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Missing You

Louise Douglas (Goodreads Author)

3.80 · Rating details · 1,904 ratings · 123 reviews

Fen works in a bookshop and is devoted to her young son, Connor, but she keeps herself to herself. Haunted by guilt and a terrible secret, Fen lives a compromised life, isolated from her family, far from home and too afraid of the past to risk becoming close to anyone. She is constantly looking over her shoulder, knowing that one day the truth will catch up with her. Sean, ...more

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Paperback, 378 pages

Published February 5th 2010 by Pan Books (first published January 21st 2010)

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· 1,904 ratings · 123 reviews

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Jan 10, 2015 Natasa rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, owned-books

'Missing You' is a well-written, beautiful, heart-warming story that really had me captivated from start to finish; not a light chick-lit read, but definitely one worth picking up. ...more

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Jan 30, 2010 Vicki_cosy.books rated it it was amazing

I read and adored Louise Douglas' debut novel, The Love Of My Life and so when I saw she had a new book coming out this month, it went straight to the top of my wish list. I wasn't disappointed, as again Douglas delivers a story that will take you on an emotional roller coaster and keep you completely absorbed.

The development of the relationship between Fen and Sean is stunning, but what I really loved reading was the relationship between Sean and his daughter Amy. She is only six when her pare I read and adored Louise Douglas' debut novel, The Love Of My Life and so when I saw she had a new book coming out this month, it went straight to the top of my wish list. I wasn't disappointed, as again Douglas delivers a story that will take you on an emotional roller coaster and keep you completely absorbed.

The development of the relationship between Fen and Sean is stunning, but what I really loved reading was the relationship between Sean and his daughter Amy. She is only six when her parents separate and struggles to understand it. Sean also struggles to adapt to the new relationship with his daughter, fighting against the resentment and anger he feels for his wife and his determination to protect his child. I've read countless books on relationship break ups from a woman's perspective, but can't think of many that are from a man's. I think Louise Douglas handled this beautifully and sensitively; the feelings and emotions Sean goes through are so vivid. I admit to feeling that I wanted to protect him myself, maybe even falling a little bit in love with him.

Throughout the book, Fen's secret is a shadow, and I had no idea where this was going. It is hinted at from quite early on, but it's not until the final quarter of the book that it begins to be revealed. By the time it was I was completely engrossed, and there is a scene where Fen confronts the past that had me holding my breath, being unexpected and incredibly sad. If I have one tiny criticism of the book it would be that after Fen's guilt is exposed, the other characters seem a little blasé about it, as if it really didn't matter that much. This didn't really strike me as a true reaction. I didn't mind too much and I don't think it spoils the book, but it is in contrast to the realism of the rest of the book

This isn't a fluffy read. While it's not heavy going and is easy to read, it's more serious than light chick-lit. That's not to say it doesn't have some lighter moments. A chapter that saw Sean getting as drunk as he could after a particularly messy meeting with his ex wife made me laugh. It's a disgustingly accurate portrayal of drunkenness that is both cringe worthy and funny. The book is very emotion driven and I felt all the ups and downs along with the characters. Louise Douglas writes relationships so very well and isn't afraid to show their bitter, jealous and manipulative sides while still showing the characters to be good people. What I love about the characters in Louise Douglas' books is how absolutely real they are. She never tries to dress them up, and writes them with all the complexities and flaws humans have, so they become completely believable and easy to relate too. Another hit for me from this author and I'll be watching out eagerly for a third book. ...more

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May 08, 2011 Holly rated it it was ok

I won't give you a synopsis of the book, many have done that. I was kinda hesitant to write a negative review on this book because most people that have read it have thought it good. OK, I do have to warn I am 15 so that is probably why my opinion defers considerably.

