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Love, Julie

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A Poignant and Humorous Journey of Self-discovery, Resilience, and Redemption

Once, Julie dreamed of a life filled with love and laughter. Now, in her mid-forties, she faces a starkly different reality. She's single, lonely, and reeling from breaking her hard-earned sobriety in front of her family and friends.

Opting for self-recovery over romance, Julie dives into planning her best friend Kate’s wedding. However, sharing this task with the irritatingly cheerful best man, single dad Luke, proves to be an unexpected challenge.

As Luke’s persistent kindness chips away at her icy exterior, a friendship forms, stirring a longing she’d sworn to suppress. But with self-forgiveness as her biggest hurdle, and her past ready to sabotage her future, can Julie confront the shame and trauma that have darkened so much of her life and find the courage to love again? Or will her demons shatter both her and Luke’s hearts in the process?

Jamie Anderson, author of the hilarious and heartwarming Someone to Kiss, is back with another witty, acerbic, and relatable story. Love, Julie is a richly emotional tale of recovery, forgiveness, and romance that readers have praised for “nailing the humor and snarky nature of our generation.”

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2024

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About the author

Jamie Anderson

2 books109 followers
Jamie Anderson is based in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. A proud Canadian and Saskatchewanian, she wanted to set her first two novels in the place she was born and raised.

She works in content marketing, has a certificate in professional writing and has done a smattering of freelance writing, character development and copyediting over the past several years.

She’s been writing for as long as she can remember, and has been reading for longer than that. She lives happily with her mountain of books, her TV and her two plants.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for MrsHarvieReads.
479 reviews
May 5, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by this moving, keenly observed romantic comedy. It features Julie, a middle aged recovering alcoholic on her journey of self-acceptance, redemption, and finding healthy love. I’m living an essentially sober life and I found the author’s descriptions of the challenges of being sober in today’s society totally relatable. Her love interest, Luke, is a genuine, emotionally intelligent, sunshine, single dad. I was completely invested in their grumpy-sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn romance. It didn’t hurt that the setting is Regina, Saskatchewan, an hour from the family farm where my father grew up. I’d recommend for readers looking for a complex, mature romance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,506 reviews123 followers
May 1, 2024
Before I even knew what this book was about, I was drawn to the cover. This is such an eye-catching cover. After focusing on the cover, I'm so glad I decided to explore the book further and read the contents. The book is real, transparent and can be a very relatable subject. Intertwined with humor, jokes and good times is a serious matter, addiction. The addiction focused on here is alcoholism.
Julie is in her mid-forties and still doesn't have it all together yet. This isn't at all how she envisioned her life when she was in her twenties. The way the author portrays the stops and starts, fails and wins sounds realistic in Julie's journey to sobriety. From self-help classes, to winning it and then falling off. The elations and falling low. My son is a police officer and has told me of some very sad cases where people were not able to get the help they needed with such sad results. Admitting you need the help and taking that first step is so important to your road to recovery. There is no smooth sailing, there will be good days and bad. I really loved Luke's character, he and Julie are working on wedding planning her best friend's wedding together. Luke is Julie's biggest supporter in her recovery journey, so incredibly supportive. When she doesn't believe in herself, he's there to pick her up. She's not looking for romance her recovery journey is her main focus. Luke has a daughter he's raising so he has to be completely sure of who he hooks up with and how she will perceive them. Will his sense of humor, understanding and kindness break down her fences as she continues her healing journey? I loved this impressive and moving story. One to remember.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kaila.
515 reviews14 followers
May 4, 2024
This book has such a beautifully illustrated cover and I went into it expecting a story as light and airy as the cover itself, but that was far from what I got. This story is real! It has the real life situations, the romance, the grumpy x sunshine, the humor.. it has it all!
I will admit, I wasn't the biggest fan of Julie at the beginning of this book. Her attitude, her negative view of things, her moody ways.. I didn't like it at all. I found myself constantly questioning "Why is she like this??" But I guess that's the point. Julie has dealt with a lot, and it shows. She was unhappy and disappointed in herself, especially after having a slip in her 7-month sobriety streak. She was not where she thought she'd be by her mid-forties. Watching Luke come into her life and being such a breath of fresh air, one she never knew she needed, was so refreshing. Him being that extra support she needed, along with having her brother Ben and her best friend Kate, added to the character development we got to see from Julie. As the book progressed, I found myself enjoying Julie's character more and more and actually rooting for her! I love a book where you see a major turnaround, and this gave us exactly that!

