Brown mother has died, she found papers that changed the way she saw things including her mom and herself. This book had a lot going on, I enjoyed seeing what was going to happen next. A really good read.
April 15, 2025
EXCERPT: Sometimes, the tiniest thing can kickstart a chain of events that changes everything. For me, that dull Sunday morning in June, it was the simple act of sleeping through my alarm. Or rather, sticking one arm into the chilly air outside my duvet, whacking the button so hard the clock bounced off my bedside table, and promptly falling straight back to sleep.
ABOUT 'HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY': One photo and a handful of letters can change everything.
Emmie Brown has always known she was adopted. Nellie Brown sacrificed everything to make their life together comfortable and, while not the most demonstrative or warm woman, Emmie never doubted her devotion. But, when Emmie finds a stash of letters and a hidden photo after her mother’s death, everything she has believed changes in an instant. And she won’t be able to rest until she finds the mysterious ‘G’ who sent the letters.
Emmie’s quest takes her to the breathtakingly beautiful Isle of Siskin and into the home of the gregarious, fiercely loyal Hawkins family. After an isolated and introverted life, the burst of colour and noise is overwhelming. But soon Emmie feels her heart begin to open, her mind begin to dream. And as her friendship with kind and gorgeous islander Pip Hawkins gets closer, endless possible futures draw into focus.
But the discovery of ‘G’s true identity will mean Emmie has to choose. One of her choices would mean revealing secrets hidden for decades, one could lead to happiness, but both will need Emmie to be braver than she’s ever been…
MY THOUGHTS: A lovely, sweet chic-lit story which needs the reader to somewhat suspend belief.
There is a romance, a very slow-burn one which I enjoyed. A romance where the two characters involved didn't immediately jump into bed together. There's definitely plenty of smoldering desire but no sex.
There's also a mystery concerning the past of Emmie's adoptive mum, and that I enjoyed greatly. This spills over into a family drama where accusations are made, lies told, and Emmie is the victim of a targeted campaign designed to discredit her and drive her off the island. And no, I didn't guess who was behind it. My thoughts were very much in tune with Emmie's on this.
Have I Told You Lately was working quite well for me until the end, when Blessing takes matters into her own hands. The ending felt forced and didn't sit well with me, particularly concerning Rosemary, Pip's mum and Blessing's interference. Mind you, I had quite lost patience with Emmie's stubbornness concerning her relationship, or should I say non-relationship, with Pip, but not enough that Blessing's solution seemed at all acceptable.
A mixed bag for me, but more enjoyable than not. I would have preferred a different route to the ending.
⭐⭐⭐.5
#HaveIToldYouLately #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Have I Told You Lately by Beth Moran for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I combined reading with listening to Have I Told You Lately written by Beth Moran, and superbly narrated by Rosalind Steele. Both formats were equally engaging.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY': One photo and a handful of letters can change everything.
Emmie Brown has always known she was adopted. Nellie Brown sacrificed everything to make their life together comfortable and, while not the most demonstrative or warm woman, Emmie never doubted her devotion. But, when Emmie finds a stash of letters and a hidden photo after her mother’s death, everything she has believed changes in an instant. And she won’t be able to rest until she finds the mysterious ‘G’ who sent the letters.
Emmie’s quest takes her to the breathtakingly beautiful Isle of Siskin and into the home of the gregarious, fiercely loyal Hawkins family. After an isolated and introverted life, the burst of colour and noise is overwhelming. But soon Emmie feels her heart begin to open, her mind begin to dream. And as her friendship with kind and gorgeous islander Pip Hawkins gets closer, endless possible futures draw into focus.
But the discovery of ‘G’s true identity will mean Emmie has to choose. One of her choices would mean revealing secrets hidden for decades, one could lead to happiness, but both will need Emmie to be braver than she’s ever been…
MY THOUGHTS: A lovely, sweet chic-lit story which needs the reader to somewhat suspend belief.
There is a romance, a very slow-burn one which I enjoyed. A romance where the two characters involved didn't immediately jump into bed together. There's definitely plenty of smoldering desire but no sex.
There's also a mystery concerning the past of Emmie's adoptive mum, and that I enjoyed greatly. This spills over into a family drama where accusations are made, lies told, and Emmie is the victim of a targeted campaign designed to discredit her and drive her off the island. And no, I didn't guess who was behind it. My thoughts were very much in tune with Emmie's on this.
Have I Told You Lately was working quite well for me until the end, when Blessing takes matters into her own hands. The ending felt forced and didn't sit well with me, particularly concerning Rosemary, Pip's mum and Blessing's interference. Mind you, I had quite lost patience with Emmie's stubbornness concerning her relationship, or should I say non-relationship, with Pip, but not enough that Blessing's solution seemed at all acceptable.
A mixed bag for me, but more enjoyable than not. I would have preferred a different route to the ending.
⭐⭐⭐.5
#HaveIToldYouLately #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Have I Told You Lately by Beth Moran for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I combined reading with listening to Have I Told You Lately written by Beth Moran, and superbly narrated by Rosalind Steele. Both formats were equally engaging.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
January 27, 2025
My new favourite Beth Moran book!
I knew from the very first chapter that this book had me in a chokehold.
I was gripped, and had an affinity with the main character that I hadn't felt in some time. To throw all your energy into your work but knowing it was killing you and you were struggling to live your life outside of that.
Then the intrigue started, when she finds a photo of her mother that is so different to how she remembered her, and I couldn't put it down. A truly fantastic read.
I knew from the very first chapter that this book had me in a chokehold.
I was gripped, and had an affinity with the main character that I hadn't felt in some time. To throw all your energy into your work but knowing it was killing you and you were struggling to live your life outside of that.
Then the intrigue started, when she finds a photo of her mother that is so different to how she remembered her, and I couldn't put it down. A truly fantastic read.