The first thing I noticed was the lack of imagery, not the garden, we had lots of description of the garden but the people themselves. At the end of the book I had no idea what Sean looks like or Fen, in fact. It's not that I have I won't give you a synopsis of the book, many have done that. I was kinda hesitant to write a negative review on this book because most people that have read it have thought it good. OK, I do have to warn I am 15 so that is probably why my opinion defers considerably.

The first thing I noticed was the lack of imagery, not the garden, we had lots of description of the garden but the people themselves. At the end of the book I had no idea what Sean looks like or Fen, in fact. It's not that I have no imagination it's just that there was nothing there to really go on. All I know was that Fen was "slight", as Sean repetitively said. To be fair we did get hair colours dotted here and there but, for me, it certainly didn't suffice.

The way in which it was written really got on my nerves, 'Fen looked up' 'Fen did this'. OK, maybe they aren't direct quotes but you get the picture. It did have a simple flowing structure to it which I did enjoy, the books isn't all bad, not even close. Also, I seemed to be the only one who has picked up on this but there seemed to be no time structure. The only time I knew the date or round about was because of seasonal happenings e.g. Christmas. The book tended to skip days or even moths and left the reader with no idea.

The secret she was hiding was such a anti-climax. I don't want to say too much in case anyone hasn't read this yet but it just felt a bit ridiculous. I know I can't empathise with the situations she's been in but it Fen certainly made it sound worse then it actually was. I am capable of emotions, just in case there is any question of that but I just felt no emotional attachment to the book. It failed to draw me in.

The story line is great, minus her secret, and I just felt more could have done with it. The ending was predictable but still I enjoyed getting to the end even though, I felt, there was really no resolution. Personally, I wouldn't read this book again it had a warm fuzzy feeling about it but lacking something enticing. Hmm, was that an oxymoron? Nice one-off summer read good for passing time. ...more

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Jul 10, 2013 Malcolmaffleck rated it did not like it

Having left my kindle unsecured, I returned home to see that my son had managed to buy this book. Unfortunately, I'm not very impressed with his taste in books. The plot is not only obvious from almost the end of the first chapter, but the main female character - Fen - is remarkably annoying, always questioning herself and what others are thinking of her. Unfortunately, there is a flashback scene where she is at a festival that shows her as a remarkably different type of person - there is a plot ...more

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Aug 15, 2013 Paula Sealey rated it really liked it

Shelves: chick-lit-romance

Fen, a single mum to her son Connor carries a secret with her. A secret that clouds her life. Sean finds himself single again after his wifes affair, and moves into Fens house as a lodger. Their friendship slowly turns into something more, but past and present events conspire to keep them apart.

Another excellent read from Louise Douglas. I adore her style of writing, there is just the right amount of beautiful description to have you thoroughly engrossed in the place or person she is portraying ...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Helen Kollin Fichtel rated it did not like it

The basic story idea was good here, but it was written in such a tedious way, I couldn't get into it at all. EVERYTHING was spelt out for the reader, there was absolutely no subtlety at all.
Unfortunately, both Fen and Sean (the two main characters) were rather unlikeable, and I didn't believe in their relationship.

I can see that Louise Douglas can write, and has good ideas, so I will try another of her books to see if it's any better. This was poor. ...more

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May 11, 2014 Anne Wilson rated it liked it

Bit disappointed story was good but thought it was very long winded could have been told in half the time :-(

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Feb 20, 2019 Amanda rated it liked it · review of another edition

I have had this book on my kindle since I first was bought it back in 2013. Finally decided to read some books that have been waiting for quite some time. This story was enjoyable, sometimes I found it a bit predictable. Also there were a few times within the book that swearing was involved within the text. In my opinion swearing is unnecessary and doesn't add anything to a story. Although the swearing was brief and the reader was able to skip over it. ...more

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Jun 19, 2015 Amy rated it liked it

Sean is having a bad week. His wife not only kicked him to the curb, she did so because she is having an affair with her older professor. Out Sean goes, leaving behind his beloved daughter and the woman he thought he'd be with forever. For all that Sean lacks in intuitiveness and romantic gestures, he nonetheless is a man who thought he had it all figured out. He has the beautiful wife, the beautiful daughter, the beautiful home, and what he thought was a beautiful wife.

