The Woman Who Met Herself

A heartbreaking, life-affirming BRAND NEW story from the No.1 bestselling author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont. Perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman, Colleen Hoover, and Jojo Moyes.

What would you do, if you met your double?

Debbie Jones thinks life is an adventure. Even having lost her husband a year ago, she's ready for whatever the world might throw her way. Being in her sixties doesn't mean it's all over for her yet, and she loves her new job doing neighbourhood support for a charity. Then she knocks on a stranger's front door.

Ruth Waverley doesn't like surprises. Her life isn't perhaps all she once dreamed of, but what other options are there for a woman in her sixties? She's proud of her home and children. And she likes her life well enough. Then she hears someone knocking at the door.

As the door opens, both Ruth and Debbie get the shock of their lives. As their eyes meet ' the recognition is instant. Not because they've met before. But because they have the same face. They're completely identical.

And everything is about to change, for both women. In ways they couldn't possibly imagine'

Readers love Laura Pearson:

Even when I couldn't see properly as the tears streamed down my face rivalling the force of the Niagara Falls, I couldn't put this novel down. It is raw, it is devastating (yes, I'm aware I've used that word before but it is!) and yet, it's wonderful and I absolutely loved it! Goodreads reviewer

Heartbreaking, uplifting, eye opening Such a beautiful story. Goodreads reviewer

Will break and melt your heart in equal measure. A genuinely stunning read!' Absolutely EXQUISITE A powerful story about friendship, found family, lost love, identity, self-acceptance and living life authentically and to its fullest' A beautiful story that will never leave me. Goodreads reviewer

Wow' amazing' Straight away it captures your heart, it is so beautifully written and impossible to put down' Have the tissues ready it feels so real' it stays with you. Goodreads reviewer

I absolutely loved this book. One of the most enjoyable that I have read this year. It is heartbreaking, beautiful and totally uplifting. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. It will also make you look back at your own life and examine the decisions and choices that you have made' A really life affirming read. Goodreads reviewer

Gorgeous Tender and beautiful' As hopeful as it is heart-breaking I loved it. Amy Beashel, author

Captured my heart. It's a tender and uplifting read' Leaves you feeling warm, hopeful, and satisfied. Lisa Timoney, author

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Published May 23, 2025

304 pages

Average rating: 7.67

12 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Gram Judy
May 10, 2026
7/10 stars
I really enjoyed this novel about 2 older women who encounter one another by accident and find that they are twins who were separated at a very young age. Their developing relationship with each other and their relationships with others in their lives is the heart of the story. It is told with a light touch, but also with tenderness and insight.
Dew
Mar 07, 2026
8/10 stars
this was a an enjoyable feel good read. interesting but not overly in depth.
Gail_71
Jan 02, 2026
6/10 stars
‘The Woman Who Met Herself’ is an extraordinary tale of self-discovery and sisterhood. Two strangers, Ruth and Debbie, unexpectedly learn that they are identical twins. Their journey is marked by emotional depth as they navigate family secrets and explore themes of love and contentment. The mystery surrounding their connection is further complicated by the presence of a loved one who has dementia, adding layers of complexity to their search for answers. The author skillfully handles this sensitive narrative with grace and empathy, portraying the main characters as both similar and distinct, embodying a dance between bravery and fear. Through the elegant exploration of their lives, she captures the intricate essence of twins and reveals how their experiences shape their identities. The story artfully weaves in elements from the past, providing insights into the circumstances that led them to this moment of revelation. Readers of women's fiction will undoubtedly find enjoyment in this poignant tale, which reminds us that the grass isn't always greener on the other side and prompts reflection on what might have been.
Maddie_0513
Aug 03, 2025
5/10 stars
I struggled with this book. Maybe it was the writing style and how in depth each story was. Maybe it was the fact that identical twins are hard to tell apart even in writing? I was constantly going back to understand which twin I was reading about and reminding myself who was who. This is a little outside of my usual genre of thriller and romance but I’m glad I finished it. It’s a feel good book about twins finding each other and learning how they ended up split from a young age.

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