Description

Two people. One life-changing connection.

‘At times joyful and funny, at others heartbreaking, The Lifeline is an honest yet hopeful exploration of love, loneliness and the power of connection. Captivating, romantic and real – I loved it.’

Holly Miller

‘I’ll read anything Tom Ellen writes, but The Lifeline is particularly special. This is a sharp and swoony romcom with deft undercurrents of more serious topics such as grief, remorse, and the important of being truly seen, listened to, and understood by those we love. I loved it.’

Holly Bourne

Will is sleepwalking through life. He works a dead-end job and volunteers at an anonymous crisis line to avoid facing his own problems.

Annie is sure she has her five-year plan all worked out. But when things start falling apart, she just needs someone who will listen…

They’re practically strangers but soon Will and Annie rely on their regular phone calls, challenging each other to be brave and rebuild their lives.

They’ve found connection in the most unlikely of places but is it possible to fall in love with someone you’ve never met?

Publisher Review

Praise for Tom Ellen: 'Magical and beautiful.' Josie Silver, author of One Day in December 'An insightful, nuanced look at modern relationships, I LOVED it. A Christmas Carol meets Love Actually.' Holly Bourne, author of Pretending 'Has all of the feels - the messy complexities of family and friends, the power of love and a sprinkling of magic. Gorgeous.' Clare Pooley, author of The Authenticity Project 'I loved it so much. Brilliant, lovable characters. So sharp, funny and poignant.' Rachel Winters, author of Would Like to Meet 'A heart-warming and surprisingly feminist Christmas Carol-esque novel of "what if" and "who am I" - this really left an impression on me. The best novel of the festive season!' Laura Jane Williams, author of Our Stop 'An outstanding story about regrets, self-reflection and love. Fantastic to have such a warm, genuine male voice in this genre. It's a sure hit for 2020 - LOVED IT!' Roxie Cooper, author of The Day We Met 'A warm, cosy delight. It's SO honest, funny and sad. Most of all it is full of hope. It tugged at ALL of my heartstrings, and I loved it to bits.' Cressida McLaughlin, author of The Cornish Cream Tea Bus 'Clever, funny and romantic. I hope the Netflix adaptation comes swiftly after.' Melinda Salisbury, author of The Song of Sorrow 'Funny, warm and touching, perfect for Me Before You fans.' Suzy K Quinn, author of The Bad Mother's Diary 'Oh my gosh, it's wonderful! I cried so much!' Polly Crosby, author of The Illustrated Child 'Romantic and gloriously life-affirming.' Rachel Marks, author of Saturdays at Noon 'So captivating I couldn't put it down.' Emma Cooper, author of If I Could Say Goodbye