Thank you so much to Ashley Schumacher, St Martins & Wednesday for an advanced copy of this book! 

"The things that can bring us the most pain in life can also bring us the greatest joy." 

This book is heavy with grief so please prepare yourself if you think you are in a vulnerable position especially after losing a parent specifically a mother. Madeline is so young and is navigating her new normal almost a year after losing her mother to cancer. The way that Schumacher describe Madeline's grief was so believable that you could feel the sadness from the pages.

Her family lived an unconventional life traveling to different renaissance faires while doing online schooling. I thought this aspect was very different and unique for a YA book. 

While there is a romance between Madeline aka Gwen and a young bard, Arthur, the faire new owner's son, I found this book to be more of a discovery of herself and learning to heal.  The theme of fate runs throughout the book, while Arthur is all about fate Madeline is doesn't want to believe due to all the bad stuff that has happened in her life. I'm sorry Madeline but it definitely was fate that you met Arthur because I believe he came at the perfect time for you. Arthur wanted nothing more for Madeline to embrace the fun that life has to offer even on the days that she did not want to do anything. 

"At some point you're going to have to stop assuming the worst about yourself and everyone else around you." 

There were a few moments that I felt so relatable as a teenager and also as an adult especially when it came to trying on clothes.  I wish I could remember all my feelings that I had as a teen. I knew I was different and that I wasn't what was "normal" but looking back I don't think I disliked myself as much as a lot of other fat characters I read about. I wish I could remember more perhaps my old journals would tell a different story. 

One of my favorite moments from the book was the chapter of Madeline going to Arthur's family cookout. We really got to see Madeline shine and work through her insecurities and learning more about Arthur's story. It was just really lovely. 

It was getting a little frustrating when Madeline was so tunneled vision that she knew exactly what Arthur wanted and thought when it was the complete opposite. I had to keep reminding myself that she was a teenager (though I'm certain adults would do the same thing). She had been so used to her routine and bubble that when he came into her atmosphere, she didn't know how to react. 

I really liked that Madeline and her mother seem to have a beautiful relationship and while the relationship likely wasn't perfect there didn't seem to be the added pressure from her to lose weight.

I really liked the incorporation of the positive therapy discourse throughout the book. You could see Madeline's development throughout the book with the help from Dr. Jenkins. And by the end she was able to let go some of the habits that she started when her mom passed and decided to move forward with healing. 

I wish I had this book as a teenager and I think other teenagers will also be thankful for it.