Title: This Book Made Me Think of You
Author: Libby Page
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group / Berkley
Genre: Fiction / Romance / Women’s Fiction
Year of Publication: 2026
Date of Publication: February 3, 2026
Pages: 416
ISBN-13: 979-8217186990
Audiobook Narrators: Zadeiah Campbell-Davies
Summary of This Book Made Me Think of You
Matilda “Tilly” Nightingale has always loved books. Reading shaped her childhood, influenced her career as an editor in London, and even led her to meet the love of her life, Joe Carter, in a bookshop. But when Joe becomes ill and eventually dies, Tilly finds herself overwhelmed with grief and unable to return to the thing she once loved most.
Soon after Joe’s death, Tilly receives a call from a local bookshop owner named Alfie. Alfie tells Tilly that Joe had arranged a special gift for her before he died. He had organized a year of books for his wife. Essentially, she is to receive one book a month for 12 months. What Joe did was to include a letter with each book with the goal that each book will teach Tilly to try new things, learn to leave her life without him, and go on new adventures.
As the months pass, the books and Joe’s letters take Tilly on a new journey and through the stories Joe left behind, she forms new friendships and slowly allows herself to imagine a future filled with hope again.
Main Plot & Characters
- Matilda “Tilly” Nightingale: Tilly is the main character in this story. She is a book-loving editor whose life completely changes when her husband is diagnosed with a deadly disease.
- Joe Carter: He was Tilly’s late husband. Before his death, Joe plans with Alfie for Tilly to receive twelve books over the course of a year. He really wanted her to remember her love for reading, since she stopped reading after he got sick.
- Alfie Lane: He is a local bookshop owner. He owns a book shop called Book Lane. Alfie helps deliver Joe’s gifts to Tilly.
- Harper: She is Tilly’s sister.
- Prudence: She is a 75 year old woman that works at Book Lane with Alfie.
- Blue: She went to school with Alfie but also works at the book shop.
- Rachel Harding: She is Tilly’s friend and was a ghostwriter for the very first memoir Tilly edited.
- Hank and Ellen Carter: They are Joe’s parents. They live in the United States.
- Roger: He is Harper’s boyfriend.
- Sade: Tilly’s boss.
- Georgette: A stray cat that kept returning to Book Lane.
Writing Style
The story takes place primarily in the U.K. but there are parts of the story that take place in the U.S., France, and other countries around the world. We think it is safe to say that if you read this book, you too will love Book Lane and Joe’s character. Even though Joe is no longer alive at the start of the book, his voice and presence are a crucial part of the story. We absolutely loved the letters he left behind for Tilly.
There is a moment between Tilly and Ellen, who is Joe’s mother, that was so beautiful. When Joe was alive, Ellen had expressed some concerns about his relationship to Tilly. Naturally, Tilly’s feelings had been hurt. It was very interesting to see what type of relationship they would have after he was gone, especially as they live in two different countries.
This book definitely inspired us to try some new things and reminded us to visit our local bookstore and not just order items online from larger retailers.
Another thing we liked was how the book highlighted how friends sometimes respond to tragedy you may be dealing with. We liked the fact that it reminded us that even though you may be going through a hard time and expect your friends to be there, sometimes those friends may be dealing with their own emotions and challenges. They may not offer you what you expect from them and it is not because they do not love or respect you but simply because they are human and have their own challenges to deal with.
Book lovers will definitely enjoy this book a little bit more because there are so many literary references. There is also a part of the book that quotes the poem, Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep Poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye, and that really made us think about life and those we leave behind.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
Written by Mary Elizabeth Frye
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die
Memorable Quotes
- “And life is too short not to try.” — Tilly
- “I want you to feel safe with me.” — Alfie
Final Thoughts on This Book Made Me Think of You
This Book Made Me Think of You is a story about healing and the ways love can continue even after someone is gone. Through the twelve books Joe leaves behind, Tilly rediscovers the joy of reading, forms new connections, and begins to imagine a life beyond her loss. We really loved the idea of using books as a guide through grief and it made this an uplifting story. We also liked the fact that Joe’s letters allow his voice to remain present throughout the story, yet there is still room for Tilly to make new connections.
If you enjoy stories about love and new beginnings, this one is worth adding to your reading list.
Rating
Characters ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Plot ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)
Writing ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)
Book Cover ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5) Audiobook (Narration only) ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)
Overall ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)
Have you read This Book Made Me Think of You yet? What did you think about Tilly’s journey and the role the twelve books played in her healing? Share your thoughts, and until next time, keep turning those pages!
Authors
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