Thank you NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Jamie Anderson for such an inspiring read!
Profile Image for Sue Slade.
534 reviews33 followers
May 26, 2024
Published at The Miramichi Reader https://miramichireader.ca/ on May 3rd- 2024
Love, Julie is a forced proximity, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers contemporary romance by Jamie Anderson. With its attractive cover, this novel follows her first book, Someone to Kiss — the story of Julie’s best friend Kate and her brother Ben. Love, Julie can be read as a stand-alone, but Julie is featured in the first novel.

Set in Regina, Saskatchewan, Julie is a 44-year-old alcoholic with low self-esteem. After 7 months of being sober, she had a bit of a slip and fell off the wagon at her brother’s engagement party, completely embarrassing herself. The first time she hit rock bottom and stopped drinking, she did it with the support of her brother and her best friend, without the help of groups and meetings. Now, Kate and Ben are busy exploring their new relationship spending less time with her, so some outside help may be needed to help her stay on track. Julie sits in on an AA meeting seeking support. There she meets a wide-grinning, irritatingly cheerful guy who is there to encourage his friend. This annoying red-bearded, plaid-wearing man introduces himself as Luke. Before the end of the meeting, Julie has a meltdown and storms out. She then promises her best friends that she will find a group that is not so rigid and fits her, unlike the one with the “lumberjack.”

At lunch, Julie listens to her two friends stressing over how busy they are and wondering how they will accomplish the upcoming task of planning their wedding. Julie volunteers to plan and organize it; she has the time, and they don’t. She wants to do this to show them that she has her life together and that she won’t be a mess forever. It would also be something to keep her mind off drinking, a way to prove herself and give her something to focus on — a goal. Her brother states that his Best Man, Hudson, also wants to help with the planning. He is a project manager and would be perfect to help out. She did not want some outsider ruining her chance of proving to Ben an Kate that she had her life on track. But if the only way she could repay her two best friends, who had stuck with her through everything was to plan the wedding with Hudson, so be it. With 10 months to organize the perfect June wedding, she heads out to her friend’s place to meet Hudson who, as luck would have it, turns out to be Luke.

Over the next couple of months of planning, Luke proves himself to be patient and kind, toppling her well-built-up emotional walls. He teaches her to like and forgive herself and helps her to see that she deserves happiness. She starts to open up about her past, revealing past traumas and how she ended up at rock bottom.

This story is not just a romance, but an inspiring novel of self-healing and the power of friendship. People who route for the fun, plaid-wearing single dads — without washboard abs — will love this story. I did appreciate the characters being older than in many romances, closer to my age, and dealing with mature issues. Warning: During the story, readers might find themselves grabbing a sweater when it’s so cold in Regina that the air hurts your face, or stripping it off again when it’s so hot you stick to the car seat.
Profile Image for Jen Robley.
54 reviews5 followers
April 29, 2024
Julie is in her mid-forties and is in the process of healing herself through group therapy and support . Amidst her struggles she meets someone who pushes her buttons and makes her think things she normally wouldn’t ( Luke ). Discovering who you were meant be in your mid -forties is relatable. I enjoyed my time with Julie and her circle of friends and the “ non -friends “.
It’s a book you come home to on a Friday evening after work and curl up with while sipping a hot cup of tea.
It was witty and romantic. Luke’s description of how he sees the winter and snow and how it makes him feel is a description this self proclaimed “ Winter Hater “ won’t forget.

The poem at the beginning of the book is hopeful and reminds readers that life does go on . In spite of tragedy , love and loss …. and it’s a beautiful thing. 🩵

Profile Image for Laura.
786 reviews49 followers
April 24, 2024
"Love, Julie" by Jamie Anderson is a heartfelt and poignant story that delves into the complexities of love, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. Julie, the protagonist, is struggling with her past mistakes and the obstacles she faces in her present life. The portrayal of her struggles with addiction and loneliness is raw and honest, making her a relatable and endearing character.

The dynamic between Julie and Luke is beautifully explored, with their friendship slowly blossoming into something more. Luke's unwavering kindness and support serve as a stark contrast to Julie's self-doubt and insecurity, creating a compelling and emotional journey for both characters.

