4.5 stars

I’ve been wanting to read this since it came out, and when I got it from the library a few weeks ago Erika really, really wanted me to start it. I finally decided to pick it up, because I was curious, and I thought she’d spontaneously combust if I didn’t. 😂

Well, thank you, Erika, for making me read this amazing book. 😍

This was seriously amazing. It was a great fluffy story that also explored family, friendship, and finding yourself. I loved the balance of light and deep, and the story itself. Even though many contemporaries can bleed together, this one stood out.

I loved all of the characters. At times I thought Anise was a bit too self-centered and Emery had the attitude of a sixteen-year-old rather than a twelve-year old, but otherwise they were all awesome. Anise, her friends, her dad, Aunt Jackie, Emery, the twins, Austin... oh, and Lincoln. Sweet Lincoln. How do you not love him? He was confident enough to make me laugh, but not so much to be annoying. He was definitely my favorite, although like I said, everyone else was good too.

I loved that this book shone light on a different kind of athleticism. Anise and Lincoln weren’t on varsity school teams; she was a surfer and he was a skateboarder, respectively. I’ve said for a while now and wished for characters with more unique hobbies, and then this comes along. One more reason to love it.

I also loved that this took place mainly in Nebraska. I’ve lived in the Midwest my whole life, and this is the first book I’ve read (other than Rainbow Rowell’s) that was set so close to home. Although I’ll be honest, I’ve never heard of anything as cool as a fossil museum or a hidden river nearby. Maybe I need to explore more.

The best part of this, hands down, was Anise and Lincoln’s slow-burn romance. I loved it, loved them, so freaking much. They complemented each other so well, and were the absolute cutest. I hope they find a way to stay happily together, because even if it’s off-page I just don’t think I could handle knowing they’re apart. Couples like them are the reason I’m such a hopeless romantic. ❤️

The last thing I’ve got to say is that this is a diverse read. Lincoln is black and disabled, and two of the girls in Anise’s friend group are happily out and together.

So, if it wasn’t already obvious, I really enjoyed this book. It was such a fun read, also with its share of feels and some deeper subjects, and I know I’ll read more of Laura’s work in the future. Especially if any of these characters are in it.

Recommended for fans of Sarah Dessen and Stephanie Perkins!