“Fate has a way of giving you exactly what you need, when you need it.”

Wondering if “The Love of My Afterlife” is worth your time? This article has everything you need to decide:

• A complete plot breakdown without major spoilers
• My honest review with pros and cons
• What other readers are saying
• Similar books to try next

I’ve read over 200 romance novels and can tell you if this one stands out. As someone who values genuine stories over overhyped bestsellers, I’ll share what makes this book special (or not).

The book follows Delphie, who dies and gets a second chance at life if she can find her soulmate in 10 days. Is this supernatural rom-com worth adding to your TBR list? Let’s find out.

Plot Summary

Characters and Storyline

The story follows Delphie, a socially awkward loner who works at a pharmacy and has shut herself off from meaningful connections after years of bullying and parental abandonment. Her only real friend is her elderly neighbor, Mr. Yoon, who doesn’t speak.

After choking to death, Delphie meets her bubbly, romance-loving Afterlife Therapist named Merritt in a place called Evermore. Just as she’s processing her death, she encounters Jonah, a handsome man with whom she feels an instant connection.

When Jonah is sent back to Earth due to a clerical error, Merritt offers Delphie a chance to return as well – with one condition: She must find Jonah in London and get him to kiss her within ten days to remain alive.

The catch? She only knows his first name, and he has no memory of meeting her in the afterlife.

Plot Progression

As Delphie searches for Jonah throughout London, she’s forced to step far outside her comfort zone. She reluctantly accepts help from her downstairs neighbor Cooper (with whom she has a contentious relationship) and her colleagues and makes new friends along the way.

Through a series of mishaps and near-misses with Jonah, Delphie gradually opens herself up to connections, experiences, and emotions she’d previously avoided.

What begins as a desperate search for one specific man evolves into a journey of self-discovery, healing from past trauma, and learning what it truly means to live.

My Review

This book surprised me in the best possible way. What starts as a seemingly light-hearted romantic comedy quickly reveals itself to be a thoughtful exploration of grief, trauma, loneliness, and the courage it takes to live fully.

I was immediately hooked by the unique premise and Delphie’s distinctive voice. Her social awkwardness and tendency to speak without a filter make her both frustrating and endearing. While initially hard to root for due to her prickly nature, watching her growth throughout the story was deeply satisfying.

The supporting characters shine brightly, particularly Mr. Yoon, whose relationship with Delphie forms the emotional heart of the novel. The found family elements are beautifully crafted, showing how connections can form in unexpected ways when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable.

Things I Liked

• The fresh, unique premise that blends supernatural elements with rom-com tropes
• The British humor that adds charm and wit throughout
• The realistic portrayal of how trauma shapes our relationships
• The found family theme that develops naturally through the story
• The perfect balance of humor and emotional depth

Things I Disliked

• Some might find Delphie too abrasive in the beginning
• A few plot points rely heavily on coincidence
• Certain secondary storylines could have been more developed

MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD

The biggest twist is that Cooper (her downstairs neighbor who helps her search for Jonah) turns out to be Delphie’s true soulmate, not Jonah, whom she met in the afterlife. This subverts expectations in the best way.

Their enemies-to-lovers journey feels earned as they go from reluctant allies to something more through fake dating, one-bed scenarios, and genuine emotional connection.

The storyline with Mr. Yoon is equally touching. We learn he’s been silently supporting Delphie while carrying his grief, and their bond shows how a found family can be just as meaningful as romantic love. When Delphie faces returning to the afterlife, her biggest concern isn’t leaving potential romance behind but abandoning Mr. Yoon—showing how much she’s grown to value connection over isolation.

What Readers Think

“Because life is too short to wait around on a good idea.”

Rating

With a strong 4.07 rating on Goodreads from over 56,000 readers, The Love of My Afterlife has clearly resonated with many.

Reviews

• “This is my first book by Kirsty Greenwood and it won’t be my last. I loved it all, from the unique premise to the wonderful all-the-feels ending this book was chef’s kiss.”
• “I don’t think I even have words for how much I loved this book… PHENOMENAL, OUTSTANDING, WONDERFUL, GROUNDBREAKING, HILARIOUS, ADORABLE, HEARTWARMING etc. etc.”
• “Delphie’s journey isn’t just about finding love and pursuing her ‘happily ever after’, it’s also about discovering her love for life itself and all the joys that come with letting people in.”
• “A modern day fairy tale… Can a kiss from the right person STILL save a life?”

What sets this book apart is how it transforms a fantastical premise into a deeply human story. By using the afterlife as a backdrop, Greenwood creates a unique lens through which to examine what makes life worth living.

Themes and Takeaways

“The Love of My Afterlife” explores several powerful themes:

• Second Chances: Both literally and figuratively, as Delphie gets another opportunity at life and at opening her heart
• Found Family: The relationships we choose can be as meaningful as blood ties
• Overcoming Past Trauma: How childhood experiences shape us but don’t have to define us
• Living Fully: The importance of embracing experiences rather than hiding from them
• Connection: How meaningful relationships enrich our lives in ways we may not realize until they’re gone

The novel leaves readers with important takeaways about not taking life for granted and finding the courage to be vulnerable despite past hurts. As one character points out, “Being alive is about experiencing the full gamut of emotions. If you’re not feeling pushed and pulled and scared and delighted instead of just safe—then you’re not doing it right.”

Is Reading The Love of My Afterlife Worth It?

“Sometimes it takes death to finally realize what’s worth living for… how love can transcend even the greatest boundaries and how second chances, no matter how improbable, can still lead to profound change.”

This book is absolutely worth reading if you enjoy:

• Rom-coms with substance and emotional depth
• Stories that blend humor with poignant moments
• British wit and charm
• Character-driven narratives with meaningful growth
• A touch of magical realism

Where the book may fall short for some readers is in its occasionally over-the-top coincidences, and some might find Delphie difficult to warm up to initially. However, if you can push through the first few chapters, her transformation is rewarding.

Similar Books If You Enjoyed The Love of My Afterlife

If you loved The Love of My Afterlife, here are some similar books you might enjoy:

• The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
• Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
• Afterlife of the Party (Netflix movie)
• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Conclusion

The Love of My Afterlife is more than just a romantic comedy with a supernatural twist—it’s a heartfelt exploration of what it means to live truly. Through Delphie’s journey, we’re reminded that life’s greatest joys often come from the connections we make and the risks we take with our hearts.

This book is perfect for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, struggled to overcome past hurts, or enjoys a well-crafted story that balances humor with emotional depth. Kirsty Greenwood has created something special that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.

In a world where we often move through life on autopilot, The Love of My Afterlife serves as a gentle reminder to cherish each moment, embrace connections, and find the courage to live fully—because we never know when our time might be up… or if we’ll be lucky enough to get a second chance.