Fen, meanwhile, knows her ...more

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Nov 07, 2011 Ivana rated it it was ok

The writing style of MISSING YOU is fascinating. Douglass goes into minute details in her descriptions. At times, the author is even surprisingly poetic. Douglas managed to escape a lot of clichés from romantic genre. Not all of them, but that would be unreasonable to expect.

The plot is almost completely predictable (to me that is, it may not be to everyone). That goes for the end as well. There were a few pleasant surprises along the way, though. Characterization is decent. The characters have ...more

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Jun 13, 2012 Vanessa Wester rated it liked it

Shelves: heptathlon

I rated this book a 3 because even though it is a lovely story and I read in in two days... it was not a story that made me feel good. Escapism is important to me as a reader!

It deals with a lot of difficult issues. Adultery, separation, children with difficulties, loneliness, guilt, accidental death, trajedy... and true love. The kind of love that means something and matters.

So even though it brought these difficult topics together in a very clever and unique manner it was not the kind of book ...more

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Mar 16, 2015 Tanya rated it it was ok

Shelves: netgalley

This to me was the book form of a slow-moving foreign film, maybe with subtitles, hazy imagery and 1930s dress. A lot of people would love it, but it just wasn't for me. The blurb on the book is there and accurate. It is told in 3rd person, which did nothing to endear me to the characters honestly. The beginning was especially hard with nearly no dialog and characters even thinking in third person.

I found it slow moving and dull, neither character particularly dynamic or compelling to me. The w ...more

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Mar 08, 2010 Anne rated it it was amazing

I always dread reading a second book in case it doesn't live up to expectations, and having absolutely loved The Love of my Life I was quite worried about reading this one. If you're the same, stop worrying now. I loved this book, gave me the same heartbreaking achy feeling as her last, lovely "real" characters and a love story for real people who live real lives. Sean's relationship with his daughter Amy is beautifully drawn. Although the story turns a tad silly at times - the secret from the p ...more

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Apr 04, 2014 Nikolina rated it it was ok

Well... At first I thought this is one of those wannabe Sparks books. But at the end it was just ok.
I mean, story was fine, but something was missing, something deeper to make me fall into this story.
And this is, for me, one of those books where title doesn't have anything to do with story.

So, I'm giving you 2 stars. ...more

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Jul 21, 2010 Kezza22 rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2010-reads

It was a good read although I did find it a bit slow to get into! Loved the characters but wish she had expanded it more at the end!

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Jun 30, 2020 Michele Zito rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Really enjoyed reading this story. Good write up about how separation affect children involved when couple decide that it is not working out anymore, and how difficult it is to rebuild your life even when you have found someone to love .
There are always emotions and guilty feelings and always hard choices to make when you finally have to decide what is best for your child , but you also have to think about your own happiness.
Michele Zito

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Aug 12, 2020 Ev Bishop rated it it was amazing

Shelves: realistic-mainstream, romance, women-s-fiction, contemporary-romance

I just discovered Louise Douglas via The House by the Sea and it was so good that I snapped up Missing You and The Love of my Life, so I can binge read her. :)

Her characters feel absolutely real to me and will now live in my brain as people I actually know: my favourite type of book.

Fen, in Missing You, is wonderful. I love her wide-open gentle heart and her kindness and generosity of spirit. I rooted for her all the way. :)

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Apr 23, 2019 Michelle rated it it was ok

Shelves: dysfunctional-family

This was an 'ok-ish' type of book. I don't feel enriched after reading it and was mildly frustrated by some of the characters. There's a lot of repetition throughout the book and certain themes are not explored deeply enough. I felt the author skimmed the surface. This would be ok as a holiday read. ...more

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Oct 28, 2018 Svetlana rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

4,5 stars

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Jul 25, 2020 Freda Grundy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Beautiful

What a wonderful book could not put it down. Laughed, cried, every emotion. Willread books by this lady again for sure.

