I started this book about an hour before bed, planning on just reading a few chapters. I ended up devouring the entire book, not stopping until I hit the end at around 2am.
150 pages in, I already knew that it would be a five-star read. It was special, and every scene hit my heart directly. Grief is such a difficult thing to process and portray, and Cara Bastone managed to do just that. She didn’t shy away from the bad parts or make them into something that they weren’t – it felt so genuine and so familiar, even as someone who’s only experienced a fraction of that loss.
We got to see Lenny, the main character, heal, with all of the ups and downs, steps forward and backward. I loved that it wasn’t a quick or easy process, because that’s part of what made it so impactful and realistic. And, throughout, you see Lenny’s strength and perseverance, and it’s such a beautiful thing to experience. I loved her humor and the way that she was unapologetically herself, the good and the bad. She cared for the people around her deeply, and it showed in everything she did.
Miles is the love interest, but he’s so much more than that. He doesn’t come in as a knight in shining armor, but he acts as a solid support for Lenny, so she can heal herself. He cares and loves her, even before the romance actually sets in. He’s a dynamic, well-rounded character in his own right, and it was so satisfying to be able to see him find his own place in the world – with family, friends, and career. He cared for Lenny so deeply, in such a healthy way, that it’s the stuff of dreams.
Lenny and Miles together… it’s pure beauty. I loved getting to see them transition from strangers to friends to lovers, in a gradual build that felt natural. Getting to witness that build only made the ending that much more satisfying. Their romantic relationship had such a solid, beautiful foundation of friendship, and that made them so perfect together.
This book made me laugh out loud. It made me ugly cry. It made me feel so much, alongside the characters and for the characters. To me, that’s the mark of an amazing book.
Thank you for exploring with us! Until next time, may the pages and paths ahead of you be great.
