I received an advance review copy from the author through #ReviewPit. This does not affect my rating or opinions.

3.5 stars.

I read this one in about two sittings, because the story flows so smoothly: each development feels natural and keeps the reader engaged. The premise is touching; I love the equal emphasis given to different types of relationships (familial/friend/romantic) as well as more personal/individual concerns, i.e. Emma's survivor's guilt and her grandmother's dementia; all the different components — running, for her mom; applying to Ohio State University, for her brother; working at the animal shelter to save up to visit Greece, for her dad; and general high school stuff — all fit together in a cohesive narrative.

The main thing is just that I felt like I knew exactly where this story was going. With a single exception, there weren't really any moments that surprised or startled me; this isn't necessary to an objectively good narrative, of course, especially since this one does still have moments of tension, but it's something that I personally would've liked to see. That said, this is a nice, comforting read and I'm grateful to have gotten an early copy!