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Aug 13, 2020 Ivy rated it it was amazing

I have no complaints about this book. Good story, good writing, easy going..
good drama/romance love story overall.

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Jan 06, 2021 Sila rated it really liked it

I had no idea when starting the book but I like it.I finished one night too.

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Feb 03, 2021 Jennifer Sellek rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A really good story. I enjoyed reading it and it was quite relaxing. The characters I could relate to.

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Feb 25, 2021 Christine Byleveld rated it it was ok

a Slow starter, but picking up speed towards the end.
a Tale of new beginnings, learning to live again and standing up for yourself.

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Aug 23, 2015 Kristina rated it it was ok

Shelves: romance, 2015

Missing You by Louise Douglas is a typical romance novel with a very small mystery (not really) element. Sean comes home from work to find his wife waiting for him at the door with his belongings. She wants him to move out. They have been married for eleven years and have a daughter named Amy. Belle has met and fallen in love with another man (an older man who is a writer). After staying in tacky motel rooms, Sean is told about a room to let by his colleague, Lina.

Fen Weller lives on her own wi Missing You by Louise Douglas is a typical romance novel with a very small mystery (not really) element. Sean comes home from work to find his wife waiting for him at the door with his belongings. She wants him to move out. They have been married for eleven years and have a daughter named Amy. Belle has met and fallen in love with another man (an older man who is a writer). After staying in tacky motel rooms, Sean is told about a room to let by his colleague, Lina.

Fen Weller lives on her own with her son, Connor. Connor has mild cerebral palsy. Fen works in a bookstore called The Gildas Bookshop. Fen is constantly looking over her shoulder and does not live her life to the fullest. She has put her life in a holding pattern since an accident occurred ten years ago. She needs more income so she decides to rent out her extra room. The room used to belong to her brother, Tomas. Fen has not seen Tomas in years. He has a drug addiction.

Sean moves into Fen’s room and the two start to slowly get to know each other. Sean has to come to reality that his wife, Belle has moved on with her life and so must he. Just when things are working out between Sean and Fen, Belle starts calling. Belle has broken up with the Other (as Sean called her boyfriend). Belle now wants what she cannot have. Belle keeps calling needing help and then she takes too many pills. Sean is forced to go back to his old home and help her out. Sean feels he needs to be there for their daughter, Amy. But is this what he really wants? Fen has to face up to what happened ten years ago. Fen cannot move on with her life until she acknowledges what happened and makes things right. Will Sean and Fen get back together? What happened with Fen ten years ago?

When I picked this book, I thought there would be more mystery in it. The so-called mystery or secret that Fen was keeping was so easy to figure out. I knew what the ending of this book would be as soon as Fen decided to let her extra room (British novel). I give Missing You 2.5 out of 5 stars. It was just an okay book. It was nothing new or exciting or different (I need to be more careful when picking books)! If you are looking for a romance book, then you will enjoy Missing You. If you are looking for something more, than this is not the book to read. Missing You was nicely written and the flow was not bad. I felt that there were some areas that could have been left out completely and would not have made a difference in the story.

I received a complimentary copy of Missing You from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs... ...more

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Oct 12, 2015 Jody rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...

Fen hasn't had it easy, which is why she prefers to lead a quiet life together with her son Connor. She enjoys her job working in a local book shop, but mainly keeps to herself the rest of the time, afraid getting close to other people will only hurt her in the end. Sean is lucky enough to have everything he ever wanted in life: a great job, a beautiful wife, and a wonderful daughter named Amy. But then Belle suddenly reveal Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...

