thank you to netgalley and forever for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review :) 

where do i begin?? sw&w is the kind of romance that i want more of... a romance that tackles such heavy topics (tw: familial estrangement due to queer identity) while weaving in a genuine love story and healing from pain and grief. both of these elements share the stage so well that it's a seamless transition from each. 

alexei is so so strong and works through so much grief on his pct journey. his journey with his faith throughout was one i have struggled with a lot and it was handled with such compassion and care. i love him! there needs to be so many other stories like his in every genre. 

ben was also a character that i found myself hurting for, his reasons separate and different than those of alexei. he is like a a warm blanket on a cold night, comforting in all the best ways. 

anita kelly wrote such a beautiful story!!!