March 14, 2025
Have I Told You Lately by Beth Moran is a book about choices you make in life and the consequences of them. Some times those choices are made by others and you just follow along. Emmie Brown was adopted by her "mom" Nellie Brown when she was only one month old. She always knew this and never really thought much of it. Nellie owned a food cart at the airport and sold homemade pasty's there. Her cart was very popular and people loved the food. She worked hard, never took time off, and taught Emmie to be the same way. Emmie helped her mom and worked hard preparing food since she was a little girl. When Nelle died, Emmie took over the cart and kept everything going as it had always been. She gets up at 4:30 every morning to get the food ready, loaded, and drives to the airport. She watches people come and go from amazing places each and every day. Emmie has never been anywhere as she's never had time off. On her one day off each week she does laundry, cleans, orders her food for the following week, and maybe gets a little reading in. Is this really what she wants her life to be?
Emmie has friends at the airport and that helps her to get through. She especially likes a student that drops by her cart quite regularly. His name is Pip and he's a farmer going to college in town to learn of new ways to help his family farm. Emmie looks forward to Pip's visits and he finds a way to see Emmie as often as he can. When he tells Emmie he's graduating and heading back to Siskin, an island a couple of hours away, she's immediately sad. Emmie decides to go to Siskin with Pip as she could use a vacation. She's also found a box of letters that her mom kept from a man signed by a man with the initial G. He is from Siskin and Emmie is hoping to track him down. From the letters it seems like Nelle and G were in love and possibly even married. Why didn't Emmie know anything about him?
When Emmie gets to Siskin there's no place for her to stay as they're all booked up. Pip tells Emmie she can stay at his sister's bed and breakfast that is due to open in a couple of weeks or so. His sister, Lily, is okay with this as Emmie can test things out and give her feedback. After being alone for 2 years since her mom died, being dropped in a bed and breakfast with a family is quite a change. Emmie comes to like it and pitches in to help cook, paint, and do other chores to help get the place ready. Will Pip and Emmie admit their feelings for one another while she's there? Will Emmie find out who the mysterious G is? Will Emmie be accepted by Pip's large family and friends? It seems like someone is out to get her, but why? Will Emmie go back to the airport at the end of her vacation? This is a fun book to read and you'll find yourself thinking the choices through as if you are making them. I rate Have I Told You Lately 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of Have I Told You Lately in exchange for a fair review. #HaveIToldYouLately
Emmie has friends at the airport and that helps her to get through. She especially likes a student that drops by her cart quite regularly. His name is Pip and he's a farmer going to college in town to learn of new ways to help his family farm. Emmie looks forward to Pip's visits and he finds a way to see Emmie as often as he can. When he tells Emmie he's graduating and heading back to Siskin, an island a couple of hours away, she's immediately sad. Emmie decides to go to Siskin with Pip as she could use a vacation. She's also found a box of letters that her mom kept from a man signed by a man with the initial G. He is from Siskin and Emmie is hoping to track him down. From the letters it seems like Nelle and G were in love and possibly even married. Why didn't Emmie know anything about him?
When Emmie gets to Siskin there's no place for her to stay as they're all booked up. Pip tells Emmie she can stay at his sister's bed and breakfast that is due to open in a couple of weeks or so. His sister, Lily, is okay with this as Emmie can test things out and give her feedback. After being alone for 2 years since her mom died, being dropped in a bed and breakfast with a family is quite a change. Emmie comes to like it and pitches in to help cook, paint, and do other chores to help get the place ready. Will Pip and Emmie admit their feelings for one another while she's there? Will Emmie find out who the mysterious G is? Will Emmie be accepted by Pip's large family and friends? It seems like someone is out to get her, but why? Will Emmie go back to the airport at the end of her vacation? This is a fun book to read and you'll find yourself thinking the choices through as if you are making them. I rate Have I Told You Lately 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of Have I Told You Lately in exchange for a fair review. #HaveIToldYouLately
December 25, 2024
*thank you to net galley for providing me with an e-arc in return of an honest review*
This was a lovely easy read, I love the message of taking chances, being brave and through that being able to find yourself. Had enough going on through the plot that I didn’t feel it to get stale like I can with some romances. Loved the addition of the letter format into the story, found myself itching for the next one.
This was a lovely easy read, I love the message of taking chances, being brave and through that being able to find yourself. Had enough going on through the plot that I didn’t feel it to get stale like I can with some romances. Loved the addition of the letter format into the story, found myself itching for the next one.
December 18, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of Have I Told You Lately in exchange for a review.
4.5 stars!
Ahh Beth Moran is one of my absolute favourites! Everything she writes is a guaranteed hit for me. Her stories and characters have so much depth – every setting feels alive with cosiness and a community that you want to just move into; and her lead women are genuine, complicated, overcoming challenges – yes there’s romance, but it’s not all about the man.
Have I Told You Lately is her latest story, and follows Emmie Brown’s journey to find herself and where she comes from. Brought up by her real mum’s sister, Nellie, Emmie has never known the rest of her family – and never travelled or done much beyond work for her mum’s pasty business at the airport. Since her mum’s death, she’s been running the business on her own day in and day out with no breaks. But when she finds some old letters amongst her mum’s things – and a certain man is making his final journey through the airport after finishing his masters degree – Emmie makes a snap decision to take a holiday to the Isle of Siskin.
Here, she finally takes the time to broaden her horizons and think about what she really wants from her life. We meet Pip’s very open and honest family, and Emmie’s friendship with Blessing back home grows stronger and more meaningful. And she starts to piece together the secrets of her own family and find her own way to happiness.
As always with Beth, the story has so much depth to it and is so immersive, uplifting and heartwarming. The Isle of Siskin was such a beautiful setting as well, I had to google it to see if it was real!
4.5 stars!