The theme of self-forgiveness is a powerful one throughout the novel, as Julie grapples with her past and her perceived failures. Anderson handles this delicate topic with sensitivity and depth, allowing readers to empathize with Julie's inner turmoil and root for her as she navigates her way towards healing and love.

Overall, "Love, Julie" is a touching and engaging read that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of redemption, growth, and second chances. Anderson's writing is engaging and well-crafted. This novel is a testament to the power of love and resilience, and a reminder that it's never too late to find happiness and redemption.
Profile Image for Charley.
467 reviews9 followers
May 14, 2024
4.5 ⭐️

Love, Julie is a sweet romance, but that’s not really what the book is. At its core, it’s actually a book about self-acceptance, learning how to live life after trauma, and realizing that the people who truly love you will be there for you through your lowest lows and highest highs.

Julie went on a truly beautiful one-year journey of sobriety and proving herself capable (to others and, more importantly, to herself). She was incredibly likable, even when she was totally unlikable in sabotage mode. She was exactly the type of character that I cheer for when all of the lessons finally settle in and she realizes that she wants to be in love with someone else because she’s finally started loving herself. She deserved a cheerful and loving guy like Luke, a man who would protect her from herself and encourage her to keep with her goals when they felt hard.

I think everyone could learn a few things from Julie and Luke, even if their story doesn’t revolve around sobriety.

Thank you to NetGalley and TRM Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
415 reviews57 followers
March 26, 2024
You could read this on its own but if like me you want all the available backstory to the characters, Julie does feature quite heavily in book 1, Someone to Kiss, and I'm glad I read it first.
Set a while after, Julie has been doing well on her sobriety journey but a little slip-up at an engagement party has set her back a bit. In a bid to show she still has everything under control, she offers to plan the wedding for the busy, happy couple. They're a bit reluctant and suggest the best man helps with his experience planning. Enter Luke! Enjoy this lovely forced proximity, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers journey along with them as they go on their own personal journeys.
I loved this book even more than Someone to Kiss. We got to see more of the characters from book 1 which I was glad about, and with some new characters added who I absolutely loved! I don't want to give away any minor spoilers but Luke was the perfect MMC and the side characters surrounding him were also really loveable (which was nice because sometimes side characters of that variety can be a bit annoying 😂).
Sometimes books where the main story is happening in the past jumping back from the present, it can get a bit confusing, but this one didn't thanks to the present sections being so short and all of the past in chronological order which I always like. You get to see the year leading up to the "thing" and then it ends with a few present chapters when it catches up which I thought was great. And I didn't manage to guess what the "thing" was that happened. I had a guess but thankfully it was wrong haha!
Julie was an amazing FMC, such a strong character both in terms of personality and how she's written, and any annoying things she does (which are very rare) are completely in character and explained by her past. She's not an annoying person, she's just been through some stuff that she needs to go on this journey to heal from. Her story is a beautiful and inspiring one that I loved watching her go through.
Profile Image for Kirsty.
2,206 reviews63 followers
May 4, 2024
Love, Julie by Jamie Anderson

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Once, Julie dreamed of a life filled with love and laughter. Now, in her mid-forties, she faces a starkly different reality. She's single, lonely, and reeling from breaking her hard-earned sobriety in front of her family and friends.

Opting for self-recovery over romance, Julie dives into planning her best friend Kate’s wedding. However, sharing this task with the irritatingly cheerful best man, single dad Luke, proves to be an unexpected challenge.

As Luke’s persistent kindness chips away at her icy exterior, a friendship forms, stirring a longing she’d sworn to suppress. But with self-forgiveness as her biggest hurdle, and her past ready to sabotage her future, can Julie confront the shame and trauma that have darkened so much of her life and find the courage to love again? Or will her demons shatter both her and Luke’s hearts in the process?

My Opinion

I took part in the cover reveal for this and since then I have been eager to read this book. Whilst I originally read the blurb for this, I went into this without really knowing what the book was about.

Jamie Anderson has written the present tense in the form of letters whilst allowing the reader to discover the events of the last year through the rest of the book. For me this was a very interesting way of telling a story but it was very enjoyable. With such an eye-catching cover this book just drew me in. Jamie Anderson shows that it is okay to ask for help and just how difficult it can be to stay sober in the modern day. This was such a moving story.

