More of a 3.5

This is a really good debut novel. It shows a decent portrayal of grief and, while some of the language needs some work, it flows very naturally. Despite being a very grounded and slow-moving story, I was never bored or wanted to set it aside.

There are some plot threads that go nowhere, particularly the one with Sam and Kevin. She builds this relationship up, like they're going to get together, but nothing comes out of it. It made me think that this book possibly ended twenty pages too early, as it does suddenly just end. I get that this isn't the main focus of the book, that belongs to her relationship with Reagan, but after all that build up, I would have liked some resolution.

I remember someone pointing out that it's a bit odd that we don't see any of Reagan's family in all this and that's a fair point. We never know the impact of her death on her own family, not even a passing mention. I can't remember if they were even in the funeral scene.

I think with just a little fine tuning to style, Stokes can make a truly great book. This is a good starting point.