Ahh Beth Moran is one of my absolute favourites! Everything she writes is a guaranteed hit for me. Her stories and characters have so much depth – every setting feels alive with cosiness and a community that you want to just move into; and her lead women are genuine, complicated, overcoming challenges – yes there’s romance, but it’s not all about the man.
Have I Told You Lately is her latest story, and follows Emmie Brown’s journey to find herself and where she comes from. Brought up by her real mum’s sister, Nellie, Emmie has never known the rest of her family – and never travelled or done much beyond work for her mum’s pasty business at the airport. Since her mum’s death, she’s been running the business on her own day in and day out with no breaks. But when she finds some old letters amongst her mum’s things – and a certain man is making his final journey through the airport after finishing his masters degree – Emmie makes a snap decision to take a holiday to the Isle of Siskin.
Here, she finally takes the time to broaden her horizons and think about what she really wants from her life. We meet Pip’s very open and honest family, and Emmie’s friendship with Blessing back home grows stronger and more meaningful. And she starts to piece together the secrets of her own family and find her own way to happiness.
As always with Beth, the story has so much depth to it and is so immersive, uplifting and heartwarming. The Isle of Siskin was such a beautiful setting as well, I had to google it to see if it was real!
January 30, 2025
I have a particular fondness for visiting the locations or areas where books are set – but, despite much googling, it seems the Isle of Siskin with its direct flights from Sherwood Airport is a figment of the author’s imagination. But it’s an exceptionally well drawn one – with its dependence on agriculture, its erratic public transport, and its community where everyone knows everybody else’s business. And from letters left by Emmie’s recently deceased adoptive mother Nell, it seems it has some significance in their personal history – the enigmatic “G” was clearly important to her, he lived there, and she’d like to find out more.
Her life is entirely focused on the pasty stall they ran together at the airport – rising daily before dawn, with no life of her own, driven by the work ethic Nell instilled in her and a determination to keep the business going whatever the personal cost. But maybe there’s more to life – and when new friend Pip (“the hot farmer”) heads home to Siskin for perhaps the last time, she decides the time has come to take a well-earned break, finding herself on the same flight thanks to the welcome intervention and organisational skills of best friend Blessing.
With no plans made, everything goes badly wrong on her arrival – feeling overwhelmed, she thinks she should maybe head home on the next flight. But she ends up staying in the new B+B run by Pip’s sister – a test run for when it opens, at no charge – and finds herself totally drawn into his large family. Alongside continuing to read those letters, she’s gradually able to make sense of Nell’s past and the experiences that made her cut herself off from life – but also to get closer to Pip, seeing if their friendship might turn into something more. But, as she grows in confidence and begins to feel at home on the island, seeing the possibility of a rather different future, it becomes clear that her presence isn’t welcomed by everyone.
The mystery at the book’s centre is fascinating as it slowly unfolds with unexpected twists and turns: the romance is gentle and very slow-burn, but adds an extra emotional touch to the story. And I was in Emmie’s corner throughout as she began to blossom – really deserving the possibility of a fresh start and some future happiness. But the relationship I perhaps enjoyed the most was her friendship with Blessing – just the person she so needed to watch her back and offer a helping hand when things became difficult, but with her interventions adding a lot of the book’s humour too. All the characters are beautifully drawn though – the obsessive ex-girlfriend, the wider family with their own relationships, and the smaller cameos of the island’s particularly quirky residents.
Emmie’s journey was one I thoroughly enjoyed – emotional at times, but very uplifting by the story’s end – and all those other elements made the whole book particularly engaging. Beautifully written as always, this was a lovely read – and one I’d recommend to all.
Her life is entirely focused on the pasty stall they ran together at the airport – rising daily before dawn, with no life of her own, driven by the work ethic Nell instilled in her and a determination to keep the business going whatever the personal cost. But maybe there’s more to life – and when new friend Pip (“the hot farmer”) heads home to Siskin for perhaps the last time, she decides the time has come to take a well-earned break, finding herself on the same flight thanks to the welcome intervention and organisational skills of best friend Blessing.
With no plans made, everything goes badly wrong on her arrival – feeling overwhelmed, she thinks she should maybe head home on the next flight. But she ends up staying in the new B+B run by Pip’s sister – a test run for when it opens, at no charge – and finds herself totally drawn into his large family. Alongside continuing to read those letters, she’s gradually able to make sense of Nell’s past and the experiences that made her cut herself off from life – but also to get closer to Pip, seeing if their friendship might turn into something more. But, as she grows in confidence and begins to feel at home on the island, seeing the possibility of a rather different future, it becomes clear that her presence isn’t welcomed by everyone.
The mystery at the book’s centre is fascinating as it slowly unfolds with unexpected twists and turns: the romance is gentle and very slow-burn, but adds an extra emotional touch to the story. And I was in Emmie’s corner throughout as she began to blossom – really deserving the possibility of a fresh start and some future happiness. But the relationship I perhaps enjoyed the most was her friendship with Blessing – just the person she so needed to watch her back and offer a helping hand when things became difficult, but with her interventions adding a lot of the book’s humour too. All the characters are beautifully drawn though – the obsessive ex-girlfriend, the wider family with their own relationships, and the smaller cameos of the island’s particularly quirky residents.
Emmie’s journey was one I thoroughly enjoyed – emotional at times, but very uplifting by the story’s end – and all those other elements made the whole book particularly engaging. Beautifully written as always, this was a lovely read – and one I’d recommend to all.
March 1, 2025
Quite a sweet read but a little over the top at times. I found the main character a little too ditzy and silly to even cope with life let along running a shop. I guessed the outcome very quickly which wasn't a problem. It all turned out alright in the end. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 24, 2025
I adored this read from Moran. The plot takes a little while to get going but in a great way and I enjoyed the build up Moran gives to the plot. Then when the main plot gets going, I fell in love with the book even more. Siskin is a beautiful place to be transported to and I enjoyed getting to know its residents as well. This book has deception, loss and love at its heart and I relished every page of the book.