Rating 4/5
567 reviews34 followers
April 26, 2024
The writing was engaging and entertaining with a serious side to it. Throughout the story there were emails from the present day, which encouraged me to keep on reading so that I could find out exactly what had happened to result in such correspondence. 


The chapters were fairly long so you got a good chunk of story before moving on. Every so often (as mentioned above) there would be a present day email, followed by a chapter detailing how far back in time we were about to go. Despite going back and forth in time it was easy to keep a track of where we were and I was desperate to know what had happened to result in those emails! 


There was a good flow to the book which made it easy to read. I looked forward to picking it up at each reading session and was surprised by how much I managed to get through each time.  


The characters were great. I loved the many layers to the main character and really felt for her. There were some really thought provoking conversations and situations which made me enjoy the story more. As someone who doesn't drink, it was interesting to see things from the perspective of someone who has and then decided to stop. 


I think that the main character and the situations that she finds herself in are relatable to so many people. I enjoyed being on her journey through the highs and the lows. The characters surrounding the main character really highlighted how important support, love and acceptance are. It was lovely to read about. 


Lastly the settings. We only touched lightly upon the settings, but when we did it was integral to that particular part of the story. 


Overall a lovely, thought provoking book.
Profile Image for Krystina.
266 reviews13 followers
May 15, 2024
Ok so I found this book a little slow to begin with but I think that's because when we first meet Julie she was not exactly being the most likeable of people and until I got to know her a bit that put me off her. Once we got to know Julie a little more I really loved her, She is such a relatable character because she isn't perfect, she has moments where the reader just won't like her because of her actions and I absolutely loved that about her. She never thinks she's perfect and she completely owns her flaws and I really enjoyed that Jamie Anderson has written her like that.
I really loved the emails that broke up the chapters, we kept getting hints about Julie and Luke's friendship having a bump in it from them but we don't get to find out why until much later but those emails just drove me to want to read quicker to find out what she did!
I found Julie and Luke's interactions together so cute, I thought they fit together so well despite seeming such opposites and the changing dynamic in their friendship/relationship felt really organic and I loved it. I really loved seeing how Julie's relationships with everyone in her life changed over the course of the book and she had a really fulfilling character arc, i saw so much growth from her from beginning to end. I definitely think I'm going to look for more books by Jamie Anderson because she writes very realistic and relatable characters and gives them some heady issues to resolve throughout the book. Whilst this is listed as a RomCom I'm not sure that's what it is, we do get the romance running throughout it but it feels so much more than that and I think it does it a disservice to list it as one.
Profile Image for Bea.
286 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2024
Read from April 26th, 2024 to April 28th, 2024. Written on April 30th, 2024.

NEW BOOK RELEASE ALERT!!!

It's got slow burn, it's got character redemption arc, it's got a cute dog and a cute kid, romance, friendship! I mean, it's a little big soup of it all!

First off, I love that I wasn't focused on the main character, Julie, and her love interest. It focused more on her recovery as an alcoholic, her new job, new friends and new life. The love part came second; up until a part of the book, obviously. Nevertheless, it was sweet, it made me laugh, made me mad at characters for things they did or said (Julie included) and, in an overall, I ate this book so fast because I was genuinely enjoying it.

Now, I know the characters are in their forties but...sometimes the characters, Julie especially, made stuff or said something that made them look more like a twenty something, which was weird at times. I felt like I was reading not the story of a forty-something year-old woman, but a twenty-something year old; some things were just a bit cringe, to be honest.

Overall, I don't really know what to say, I loved the growth that the main character has throughout the whole book, plus the e-mails before some of the chapters were very enticing; it just made me want to keep reading to see what had happened.

Love it or not, it's a great story and I am very happy I got to read it ahead of its release.

(Free ARC from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial that I chose to review after reading)
303 reviews7 followers
December 15, 2025
Love, Julie by Jamie Anderson is a sharp, tender, and often funny exploration of recovery, shame, and the slow work of learning how to forgive yourself. Julie is in her mid-forties, newly exposed in her relapse, and painfully aware of how far her life has drifted from the one she once imagined. The novel opens in that raw space where humor barely covers hurt, and hope feels both dangerous and necessary.

