Just... Wow

I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying... This book gave me all the feels! Even though I have not lost anyone that close to me, I saw so much of myself in Ellie and it was heartbreaking and healing to follow her journey. ( )

This book is a very emotional read. Eleanor and Grey meet in high school and from the outside look to be from different worlds when in fact they are both facing a lot of heartache in their homes. They become very close but circumstances are not right for them at that time. The story then fast forwards 16 years and their paths cross again. Will they ever be in the right space to have a future together?

This was a good book. I was interested all the way through. I appreciated all the characters including the children. I thought the feelings portrayed were very realistic for what each character was experiencing. The only thing that I wondered was what happened to Grey's parents. We hear a lot about them in part one of the book and then nothing in part two. Considering that Grey's home life growing up influenced who he became as an adult I thought we would have learned more about how his relationship with his father progressed as he became the head of the family company. Overall it was a high four star read for me. ( )

This is a prime example of how book reviewing can sometimes hinder finding great reads. I am such a mood reader. I actually received an EARC of this when it was released. I was just never in the mood to grab for it but I had to get it reviewed. I never could get into it then. I knew I loved BCC though, so when this was on Audible I decided to give it another chance. I am so glad I did!

I loved this!! This story is really told within two time periods. We need Eleanor and Grey while in high school. Both are dealing with different issues. There was limited story around Grey and his parents. Eleanor is dealing with a sick parent and everything that comes along with that. I really connected with Eleanor as I had a sick parent growing up. I loved how we get to see the relationship between Eleanor and her mother. It was not just a sad story thrown in to bring a plot to the story. It was heart breaking and I balled crying.

This then picks back up 15 years later when Eleanor and Grey meet again. I loved the beginning, but it this took me over the edge when they are adults. I could not put this down. There are so many changes and Grey is very cold (it makes sense at you read his story). This whole story will break your heart. I literally cried off and on throughout the whole book.

Overall, I loved this! I immediately went and purchased the paperback off Amazon as this has to be in my collection! ( )

First 6 "I am still here"stars Of the year.

Nothing like spending your night crying and laughing from a fictional book. This book is a maelstrom of emotions. From gut-wrenching feelings to moments of joy. This book plain and simply was heartbreak juxtaposed with hope. In typical fashion, this author worked her magic and created a story that will remain etched into the template of who I am. I ugly cried. I had to take moments to remind myself to breathe. I felt like I was drowning.

Every character in this story was one of a kind. I should have known that before I went into the story because this author always pens such unique and lovable characters. Yet, after reading this book, I am not sure even The Elements series (which says something because that series is in my all-time favorites vault) could hold a candle to what this book meant to my heart.

This book healed me in ways that I didn't know I was broken. I found a sense of peace in these characters and all that they had gone through. The stylistic choice and way that she phrased certain simples was out of this world. Even simple words of, "still here" had meaning that I never even understood until they were in the context of this book.

I can not say enough about this book other than this one hurts but sometimes pain isn't a bad thing. Sometimes, it is the catalyst needed for transformation. I needed that gentle reminder. Especially of late and in particular today.

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