Nell is an outstanding character whom I quickly took to my heart and I loved following her throughout this book and the momentous journey she embarks upon.
Everything about this book was a pure delight, it is beautiful and emotional and I loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.
Nell is an outstanding character whom I quickly took to my heart and I loved following her throughout this book and the momentous journey she embarks upon.
Everything about this book was a pure delight, it is beautiful and emotional and I loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.
April 29, 2025
Cute and feel good
3.75 stars rounded up
I really liked this story. Emmie was a likeable FMC even if she just took everything on the chin that was thrown at her. She was so sheltered through no fault of her own, I enjoyed her character growth.
Pip was a cute MMC who was a great love interest who had Emmies best interests at heart.
Blessing was an amazing BFF, and I liked her and Emmies friendship. She was supportive and encouraging.
What I didn't like was the small island mentality. Also, there was quite a lot of trauma , but it got glossed over somewhat and everyone, apart from 1 person got along , no questions asked.
All in all it was feel good, with found family and highlighted it's good to break the mould of a mundane life.
3.75 stars rounded up
I really liked this story. Emmie was a likeable FMC even if she just took everything on the chin that was thrown at her. She was so sheltered through no fault of her own, I enjoyed her character growth.
Pip was a cute MMC who was a great love interest who had Emmies best interests at heart.
Blessing was an amazing BFF, and I liked her and Emmies friendship. She was supportive and encouraging.
What I didn't like was the small island mentality. Also, there was quite a lot of trauma , but it got glossed over somewhat and everyone, apart from 1 person got along , no questions asked.
All in all it was feel good, with found family and highlighted it's good to break the mould of a mundane life.
May 24, 2025
Cozy cute romance...
I needed a bit of a break from Romantasy before tackling my next big one. I feel like romance might not be my top genre, however it was innocent, well written and a uplifting storyline especially towards the end.
The only criticism is the piling in of a confusing family tree in the latter chapters and talking about who was older and step-cousins/nieces, twins, extra siblings... all a little too much and a bit unnecessary. Took me away from the story for a bit working it out and wondering if the relationships and ages worked out, but I understand why the writer did it, it just maybe didn't need to be done? Or maybe a bit simpler
I needed a bit of a break from Romantasy before tackling my next big one. I feel like romance might not be my top genre, however it was innocent, well written and a uplifting storyline especially towards the end.
The only criticism is the piling in of a confusing family tree in the latter chapters and talking about who was older and step-cousins/nieces, twins, extra siblings... all a little too much and a bit unnecessary. Took me away from the story for a bit working it out and wondering if the relationships and ages worked out, but I understand why the writer did it, it just maybe didn't need to be done? Or maybe a bit simpler
March 14, 2025
I don’t say this lightly but this may be my new favourite Beth Moran book. It has everything and I was so invested that I finished it in 2 days despite working full time!
January 29, 2025
Emmie has spent her entire life just existing. She’s stuck in a rut until she discovers old letters to her mother that evoke secrets Emmie never realized she had.
I liked Pip and the potential for he and Emmie.
I wished Emmie would have unleashed on a certain character who was absolutely vile to her because it was warranted.
Nellie’s love story was heartbreaking.
And everyone absolutely needs a best friend like Blessing who schemes to make things happen because sometimes we all need the nudge or the big push.
See how Hot Farmer and Pasty Girl fare!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the early read.
I liked Pip and the potential for he and Emmie.
I wished Emmie would have unleashed on a certain character who was absolutely vile to her because it was warranted.
Nellie’s love story was heartbreaking.
And everyone absolutely needs a best friend like Blessing who schemes to make things happen because sometimes we all need the nudge or the big push.
See how Hot Farmer and Pasty Girl fare!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the early read.
December 31, 2024
This was the perfect read for between Christmas and New Year when I was fighting off remnants of a bug and gloomy weather. Emmie's brave step at seizing happiness and her reflections on her relationship with her mum were written so beautifully and it was pure escapism to read about life on Siskin island. Her quest to discover more about a previously unknown secret her Mum had kept, brings more than Emmie could possibly have imagined.
January 7, 2025
Really lovely romance. I think i fell in love a bit too, but with the island described in the book. I also really appreciate the plot of the story focusing a lot on character development and really figuring out what suits you individually in life, thats so important and beaitiful to read about. Really recommend, such a nice and lovely and well written book.
Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review
May 2, 2025
4.5 stars Beth Moran doesn’t disappoint. I liked this book from start to finish. Loved seeing the development of Emmie’s personality & belief in herself. Very engaging characters personalities & family drama. An easy engaging read.
May 26, 2025
Slowish start. Too many references to Pasty Girl. The story did gain pace and interest from mid way and in the end I did enjoy the book. It was my first read by Beth Moran and will take a look at some of her other books.
March 4, 2025
4.5 - I love Beth Moran’s books and this newest novel was just as lovely as I expected. Listening to it made me want to run off to the Isle of Siskin (if only it existed 😉).
April 4, 2025
Titke gives no indication what this book is about. Its a heart warming story, not particularly meaty, but she uses unique settings. The end is hurriedly written, with a lot of content, not much conclusion.
Now ive finished, im not missing the main character, which is often my judge of if the story gripped me or not.
Now ive finished, im not missing the main character, which is often my judge of if the story gripped me or not.
January 7, 2025
An uplifting story of Emmie; who dares to make changes, go off on her version of an adventure and discover more about herself than she ever dared dream.
Following the death of her Mum, Emmie tires of the routine, aching for more but unaware of how or what she needs to do. Discovering old family secrets, and having a slight crush on a certain hot farmer all lead to her breaking free of the past. Or is she?
Amusing, thoughtful and inspiring. Emmie follows her heart, even when she’s so used to doing the right thing. She takes chances, even if she goes the long way about it. The romance may be a slow burn but it isn’t the main part of her story, it’s the fact she discovers more about herself.