Rather than chasing romance, Julie throws herself into planning her best friend Kate’s wedding, a decision that feels practical and safe. Enter Luke the relentlessly kind best man and single dad who doesn’t flinch at Julie’s edges. Their connection grows not through grand gestures, but through shared moments, irritation, laughter, and the kind of patience that slowly disarms fear.

What makes this story work is its honesty. Julie’s struggle isn’t romanticized. Sobriety, self-worth, and emotional healing are treated as ongoing, imperfect processes. Anderson balances wit with vulnerability, letting humor coexist with trauma instead of masking it. Julie’s voice feels familiar self-aware, defensive, and deeply human.

Readers drawn to second-chance romance, recovery-centered fiction, and emotionally grounded stories with sharp humor will find this novel especially resonant. It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t arrive all at once it shows up quietly, through connection, accountability, and the courage to stay present.

At its heart, Love, Julie asks:
What happens when love shows up before you’re sure you deserve it?
Profile Image for Natalie.
909 reviews
May 5, 2024
An emotional slow-burn, 'Love, Julie' tells the story of Julie, a prickly 40something woman trying to desperately to remain sober after a relapse causes her to embarass herself at her brother and best friend's engagement party. Determined to make it up for them, Julie finds herself organising their wedding along with the best man, the very warm and extroverted Luke, who slowly knocks down Julie's walls to hear heart.

A short novella, at times I found the pace of this book just a bit too slow, chapters are interpersed with unanswered emails to Luke in the present day. Luke is a sweetheart but at times I found him just a little bit too perfect, and I am also not a huge fan of children in books so I found those scenes with his daughter a bit too sickly, so I found myself skipping some of those chapters a bit more to move towards the present day. But overall this is a deeply moving character drama that had me invested in Julie's story, and how she has to find herself as a sober person, making new friends, opening her heart to love. Watching Julie realising she deserves all the good things in life despite her childhood trauma that has her believe otherwise was the highlight for me.

Thanks to Booksgosocial and NetGalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for shelby | shelbybooked.
219 reviews12 followers
April 12, 2024
Love, Julie follows Julie in the fallout of breaking her sobriety streak at her brother and best friend’s engagement party.

The books starts off with Julie on her way to her first AA meeting after falling off the bandwagon. Luke is also at the AA meeting as support for his friend. From there, we follow them as they co-plan Ben and Kate’s wedding as a favor, and for Julie, a way to prove to them that she’s more than her addiction.

My favorite parts of this story had to do with Julie’s recovery and the steps she took to better herself. There’s always something to be said for vulnerability and grit, especially in such a flawed FMC. Luke was a fresh of breath air, even if like Julie, his constant positivity was a bit too much for me in the beginning. But his softness and kindness melted my own cold heart so it’s no surprise he softened Julie as well.

I think the characters felt younger than they were and it kept throwing me off, especially with Julia’s alcoholism. It wasn’t anything too major but it’s what I kept coming back to in my mind as I was reading it.

Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for callistoscalling.
1,107 reviews42 followers
April 13, 2024
Thank you @booksgosocialgroup and @netgalley for the eARC of Love, Julie by @jandersonwrites in exchange for an honest review!

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 While rhis book jumps off from characters in an earlier novel, it is definitely a stand alone (I really want to go back and read Someone to Kiss now though). Trust me when I say, I had no problem jumping right in! Julie’s life has been a bit of a mess lately and she had a bender after seven months of sobriety. She is trying to get things back on track but definitely starts off the book a hot mess express. Jamie Anderson creates beautifully realistic characters that experience the whole spectrum of emotions from embarrassment to joy, all of it shared with a strong support system that brings a sense of comfort to the reader and a boat load of laughs. I truly appreciate that this book allows humor to shine through difficult and emotional situations because it is such an important part of life. Love, Julie is an unapologetically relatable and hilarious novel about going through the hard stuff to heal and learn to live with grace and humility.

Profile Image for Shannon Styles.
45 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2024
In "Love, Julie," we follow Julie's journey after a setback in her sobriety during her brother and best friend's engagement celebration. The story kicks off with Julie attending her first AA meeting post-relapse, where she encounters Luke, there to support a friend. As they collaborate to organize Ben and Kate's wedding, Julie sees it as an opportunity to demonstrate she's more than her addiction.

