BookView Review

Harton skillfully captures the complexities of growing up and interpersonal dynamics in her latest YA romance. Seventeen-year-old Natalie feels out of place in Monterey, far from her East Coast roots. But fate leads her to Grayson, a sailor dreaming of Harvard. Their bond grows over sunlit sails and beachside nights. As summer ends, distance threatens to pull them apart, but destiny has more in store. A decade later, they meet again in Adeline, Maine. Is this their second chance at love, or just another goodbye?

Harton’s writing evokes a deep sense of longing and nostalgia. The emotional resonance of the story is heightened by the characters’ inner turmoil and evolving relationships. Natalie, a spirited young woman, grapples with her desire for independence and societal expectations. Her journey of self-discovery involves learning to assert herself and navigate complex relationships. In contrast, Gray is mature and introspective, offering stability in Natalie’s life. Mystery and tension, particularly surrounding Natalie and Gray’s feelings and future, keep readers engaged, especially as Natalie faces major life changes. A subplot involving Natalie’s father’s remarriage adds depth to the emotional landscape, highlighting the characters’ growth. The novel explores familiar YA romance themes like love, friendship, and personal growth—reminiscent of works such as To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Everything, Everything—while introducing fresh perspectives and intriguing details that set it apart from others in its genre. 

A compelling read that will tug at your heartstrings and linger in your mind long after the final page.

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