A lovely read, with humour, romance and some brilliantly funny characters.
Following the death of her Mum, Emmie tires of the routine, aching for more but unaware of how or what she needs to do. Discovering old family secrets, and having a slight crush on a certain hot farmer all lead to her breaking free of the past. Or is she?
Amusing, thoughtful and inspiring. Emmie follows her heart, even when she’s so used to doing the right thing. She takes chances, even if she goes the long way about it. The romance may be a slow burn but it isn’t the main part of her story, it’s the fact she discovers more about herself.
A lovely read, with humour, romance and some brilliantly funny characters.
January 8, 2025
I stayed up late reading this! I just love Beth Moran's books, she gets complicated families, and real life and romance just right. Emmie finds some mysterious letters in her late mother's things, leading her on an adventure to discover the truth about her mum and herself. Set on the beautiful island of Siskin, in the summertime. It's so cold here, I was glad to imagine myself in some sunshine!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy to review. I actually have this on preorder too (it's out on January 24th!), but I couldn't resist getting my hands on it early!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy to review. I actually have this on preorder too (it's out on January 24th!), but I couldn't resist getting my hands on it early!
January 28, 2025
This book is about Emmie and some letters she finds while cleaning out her Mom’s stuff. It’s an easy to read book that I almost read in one day. It has some drama, secrets and romance. You won’t be able to put it down
January 21, 2025
3 Stars
One Liner: heartwarming, but didn’t like the ending
Emmie Brown knew her mum, Nellie Brown, adopted her as a baby and gave her the best life she could. Now, two years after Nellie’s death, Emmie is begging to feel the burnout of the routine she still follows. Running Parsley Pasties at the airport with the same menu and no inclination for a social life starts to weigh her down.
An impulsive decision reveals a box in her mother’s wardrobe and a stack of letters from someone named G from Siskin. Emmie does the unexpected and travels to the Isle of Siskin, a beautiful island with around three thousand population. Pip Hawkins, the handsome agriculture student, and her crush may also be a reason for this trip, but Emmie wants to find out who G is.
Can this trip help Emmie find her true self as well as some answers?
The story comes in Emmie’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is my first book by the author. I quite enjoyed most of it, especially the descriptions of the island and Emmie’s growth up to a point.
Though there’s some crushing and romance, this is not a love story. It is women’s fiction focusing on the MC making changes to her routine and learning to be herself.
Despite the rigidity and routine, there’s no denying that Emmie’s mum loved her. It’s evident throughout the book (and there’s a valid reason for why she became this way).
The way the letters were incorporated into the narration is beautiful and just right. The letters are spaced apart and provide character backstories and support the plot.
Some of the side characters are cool. I just love the kids and their diverse personalities. We also see how not everyone being nice to someone is a good person and vice-versa.
There’s a sort of mystery where the FMC is targeted by someone with a grudge. This blows up quite a bit, and therein lies my problem.
The last 20% covers months of progress, while the first 80% deals with a couple of weeks. This doesn’t really help, but okay. I can see why it was necessary.
However, the last chapter doesn’t sit right with me. It’s like all of Emmie’s growth has been overshadowed by a side character. Where is consent? What about setting boundaries? What about letting someone make up their mind even if it took them a few months? Ridiculous!
This might have still worked if the drama wasn’t exaggerated in the middle. Acting like nothing’s happened after that level of unhingedness is insanity. How would she even feel safe with them? How to trust someone like that?
The rating was close to 4 stars, but the way we reached the conclusion, I cannot rate it more than 3. I’m surprised no one (until now) found it odd. I love HEA more than anything else, but not like this. It needs to be better. And there’s no epilogue either, so we don’t know how they handled it afterward.
To summarize, Have I Told You Lately has a lovely premise and some good themes to think about, but it left me dissatisfied with how the issue was handled at the end.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #HaveIToldYouLately
One Liner: heartwarming, but didn’t like the ending
Emmie Brown knew her mum, Nellie Brown, adopted her as a baby and gave her the best life she could. Now, two years after Nellie’s death, Emmie is begging to feel the burnout of the routine she still follows. Running Parsley Pasties at the airport with the same menu and no inclination for a social life starts to weigh her down.
An impulsive decision reveals a box in her mother’s wardrobe and a stack of letters from someone named G from Siskin. Emmie does the unexpected and travels to the Isle of Siskin, a beautiful island with around three thousand population. Pip Hawkins, the handsome agriculture student, and her crush may also be a reason for this trip, but Emmie wants to find out who G is.
Can this trip help Emmie find her true self as well as some answers?
The story comes in Emmie’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is my first book by the author. I quite enjoyed most of it, especially the descriptions of the island and Emmie’s growth up to a point.
Though there’s some crushing and romance, this is not a love story. It is women’s fiction focusing on the MC making changes to her routine and learning to be herself.
Despite the rigidity and routine, there’s no denying that Emmie’s mum loved her. It’s evident throughout the book (and there’s a valid reason for why she became this way).
The way the letters were incorporated into the narration is beautiful and just right. The letters are spaced apart and provide character backstories and support the plot.
Some of the side characters are cool. I just love the kids and their diverse personalities. We also see how not everyone being nice to someone is a good person and vice-versa.
There’s a sort of mystery where the FMC is targeted by someone with a grudge. This blows up quite a bit, and therein lies my problem.
The last 20% covers months of progress, while the first 80% deals with a couple of weeks. This doesn’t really help, but okay. I can see why it was necessary.
However, the last chapter doesn’t sit right with me. It’s like all of Emmie’s growth has been overshadowed by a side character. Where is consent? What about setting boundaries? What about letting someone make up their mind even if it took them a few months? Ridiculous!
This might have still worked if the drama wasn’t exaggerated in the middle. Acting like nothing’s happened after that level of unhingedness is insanity. How would she even feel safe with them? How to trust someone like that?
