A Life Without You by Shari Low (Contemporary, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 April 2017, Aria, 378 pages, Ebook, Review copy  from NetGalley

Content: drunk driving, grief, some romance, I think some strong language (can't quite remember)

Summary from Aria (there was a popup on the screen so link may not take you to straight to the blurb)

30-year-old Dee Harper and her husband, Joe, are blissfully happy. Everyday she makes her loyal parents Val & Don incredibly proud.

Jen has been her best friend and 'adopted sister' since their days of teenage crushes, bad 90's make-up and huge hair.

They are just like any other group of family and friends, living life, getting by with equal measures of love and laughter. 

Until one day everything changes.

Dee is gone, killed by a reckless driver, leaving the people she loved to deal with their grief in different ways. 

A marriage is rocked as a parent becomes consumed with seeking justice. A husband struggles to accept the loss of his wife and their future. And a friend discovers that there were shocking secrets that went unshared. 

But all of them have to learn that the only way forward is to let go of the past.

Nayu's thoughts 

I think this is more of a hard hittig read if you've already had someone you love leave this life for the next, as I have. What Jen goes through is horrific. She loses almost everything when Jen dies, she has to muddle her way through while being  supportive for all those affected. She saw Dee die an honorouable death protecting others, but dead is dead. At least while we are all in this life. 

I felt so sorry for her when she has her partner leave her-as if she didn't have enough on her plate! The thing is life goes on, and unfortunately being left alone couldn't be avoided just because of Dee dying. I knew Jen would be fine in the long run, it was just hard watching her deal with that fall-out so soon after losing Dee. I promise it ends happily!! There's a lot of tense moments especially when not everyone knows key information and Jen has to tiptoe around certain subjects.

I liked the different points of view because it helped examine the various views of Dee's death and just how many lives were turned upside down by the tragedy. Everyone pulls together when needed, which is important as the trial is emotional and you'll need tissues. There is life when someone dies, it's not a nice or easy one at first but eventually Jen and the others find ways to cope without Dee physically beside them as she will always be in their hearts. 

Find out more on Shari's website.