For identical twins Remy and Ashleigh, everything changes with one childhood decision. A simple act of love that unwittingly alters the paths they will both walk—an act of love that will echo through decades…
As the years unfold, their lives take dramatically different courses. Ashleigh soars through a glittering London career with the perfect house and family, but beneath her success lies a gnawing her whole life is built on a lie. Meanwhile, Remy stays close to home, finding joy in simple pleasures, yet forever feeling the weight of being ‘the other twin’—the one who didn’t shine.
Both sisters long for the uncomplicated closeness they once shared, but can they find their way back to each other? And after a lifetime shaped by that single childhood choice, is it too late to become the people they were meant to be?
This emotionally compelling story asks challenging questions about paths not taken, and about making peace with the life you have, rather than the one you might have expected.
When I first started reading Life as Planned, I didn’t know what to expect. Usually I put so much thought into my next read, but I just jumped straight into this one. I didn’t even properly read the synopsis – which is totally unlike me. And honestly, I’m so glad that this is what I did, because I was completely blown away by this book.
Life as Planned follows twins Ashleigh and Remy Brett throughout their lives, from age 10 to their elderly years. The premise of the novel is that there is one decision that is made when they are young that impacts the trajectory of the rest of their lives.
Each chapter is focused on a specific year of Remy and Ashleigh’s lives. The reader gets to experience what happens throughout their lives and those around them. A key theme of the novel is that life goes by incredibly quickly – it seems that when you blink an entire decade has gone by. As someone in my mid-30s who is still wondering how that happened, this completely resonated with me.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this novel is that as you read you really do form a connection with the characters. You get to know them through their formative years, experience how certain events impact them, and experience both the wonderful and tragic parts of life with them. I found this novel to be incredibly life affirming. It really makes you think about the importance of appreciating family, friendships, and what you have.
I would absolutely recommend this book for a life affirming and beautiful read… although beware you may also shed some tears!