The rating was close to 4 stars, but the way we reached the conclusion, I cannot rate it more than 3. I’m surprised no one (until now) found it odd. I love HEA more than anything else, but not like this. It needs to be better. And there’s no epilogue either, so we don’t know how they handled it afterward.
To summarize, Have I Told You Lately has a lovely premise and some good themes to think about, but it left me dissatisfied with how the issue was handled at the end.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #HaveIToldYouLately
March 8, 2025
Beth Moran has done it again - she's definitely one of my favorites, though her books always follow a formula. I like the formula.
This story follows Emmaline Brown, who works in the Sherwood Forest airport in a pasty shop that her adopted mother built, a few years after her mother passed away. (This is her "ordinary life.") She doesn't have a social life. She has one friend, Blessing, but her mother was a workaholic and taught her to be the same, even though she doesn't have the same personality. She's had a crush for years on Pip, a Scottish farmer in a grad school program that takes him through the airport from time to time, though he otherwise lives in the remote and idyllic Isle of Siskin. Once, Pip saw Emmie in the midst of overwhelm and jumped in to help her manage the rush of customers, and she's fantasized about him ever since. But she's never had an actual relationship, with him or anyone else.
Then one day, Emmie wins the lottery -- not a huge jackpot, just enough to spontaneously buy a one-way plane ticket. She's just stumbled across letters her mother left behind, discovering to her shock that at one point, her mother had actually been married--and had lived on the Isle of Siskin of all places. Pip comes through the airport and tells her this will be the last time, as he's graduating soon... so to get answers to her mother's past (among other reasons), Emmie buys a ticket on the same flight as Pip back to his home island.
Pip doesn't immediately take her under his wing, as that might seem weird... so she tries to figure it out on her own for a bit. But eventually he finds her stranded, and brings her to his sister's bed and breakfast. She quickly finds herself immersed in his family, his community, and his world, and meanwhile discovers her mother's ex-husband in the unlikeliest of places...
This is a feel-good chick lit story like all of Moran's, with somewhat contrived misunderstandings that lead to tumultuous confrontations, forgiveness, and an eventual and well-earned happily ever after. Her stories all blur together, but they're clean, uplifting, and a great escape.
This story follows Emmaline Brown, who works in the Sherwood Forest airport in a pasty shop that her adopted mother built, a few years after her mother passed away. (This is her "ordinary life.") She doesn't have a social life. She has one friend, Blessing, but her mother was a workaholic and taught her to be the same, even though she doesn't have the same personality. She's had a crush for years on Pip, a Scottish farmer in a grad school program that takes him through the airport from time to time, though he otherwise lives in the remote and idyllic Isle of Siskin. Once, Pip saw Emmie in the midst of overwhelm and jumped in to help her manage the rush of customers, and she's fantasized about him ever since. But she's never had an actual relationship, with him or anyone else.
Then one day, Emmie wins the lottery -- not a huge jackpot, just enough to spontaneously buy a one-way plane ticket. She's just stumbled across letters her mother left behind, discovering to her shock that at one point, her mother had actually been married--and had lived on the Isle of Siskin of all places. Pip comes through the airport and tells her this will be the last time, as he's graduating soon... so to get answers to her mother's past (among other reasons), Emmie buys a ticket on the same flight as Pip back to his home island.
Pip doesn't immediately take her under his wing, as that might seem weird... so she tries to figure it out on her own for a bit. But eventually he finds her stranded, and brings her to his sister's bed and breakfast. She quickly finds herself immersed in his family, his community, and his world, and meanwhile discovers her mother's ex-husband in the unlikeliest of places...
This is a feel-good chick lit story like all of Moran's, with somewhat contrived misunderstandings that lead to tumultuous confrontations, forgiveness, and an eventual and well-earned happily ever after. Her stories all blur together, but they're clean, uplifting, and a great escape.
September 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 What an mundane and structured life Emmie has lived with her adopted mother, Nell. She had no family whatsoever when Nell died leaving her the pastry kiosk at the airport to run. Her life consisted of prepping for the day of work, working and cleaning up. Talk about being in a rut and extremely naive. Her fate changes when she wins a small lottery prize and her crush, Pip, comes to the airport, on his way home to the Isle of Siskin. She decides to use the money to take her first ever vacation.
Emmie’s loyalty to her mother has her following anything and everything her mother had/would do until she finds some old love letters in her effects. She decides to spontaneously go on a trip to Pip’s island in search of the man that may have answers about her mom. Pip’s island family is welcoming except for a few that have prejudice against mainlanders. She finds tons of love, hatred and jealousy.
The charcacters were mememorable, especially the minor ones. Since Emmie arrived, someone was sabotaging her interactions. Once I ruled out Celine as Emmie’s saboteur. It was easy to predict who it was. I wish we had found out what the fall out on the island was after Emmie left. I also felt that Rosemary’s attitude changed too quickly, even with meds and therapy. I don’t know if I could be friends with such a pushy personality as Blessing. But I think things wouldn’t have worked out if she wasn’t so pushy.
The pace started slow but soon picked up with a satisfying conclusion. A sweet read.
The soul is sweetened by the wise counsel of a friend.
Sometimes, the tiniest thing can kickstart a chain of events that changes everything.
‘Nothing is more beautiful than kind,’ Mum used to tell me, and it turned out she was right.
While it may be considered cowardly to hide behind a letter, you yourself have said that writing words down can be the safest way to make sure they are taken as meant, and not misheard.
As much as I’d been getting used to the islanders’ custom of spreading their thoughts out like a buffet,
Emmie’s loyalty to her mother has her following anything and everything her mother had/would do until she finds some old love letters in her effects. She decides to spontaneously go on a trip to Pip’s island in search of the man that may have answers about her mom. Pip’s island family is welcoming except for a few that have prejudice against mainlanders. She finds tons of love, hatred and jealousy.