A highlight of the narrative is Julie's commitment to her recovery and personal growth. The portrayal of her vulnerability and determination resonates deeply, showcasing the strength in flawed characters. Luke brings a refreshing optimism to the story, although his unwavering positivity initially seemed a bit overwhelming. Yet, his genuine kindness and warmth not only won me over but also had a positive impact on Julie.

I extend my gratitude to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for providing an eARC.
Profile Image for Cole Chartier.
153 reviews7 followers
April 23, 2024
I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book had so much more depth than I anticipated! As a woman in her late 30's I enjoyed reading a novel where both the MFC and MMC are in their 40's - not the usual 18-25. The challenges they faced were ones that I was able to connect with better, because of this I was more invested in the story overall. I loved the ending and did not see the twist coming - based on how the author wrote I thought for sure we saw the ending from the start. I could have done without the epilogue, however, I felt that made the story a little "overdone".

One thing I could have done without was some of the dialogue between the MMC and FMC. While they are more mature characters, their self-awareness during conversations felt "Dr. phil-ish" and I often skimmed these parts.

overall, I loved this book and will be recommending to my reader and non-reader friends alike,
Profile Image for thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books).
2,811 reviews120 followers
May 1, 2024
I completely adore this emotional and unique romantic comedy. It’s not something you read often in contemporary romantic comedies, but it focuses on our FMC Julie who is a recovering alcoholic, I liked the fact it was different and covering a character so many will relate to via themselves or family, friends.

Luke, is a such fantastic MMC completely genuine, sensitive, cheerful single parent . He is such the perfect match and I completely fell in love with him myself. I love a slow burn romance and this is just perfect, with elements of grumpy/sunshine and forced proximity I knew it was my kind of read. If I could give it 6 stars I would, perfect for those looking for a romantic comedy with a more mature aspect, brilliant !


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tyler Marshall.
948 reviews53 followers
May 3, 2024
Devoured this novel!

Of course I picked this book up because of this gorgeous cover but this was such an amazing read im glad I judged a book by its cover. Im a real big romcom lover and this did not disappoint, this is a fresh take on the genre with a receiving alcoholic and a golden retriever single dad that you will instantly fall in love with, I liked that we got an imperfect FMC, it made this story feel just a tad bit more realistic it also was super easy to connect with Julie and her struggles even if im not an alcoholic.

If you like grumpy sunshine romances with a hint of forced proximity this book is for you. Anderson perfectly executed these tropes and there's also some amazinggg slow burn that will keep you on the edge of your seat rooting for these two to finally come together. Will most definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
Profile Image for Machell.
165 reviews7 followers
April 29, 2024
I truly enjoyed reading this book! While the topic of alcoholism can be tough, it was dealt with concern and empathy in this story. I loved the back and forth between Julie & Luke. I found myself rooting for them as a couple long before it happened. But - then - the twist!! I couldn't read fast enough to find out what happened in the end.

I laughed, I sighed, I teared-up a little - I got all the "feels" from this story. I would definitely recommend it and hope others will take the time to pick it up and read it.

Thank you to Books Go Social - @booksgosocialgroup and NetGalley - @netgalley for the eARC of Love, Julie by @jandersonwrites in exchange for this honest review of my thoughts.
Profile Image for Mary.
5 reviews
May 30, 2024
The character of Julie was introduced in Jamie Anderson’s debut novel, “Someone to Kiss.” I’ll admit that I didn’t find her very likable at first, but I think that was the point. Julie had a lot of work to do. By the time I read this book, I liked her so much I felt like we could be friends (once she decided to let me in!). Having had to make some of my own life-changing decisions, I was hooked from the start on Julie’s thoughts and struggles with addiction, self-forgiveness, and acceptance. Her romance with Luke and its effect on her recovery was perfect. I finished it over a week ago, yet I keep returning to reread certain passages. Amazing novel! I’m very much looking forward to Jamie Anderson’s next work.
Profile Image for Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings).
1,826 reviews317 followers
April 29, 2024
“Love, Julie” is a humorous, heartwarming tale of self discovery and redemption and even though it’s poignant and tackles quite delicate subjects of loneliness and self forgiveness, I really enjoyed reading Julie’s story and only held empathy and support for her character.

