Adelaide

A Novel

By: Genevieve Wheeler

Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly

“A beautifully-written, deeply felt exploration of what it means to love and be loved.”–Jill Santopolo, New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost

In love . . .

For twenty-six-year-old Adelaide Williams, an American living in dreamy London, meeting Rory Hughes was like a lightning bolt out of the blue: this charming Englishman was The One she wasn’t even looking for.

Is it enough?

Does he respond to texts? Honor his commitments? Make advance plans? Sometimes, rarely, and no, not at all. But when he shines his light on her, the world makes sense, and Adelaide is convinced that, in his heart, he’s fallen just as deeply as she has. Then, when Rory is rocked by an unexpected tragedy, Adelaide does everything in her power to hold him together—even if it means losing herself in the process.

When love asks too much of us, how do we find the strength to put ourselves first?

With unflinching honesty and heart, this relatable debut from a fresh new voice explores grief and mental health while capturing the timeless nature of what it’s like to be young and in love—with your friends, with your city, and with a person who cannot, will not, love you back.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2023 Genevieve Wheeler (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Wheeler’s debut is searingly raw...Her whole soul is poured out onto the pages, and you’ll find it hard not to feel your own heart crack and stomach turn as Adelaide tries without avail to win the love of someone who simply can’t give it. Wheeler deftly relates Adelaide's journey of unbending friendship, grief, and passion, and for many readers, her tale will strike a resonant chord. Vulnerable, tender, and impossible to put down."–Kirkus (starred)

"Heartfelt...This is a portrait of a woman struggling with her empathic desire to be all things to all people and realizing that she is allowed to put herself first...Fans of The Midnight Library will identify with Adelaide's journey."–Booklist

"Wheeler perfectly captures her protagonist’s depression, anxiety, and negative self-talk—not to mention her keen agony of unrequited love—and a solid supporting cast provides Adelaide with ample emotional support. The complex heroine animates every page."–Publishers Weekly

Good story, hated ending

It was a good story. It was told very conversationally. I loved that! However, I feel the ending took away from the entire message of the story, which was disappointing!

Relatable

Nice book, very relatable and nice to hear. Not my favorite story or plot, a bit slow at times.

Hard to care about the characters

Adelaide was so pathetic and Rory was just awful. It was hard to care about either of them.

Everything about this book…

I’m so glad this book was written. It speaks to the deep part of my soul. A must read

All women should read this book

Although heartbreaking and frustrating at times, Adelaide is a beautiful story about what lies on the other side of trauma and grief if you decide to keep pushing. It’s also a reminder that it pays to have good friends and a even better therapist as you navigate through life.

A realistic love story

I loved that it touches on mental health and that it does not end like a fairy tale but real life situations!!

A touching story

A relatable story for those who have suffered abuse, grief, mental illness, and have experienced the depths of depression and heartache. And who still have hope and goals of a bright bright future.

A good weekend read

Reading Adelaide coupled with my simultaneous listening on Audible, sparked nostalgia for my college days when ghosting was a prevalent, although I was unaware of its name back then. While the story revolves around love, its primary focus lies in providing insights for navigating mental health challenges. A perfect choice for a weekend read.

soul crushing

Oh, how my soul ached! This is a deeply emotional story that touches on mental health. There are so many broken relationships and past traumas. The ending was a tad strange, just that it had me thinking that she still harbors feelings good or bad for a past relationship and hasn't been able to let go yet.

A beautiful story about The love and tragedies of growing into womanhood

I loved this so much, I didn’t want it to end without knowing what the next years we’re going to bring for Adelaide. And you delivered. I immediately went online and purchased a hard copy of this book and sent it to my daughter. And it was told and read so well.