The charcacters were mememorable, especially the minor ones. Since Emmie arrived, someone was sabotaging her interactions. Once I ruled out Celine as Emmie’s saboteur. It was easy to predict who it was. I wish we had found out what the fall out on the island was after Emmie left. I also felt that Rosemary’s attitude changed too quickly, even with meds and therapy. I don’t know if I could be friends with such a pushy personality as Blessing. But I think things wouldn’t have worked out if she wasn’t so pushy.
The pace started slow but soon picked up with a satisfying conclusion. A sweet read.
The soul is sweetened by the wise counsel of a friend.
Sometimes, the tiniest thing can kickstart a chain of events that changes everything.
‘Nothing is more beautiful than kind,’ Mum used to tell me, and it turned out she was right.
While it may be considered cowardly to hide behind a letter, you yourself have said that writing words down can be the safest way to make sure they are taken as meant, and not misheard.
As much as I’d been getting used to the islanders’ custom of spreading their thoughts out like a buffet,
January 25, 2025
Have I Told You Lately by Beth Moran
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
One photo and a handful of letters can change everything.
Emmie Brown has always known she was adopted. Nellie Brown sacrificed everything to make their life together comfortable and, while not the most demonstrative or warm woman, Emmie never doubted her devotion. But, when Emmie finds a stash of letters and a hidden photo after her mother’s death, everything she has believed changes in an instant. And she won’t be able to rest until she finds the mysterious ‘G’ who sent the letters.
Emmie’s quest takes her to the breathtakingly beautiful Isle of Siskin and into the home of the gregarious, fiercely loyal Hawkins family. After an isolated and introverted life, the burst of colour and noise is overwhelming. But soon Emmie feels her heart begin to open, her mind begin to dream. And as her friendship with kind and gorgeous islander Pip Hawkins gets closer, endless possible futures draw into focus.
But the discovery of ‘G’s true identity will mean Emmie has to choose. One of her choices would mean revealing secrets hidden for decades, one could lead to happiness, but both will need Emmie to be braver than she’s ever been…
My Opinion
Beth Moran writes delightful novels and this was no exception. Following Emmie on her journey to find out more about her family’s past made for such an easy read – there was so much going on that I just had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. Emmie was a character that I liked from the very beginning. Beth Moran has once again written a stunning book that I would not hesitate to recommend.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
One photo and a handful of letters can change everything.
Emmie Brown has always known she was adopted. Nellie Brown sacrificed everything to make their life together comfortable and, while not the most demonstrative or warm woman, Emmie never doubted her devotion. But, when Emmie finds a stash of letters and a hidden photo after her mother’s death, everything she has believed changes in an instant. And she won’t be able to rest until she finds the mysterious ‘G’ who sent the letters.
Emmie’s quest takes her to the breathtakingly beautiful Isle of Siskin and into the home of the gregarious, fiercely loyal Hawkins family. After an isolated and introverted life, the burst of colour and noise is overwhelming. But soon Emmie feels her heart begin to open, her mind begin to dream. And as her friendship with kind and gorgeous islander Pip Hawkins gets closer, endless possible futures draw into focus.
But the discovery of ‘G’s true identity will mean Emmie has to choose. One of her choices would mean revealing secrets hidden for decades, one could lead to happiness, but both will need Emmie to be braver than she’s ever been…
My Opinion
Beth Moran writes delightful novels and this was no exception. Following Emmie on her journey to find out more about her family’s past made for such an easy read – there was so much going on that I just had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. Emmie was a character that I liked from the very beginning. Beth Moran has once again written a stunning book that I would not hesitate to recommend.
Rating 4/5
January 28, 2025
Beth Moran - Have I Told You Lately.
Emmie Brown is sensible. She has a sensible job running the pasty kiosk at her local airport. A job inherited from her adoptive mum who hasn’t long passed away. Emmie wears sensible clothes, sensible shoes, gets up at a sensible time and in general doesn’t really have a life.
Thankfully she does have a friend called Blessing, who, sometimes not so gently, pushes Emmie out of her comfort zone.
There is also a glimmer of hope from Pip the hot farmer. He is one of Emmie’s regular customers at the airport as he travels between university and his home on the island of Siskin.
The discovery of a box in her mother’s belongings leaves Emmie with a lot of unanswered questions.
When Emmie helps a frazzled traveller at the airport, karma rewards her with an opportunity that could change her life.
With Blessing’s encouragement, Emmie sets off on a journey to find out the secrets of the past. And to work out what and where she wants her own future to be.
#HaveIToldYouLately is another gorgeous read from Beth Moran. It’s a story of romance, friendship, family, secrets and love.
I inhaled this book. I love Beth Moran’s writing. She always digs deep and gets to the nitty gritty of her characters and storylines.
Blessing was hands down my favourite character. I loved how she got the best out of Emmie and completely had her friend’s back.
I’m sure there is more millage in this character for future books.
Over all, Have I Told You Lately is a thoroughly feel good read. It’s warm hearted, entertaining, uplifting, touching and a real page turner.
Thank you Beth Moran. You never disappoint.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emmie Brown is sensible. She has a sensible job running the pasty kiosk at her local airport. A job inherited from her adoptive mum who hasn’t long passed away. Emmie wears sensible clothes, sensible shoes, gets up at a sensible time and in general doesn’t really have a life.
Thankfully she does have a friend called Blessing, who, sometimes not so gently, pushes Emmie out of her comfort zone.
There is also a glimmer of hope from Pip the hot farmer. He is one of Emmie’s regular customers at the airport as he travels between university and his home on the island of Siskin.
The discovery of a box in her mother’s belongings leaves Emmie with a lot of unanswered questions.
When Emmie helps a frazzled traveller at the airport, karma rewards her with an opportunity that could change her life.
With Blessing’s encouragement, Emmie sets off on a journey to find out the secrets of the past. And to work out what and where she wants her own future to be.
