Jill Cox

Whew, this sequel was intense.
At the end of The Bridge, you're left with a pretty happy vibe, a knowledge that good things are coming up for Meredith and her one true love.
The Long Walk slays that knowledge fairly quick out of the gate with an unexpected tragedy that sends Meredith and Pete reeling. It was painful to read, and yet, somehow, I kept reading and I wasn't angry about it as a plot choice. Instead, I kept rooting for Meredith and feeling reassured by all the things she did and all the help she got to stay sane and grounded in life, to not sabotage herself, to do the right things. I always feel reassured by characters who fight for their mental and emotional health, and that's what she does.
Life keeps on changing, whether it's the way you expected it to or not, and you don't have to think of it as all bad even if it's not all good. I thought this story was a pretty powerful testament to that viewpoint.
I have to admit I was second-guessing the ending a bit, because I didn't feel quite as forgiving as Meredith, but I think ultimately it won me over, and the epilogue reassured me somewhat.

I think I liked The Bridge best because the relationship was built so solidly and was a joy to discover, whereas this book is more about navigating life and pain...and it's harder. That said, I found it engaging and well-written and I am definitely on board for any more books by this author.… (altro)

Enjoyed a very leisurely re-read, May 2018. Original review below.
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Could. Not. Stop. Reading.

I nearly wept a few times, which is a rare reading experience for me.

If you like Anne/Gilbert vibes but can handle a bit more emotional intensity, this is it. Though the emotional intensity comes in waves; it's not like that all the way through.

I couldn't believe how invested I got in this story, as I don't normally care for contemporary romance and expected this to be nothing more than cute. Instead, it's a story that wrapped its hands around my heart and tugged really hard. Haven't had book hangover like this in a long time.

There were so many surprises along the way, but I think I knew it was something special the moment Pete and Meredith bonded over "Begin the Beguine." (An A song in my book, too.) When they started dancing to that, and "Sing, Sing, Sing" followed on its heels...I mean, what could be better?… (altro)