The main focus of Julie’s story is the serious and sensitive topic of alcoholism, which the author admits to having some experience with, although not as an alcoholic. I personally thought she had captured the life of an alcoholic, trying to stay sober, very realistic and the feelings and emotions that Julie vividly experienced, allowed the reader to see just how hard alcoholics internally fight with themselves, over the need to have a drink. The wretched feelings and memories of things said and done during bouts of drunkenness, must cause the conflicted and embarrassing emotions Julie experienced during her low periods and I’m sure many people can relate to similar experiences.

Although I did prefer the more comedic Jamie Anderson’s “Someone to Kiss”, I still very much enjoyed this story. The quirky wedding planning banter, the present emails written by Julie (keeping the suspense of what has happened to Luke) and the ‘will they, wont they’ storyline certainly kept me entertained. With genuinely endearing characters, romantic undertones and some really fun moments, made this an entertaining read and can happily recommend it.

#LoveJulie - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
239 reviews25 followers
April 29, 2024
Lovable human meets teddy bear dad and all grows right in her world.

In the past, I’ve struggled with “unlikeable” characters. And on the surface, Julie is one. However, she is written so well that you get to see everything that goes into her personality. She is a woman who has lived, been wronged, sabotaged and hurt herself, but she is also strong, beautiful, and determined. It’s almost impossible not to root for her.

I really enjoyed reading this book. So much so, that I read it in less than 24 hours. The romance felt multidimensional and if she wasn’t in her 40s, I would have said this felt like a coming-of-age story.

#NetGalley #LoveJulie
324 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2024
Thank you Author Jamie Anderson for the privilege of Beta-reading this book! Ugh,Julie! I wish I could give this character a hug and I couldn't help but root for her! Julie volunteers to help her best friend with her wedding planning in hopes of redeeming mistakes from the past. The only problem is that she has to plan it with Luke,the best man. While she has nothing against this guy,he is a sunshiny single dad and she is grumpy as can be. She also has traumas that she is trying to work through. Can Julie forgive herself and find love in the process? I loved the heck out of this book! It is a deep and emotional read.
100 reviews
April 29, 2024
Love , Julie explores the aftermath of ruining an engagement party. Julie who is an alcoholic has one drink at her brothers and best friend engagement party which leads to being drunk. Julie decides to plan wedding whilst trying to stay sober . She is forced to plan the wedding with Luke her brother best friends.
The book explores alcoholism and self esteem in a really respectful way.
It was super easy and enjoyable to read.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.
159 reviews5 followers
May 4, 2024
The sequel to Anderson’s debut is a really thoughtful look at a woman’s struggle with alcohol, with relationships and with herself. The balance of romance and this incredible character arc is spot on and I applaud the author for her thoughtful, delicate but authentic approach to writing this story.

Julie is watching her best friend Kate prepare to marry her brother Ben (spoiler if you haven’t read the first book) and she offers to help out. And by help out, she basically takes over wedding planning with Ben’s best friend Luke. It’s a fairly obvious set up but the relationship doesn’t take center stage as Julie is also struggling to stay sober in a world and society fuelled by alcohol.
Profile Image for Crystal Boyer.
285 reviews8 followers
May 5, 2024
📚 Review: Love, Julie by Jamie Anderson

Love, Julie is an enchanting blend of romance and contemporary drama. Jamie Anderson weaves a heartfelt story of Julie, a woman navigating loneliness and self-recovery. When she meets Luke, the cheerful best man at her friend’s wedding, sparks fly. Their friendship blossoms, but Julie’s past threatens their chance at happiness. Anderson’s writing captures the power of healing and hope, making Love, Julie a must-read for romance fans. 🌟

I hope you enjoy the book! 😊📖
Profile Image for Mal.
612 reviews9 followers
April 22, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

I thought this book was so lovely and poignant. It was nice to see a main character who wasn't twenty but still hasn't gotten it all together yet. Julie was wonderfully flawed and while I know the author doesn't have personal, first hand experience with substance abuse, Julie's struggle with alcohol was portrayed in a realistic but also thoughtful way.
Profile Image for Staceywh_17.
3,931 reviews12 followers
May 10, 2024
Having previously read Someone to Kiss by Anderson I jumped at the chance to read Love Julie.

I defy you not to take Julie to your heart, she's such a great character. Her story of rediscovering herself, redemption, and her road to romance will touch your heart and evoke emotions.

The characters immediately come across as real. They're multi layered, have depth and were extremely likeable.

A highly enjoyable, thought provoking read.
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