#HaveIToldYouLately is another gorgeous read from Beth Moran. It’s a story of romance, friendship, family, secrets and love.
I inhaled this book. I love Beth Moran’s writing. She always digs deep and gets to the nitty gritty of her characters and storylines.
Blessing was hands down my favourite character. I loved how she got the best out of Emmie and completely had her friend’s back.
I’m sure there is more millage in this character for future books.
Over all, Have I Told You Lately is a thoroughly feel good read. It’s warm hearted, entertaining, uplifting, touching and a real page turner.
Thank you Beth Moran. You never disappoint.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 27, 2025
~Rating ~
🩷🩷🩷✨/🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷 (3.75/5)
“Have I Told You Lately” is a heart-tugging blend of emotional complexity, everyday resilience, and romantic longing — with just enough literary charm to keep you hooked. It’s a quieter romance, one that simmers rather than sparks, and leans heavily on inner growth and the unspoken depths of family dynamics⭐️
What I appreciated most was the raw vulnerability of the protagonist. Her journey through heartbreak, uncertainty, and rediscovery is painfully relatable at times — especially her inner monologue about feeling like a burden or struggling to feel “enough” for the people around her. There were moments where I caught myself nodding, thinking “yep, been there.”💭
The romance arc felt like a warm hug you didn’t know you needed — subtle but effective. The “should I stay or should I go” tension was handled delicately, and the final few chapters gave me a sense of closure (and butterflies!) without feeling too sugar-coated 🍬
However, the pacing dragged a bit in the middle, and some emotional beats were told rather than shown. I found myself wanting more dialogue or immersive moments to feel the love story bloom rather than just reading about it 🥀
Still, the bookish references, the emotional insight, and the celebration of new beginnings gave this a lovely resonance.
❗️Plus, who can resist a story that understands the power of routine, the ache of unresolved family tension, and the gentle chaos of falling for someone at the wrong — or maybe right — time? ⏳
Final thoughts: A reflective, tender read for those who appreciate slow-burn healing, honest internal battles, and just enough romance to lift the heart ♥️
Highlights:
• Bookworm-approved quotes & characters 📚
• Quiet moments of romantic vulnerability 🫶
• Family dynamics that cut deep ❤️🩹
• The kind of ending that feels earned 🎬
🩷🩷🩷✨/🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷 (3.75/5)
“Have I Told You Lately” is a heart-tugging blend of emotional complexity, everyday resilience, and romantic longing — with just enough literary charm to keep you hooked. It’s a quieter romance, one that simmers rather than sparks, and leans heavily on inner growth and the unspoken depths of family dynamics⭐️
What I appreciated most was the raw vulnerability of the protagonist. Her journey through heartbreak, uncertainty, and rediscovery is painfully relatable at times — especially her inner monologue about feeling like a burden or struggling to feel “enough” for the people around her. There were moments where I caught myself nodding, thinking “yep, been there.”💭
The romance arc felt like a warm hug you didn’t know you needed — subtle but effective. The “should I stay or should I go” tension was handled delicately, and the final few chapters gave me a sense of closure (and butterflies!) without feeling too sugar-coated 🍬
However, the pacing dragged a bit in the middle, and some emotional beats were told rather than shown. I found myself wanting more dialogue or immersive moments to feel the love story bloom rather than just reading about it 🥀
Still, the bookish references, the emotional insight, and the celebration of new beginnings gave this a lovely resonance.
❗️Plus, who can resist a story that understands the power of routine, the ache of unresolved family tension, and the gentle chaos of falling for someone at the wrong — or maybe right — time? ⏳
Final thoughts: A reflective, tender read for those who appreciate slow-burn healing, honest internal battles, and just enough romance to lift the heart ♥️
Highlights:
• Bookworm-approved quotes & characters 📚
• Quiet moments of romantic vulnerability 🫶
• Family dynamics that cut deep ❤️🩹
• The kind of ending that feels earned 🎬
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
We follow a 26 year old woman, Emmie's journey through grief, resentment and trauma. Emmie is understandably set in her ways and she finds release in new experiences and the pursuit of truth. After learning about her mothers past endeavours she feels better about life and herself. Through this process and before all of this(this is where it gets unclear for me) she develops feelings for a guy. Which is all good except we don't know why exactly and we don't get to like the guy enough to root for the two of them. That's why i wouldn't really consider this a romance book. Apart from these i really liked the way Emmie went on this journey to discover her new self.
**Spoilers ahead**
The end felt too rushed and a bit forced and a bit disappointing. I liked the way the mother of the love interest mendeled with things and it was a bit mysterious and how those incidents unfolded but after that, however the misscommunication trope, the lack of development the love interest had, they way the mother of love interest regretted her actions and dropped everything and flew to her to apologised felt too forced at this point. I found that Emmie and the love interest was together in the blink of an eye. They said "i love you" the first moment they got together. She moved to the Island and accepted the fact immediately and started dreaming of kids with the love interest and becoming the unltimate farm-wife on the first day. I feel like we should have know if that was her dream or intent in the first place or at least know that she never thought of this before but these ideas seem appealing to her now.
Over all okay book.
3,5 stars
**Spoilers ahead**
The end felt too rushed and a bit forced and a bit disappointing. I liked the way the mother of the love interest mendeled with things and it was a bit mysterious and how those incidents unfolded but after that, however the misscommunication trope, the lack of development the love interest had, they way the mother of love interest regretted her actions and dropped everything and flew to her to apologised felt too forced at this point. I found that Emmie and the love interest was together in the blink of an eye. They said "i love you" the first moment they got together. She moved to the Island and accepted the fact immediately and started dreaming of kids with the love interest and becoming the unltimate farm-wife on the first day. I feel like we should have know if that was her dream or intent in the first place or at least know that she never thought of this before but these ideas seem appealing to her now.
Over all okay book.
3,5 stars
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