Fen hasn't had it easy, which is why she prefers to lead a quiet life together with her son Connor. She enjoys her job working in a local book shop, but mainly keeps to herself the rest of the time, afraid getting close to other people will only hurt her in the end. Sean is lucky enough to have everything he ever wanted in life: a great job, a beautiful wife, and a wonderful daughter named Amy. But then Belle suddenly reveals she has been seeing someone else and wants a divorce. Before he has time to even think about it, Sean finds himself looking for a place to stay which brings him to Fen, who is looking for someone to rent one of her spare rooms. As time passes, Fen and Sean slowly build up a friendship and there might even be more between them. But will everything that happened to them in the past prevent them from being able to love again or can they overcome their struggles and finally lay the past to rest...?

'Missing You' was actually released for the first time in 2010 and I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of the 2015 re-release by Bookouture. I was quite blown away by Louise Douglas' writing and how she managed to create a very specific atmosphere in the book, which fit the mood and experiences of the characters perfectly. Fen and Sean have both been through some difficult times and this feeling of sadness reflected really well in the writing, while also shaping the characters. I liked both Sean and Fen straight away and was really rooting for them, keeping my fingers crossed for a happy ending for the both of them.

The novel is very realistic and I actually quite liked that Fen and Sean didn't fall head over heels in love with one another straight away, but how everything happened quite gradually. The main theme of the novel comes back in its title; Fen misses her family and particularly her brother, while Sean misses his old life with his wife Belle and daughter Amy. We all know the feeling of missing something, and the novel deals with that in a wonderful way and shows how to get through it and meet other people along the way who can help you. Overall, 'Missing You' is a well-written, beautiful, heart-warming story that really had me captivated from start to finish; not a light chick-lit read, but definitely one worth picking up. ...more

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Mar 18, 2015 Deana rated it did not like it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. First, let me say I received a copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I read Louise Douglas' other book, The Love of My Life and I have to say I enjoyed that much better. I hate to be rude about any book, and I try to keep it professional, but I rolled my eyes so hard during so much of this book, I gave myself a headache.

This book was way too predictable for my liking. I can sum it up in a few seconds. Fen (!) has a secret involving her brother many moons ago. She also has a son ...more

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Feb 10, 2010 Fluffychick rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, loved-it, books-read-in-2010

Sean’s seemingly perfect life crumbles when his adored wife Belle throws him out to start a new life with the Other. Sean had no idea of his wife’s unhappiness and struggles to cope without her and his young daughter, Amy. He rents a room in a house with Fen and her little boy Connor. Fen leads a secluded life based on work and the care of her boy. She’s moved away from family and friends to hide a guilty secret involving her brother. Both characters have difficulties in moving on but circumstan ...more

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Apr 08, 2015 Loretta Milan rated it it was amazing

Missing You opens as Sean returns home, flowers in hand, to try and save the marriage he had thought was perfect but his wife had not. He is sent packing nonetheless. With nowhere to go, a colleague arranges for him to lodge with Fen, a female friend of hers. The story then follows Sean’s struggle to move on from his separation, becoming more than a lodger in the process.

I’ve read many break-up stories from a woman’s perspective and I admire Louise Douglas for tackling that of a man’s. The story ...more

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Jul 31, 2013 Kate’s Book Spot rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I had previously read The Love of My Life by this author and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to read more from her, when I saw this eBook on Amazon at a great price I couldn’t resist.

The beginning set the scene well, there was an overall feeling of sadness throughout the book and to see Sean’s heartbreaking situation so early on instantly made me feel sorry for him. Fen was very nervous about something and repeatedly mentioned Tomas and Joe, at that point I had no idea who they were and I made ...more

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About Louise Douglas

Louise Douglas

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I've always loved reading and writing and all I ever wanted to be was an author. I've had four books published now, the fifth is written and is due to be published in August 2013 and I'm working on the sixth. I live with Kevin in the Mendips, not far from Bristol, a city that I love, and have three beautiful sons. We also have two dogs, Lil and Lola. The Love of My Life is my first book. It was lo ...more