I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First off, it’s not lost on me that I, as a gay, white, middle-aged man, am not the intended audience for this book. That said, I still enjoyed it. When I was a teen, I would often dip my toe into Sweet Dreams Romance books, so now and then, I like to pick up a YA romance and settle back into my 16-year-old self. I gotta say, YA romances are much less cheesy than they were in the 80s and 90s.

What I loved most about this book was how heartwarming and inclusive it is. I also loved how it explored themes of loss, addiction, and the power of friendship, and I am happy to say I really enjoyed the story of Ethan and Rebecca. It’s an emotional journey filled with ups and downs.

Ethan and Rebecca’s friendship begins in childhood when his addict mother leaves him with his grandparents, who live next door to Rebecca and her parents. The two become fast friends, but their friendship is abruptly cut short when Ethan’s mom takes him away again. A few years later, Ethan returns but is once again ripped away, leaving nothing but a flower on Rebecca’s windowsill. Several years later, Ethan’s mother is once again in rehab, and he is back living with his grandparents. A lot has changed, though. Ethan is no longer a scared little boy, having had to take care of his mother for years as she battled her addiction. Rebecca has also changed following a tragic car accident that took her father’s life and left her in a wheelchair. When Ethan and Rebecca are reunited, their connection is put to the test. Will their hardships bring them closer together, or have they grown too far apart?

One of the standout aspects of this book is its inclusivity. I was thrilled to see a wheelchair user as a main character rather than just a side character. Abigail Johnson has done a phenomenal job of portraying Rebecca’s experiences as a wheelchair user with authenticity and sensitivity, which makes sense since the author is a wheelchair user herself.

The author’s handling of loss and addiction in this book is also incredibly well done. Ethan and Rebecca both carry the weight of their pasts, and it is through their shared experiences that they find solace and healing. I appreciated how the author portrayed their struggles with honesty and care, shedding light on the emotional turmoil that comes with loss and addiction. It was a reminder that our past does not define us; it is our choices and actions in the present that shape our future.

The book is told through alternating viewpoints of Ethan and Rebecca, occasionally flashing back to before Rebecca’s accident and the present moment. Despite jumping around in time, I never felt lost.

The characters are all well-rounded and relatable. The relationship between Rebecca and Ethan is solid, but I also liked watching the relationship that Ethan had with his grandparents as it evolved. I was especially touched by the relationship that Rebecca has with her mother and how it evolved as well.

Another thing this book does well is that it reminds us of the importance of cherishing the present moment and the people in our lives. It is all too easy to get caught up in our own struggles and forget about the impact we have on others. This book serves as a poignant reminder to appreciate the relationships we have, as they can provide us with the strength and support we need to face life’s challenges.

In the end, I thought this was a beautifully written novel perfect for teens and adults alike. It offers a heartwarming and empowering story that will resonate with readers of all ages. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a touching and uplifting read.